WTA takes 'full responsibility' after Pegula calling Andreeva 'diva' aired

World number five Jessica Pegula described Mirra Andreeva as "a diva" on a live stream after a practice session with the Russian teenager.

In a private conversation with her coach Mark Knowles, American Pegula could be heard saying that French Open champion Andreeva "needs to be humbled" and that her coach Conchita Martinez encourages her behaviour.

The session at Indian Wells, California, was live streamed by the Women's Tennis Association before the WTA Tour Finals start on Sunday.

Pegula and Knowles remained on court after the session. The comments, which included some expletives from 32-year-old Pegula, were picked up by a courtside microphone.

YouTube streams of practice sessions at Indian Wells have since been removed by the WTA, but footage has been shared on social media.

Pegula, who is a member of the WTA players' council, also praised Andreeva, saying the world number three is "wonderful" and "smart".

The season-ending WTA Finals, being held at Indian Wells for the first time, run until 15 November.

Pegula's representative and the WTA have been approached for comment.

In a separate incident, world number one Elena Rybakina appeared to have an angry exchange with her coach before a practice session with Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova.

Some of the audio is unclear, but Pegula can be heard describing how Andreeva and Martinez complained throughout the session, even though Andreeva won every game.

Knowles: "She treats Conchita so bad."

Pegula: "Conchita's always been very nice to me, but I've lost a little respect for her because I'm like, this girl - I think she's a nice girl - she's just a diva. She needs to be humbled. She needs to be [inaudible] putting her in her place; [inaudible] stand up to her."

Spaniard Martinez, the 1994 Wimbledon champion, began working with Andreeva in April 2024. Andreeva reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year and claimed her first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros in June.

Pegula: "Conchita pokes her and eggs on her behaviour."

Knowles: "She needs somebody to put her in her place. Once she gets that, I think she'll be really good. I mean, she's already really good. Look how she moves."

Pegula: "She moves like a cat. She's wonderful. She's got the perfect serve. She's smart. She anticipates well."

Pegula, who has not won a Grand Slam, then compared Andreeva to world number four Coco Gauff. The American was also 19 when she won her first Grand Slam. Now 22, she has won two majors.

Pegula: "It's so funny how you see her and then you see Coco's mentality. If she had Coco's mentality, she'd be better than her."

Knowles: "Oh, definitely."

Pegula: "The serve, everything, all-around, and she moves just as good. But like mentally, she's..."

Pegula and Andreeva are in different groups at the WTA Finals but could meet in the semi-finals or final.