Indian Wells (United States) (AFP) - The director of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), Valerie Camillo, apologized this Friday after an open microphone at the foot of the court captured the American tennis player Jessica Pegula making derogatory comments about her Russian rival, Mirra Andreeva.

First modification: 06/11/2026 - 20:59

Pegula was also heard criticizing Andreeva's coach, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martínez, for not addressing the behavior and mannerisms of her coach, the last Roland Garros champion.

Two days before Sunday's opening matches at the WTA Finals, Camillo attributed the controversy to "several failures" in the "execution of the livestream" related to the organization's "own policies and procedures."

"I want to apologize on behalf of the entire WTA for these events," the leader said at a press conference.

"The WTA is sensitive to player privacy and has policies and procedures in place to balance the need for safe spaces with the opportunity to bring fans closer to the game," he added.

Camillo confirmed that all audio recording equipment has been removed from the training areas since the incident.

"There was a lack of prior notice and clear signage to help the players know the recording equipment that was operating in the area," he said.

The WTA president specified that microphones had been installed on the training courts to capture "ambient sound", such as the noise of balls being hit, and not conversations between players and coaches.

"I especially want to apologize to Jessica Pegula and Mark Knowles," Camillo said of the world number four and her coach.

The WTA Finals begin on Sunday with the top eight singles players divided into two groups of four. The first phase is all against all and then you advance to the knockout rounds.

© 2026 AFP

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