WTA accepts responsibility over broadcast of Pegula’s private comments

The story

The WTA has accepted responsibility after a practice-court microphone broadcast private comments Jessica Pegula made to her coach.

BBC Sport reports that Pegula was unaware the conversation could be heard publicly during a streamed practice session at Indian Wells. Her remarks concerned fellow player Mirra Andreeva.

Practice-court privacy questioned

The WTA said players had not been told microphones were operating. Streams of the session were subsequently removed, although clips had already circulated on social media.

A representative for Pegula’s agent said the American had contacted the people involved directly. The incident raises a practical issue for event coverage: players need clear information about when practice sessions are being recorded and which conversations may be broadcast.