The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) issued an apology on November 5, 2026, after a recording was aired in which American player Jessica Pegula referred to Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva as a "diva."
The incident occurred during a recent tournament, though the specific event was not disclosed in the initial reports. The WTA's apology acknowledged the inappropriate nature of the comment captured on the recording.
Pegula, a top-10 player, recently won the Bad Homburg Open title defeating world number one Iga Świątek in the final. Andreeva, 17, has risen rapidly in the rankings with notable performances at Grand Slam events.
Both players are expected to compete in the upcoming WTA Finals. The tour has not announced any disciplinary action beyond the public apology.
