Jessica Pegula caught during practice / Called Mirra Andreeva a “diva”

Jessica Pegula, the world No. 5, was caught on TV cameras harshly criticizing Mirra Andreeva, the WTA No. 3, during a practice session at the Indian Wells tournament. The American did not know that the court was being monitored and that her conversations could be heard.

Pegula complained to her coach about the attitude of the 19-year-old Russian, whom she described as a “diva.” The American said she had lost respect for Andreeva, whom she believes needs to learn to handle success better and be “brought back down to earth.”

The American player also criticized Conchita Martinez, Mirra Andreeva’s coach, saying that she was too lenient with her pupil. Pegula argued that a player should not send her coach away or speak disrespectfully to her, even after a good run of games.

The two athletes have not yet met on the tour and can face each other at Indian Wells only in the semifinals, having been drawn in different groups. The exact significance of the moment became public after footage and audio from the practice session were broadcast.