WTA apologizes after broadcasting players’ training-session conversations without warning

WTA apologized on Thursday after acknowledging that it had not informed players and their coaches that microphones on the practice courts at the WTA Finals were active and broadcasting audio live on YouTube from Indian Wells.

The controversy erupted after American Jessica Pegula, the world No. 5, was heard making critical comments about 19-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva and her coach, former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez. Pegula called Andreeva a “diva” and said she had lost respect for Martinez, reproaching her for not criticizing the player’s behavior.

WTA said it accepted full responsibility and that the intention had been for the microphones to capture only ambient sounds. The tour admitted that it had failed to take the necessary measures to protect private conversations and announced that practice sessions would continue to be broadcast, but without sound.

In another session, world No. 1 Elena Rybakina appeared to have an altercation with her coach. The WTA Finals begin on Sunday and bring together the season’s eight best singles players and eight best doubles teams.

The incident has renewed the debate over the limits of broadcasting from behind the scenes at competitions. At the Australian Open, Coco Gauff called for greater privacy after being filmed in an area considered private, while Iga Swiatek compared the treatment of players to the display of animals in a zoo.