WTA apologises for live microphones and removes audio from practice streams

The WTA has apologised after a private conversation involving Jessica Pegula was broadcast from a practice court at Indian Wells without players being told that microphones were active. In a statement provided to Przeglad Sportowy Onet, the organisation accepted responsibility for failing to notify players and their teams about the recording arrangements at the WTA Finals.

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The incident occurred after Pegula practised with Mirra Andreeva and then discussed her fellow player with coach Mark Knowles. The Telegraph reported that the session was being carried on the WTA's YouTube channel, which had been promoted ahead of the tournament. Although noise from a nearby lawnmower obscured portions of the conversation, much of what was said could be heard online.

According to BBC Sport, a representative for Pegula's agent said she had not known that courtside microphones could pick up the conversation or that it would be broadcast publicly. The representative said Pegula had subsequently contacted those involved directly, choosing to address the matter personally rather than through statements in the media.

The WTA's response included an apology for not properly informing players and coaches. Przeglad Sportowy Onet reported that practice broadcasts would continue, but without sound. Its reporting also indicated that the microphones were originally meant to capture tennis activity rather than private conversations. The change therefore removes audio from the streams while allowing viewers to keep watching the practice sessions.

The recording of Pegula's practice has been removed from the WTA's YouTube channel, Onet reported, although copies had already circulated on social media. The outlet also noted that her remarks were not exclusively critical: she praised Andreeva's ability, including her serve and movement. The discussion was a private assessment picked up by the broadcast equipment, not a public interview.

BBC Sport reported that Pegula had previously objected to additional behind-the-scenes filming at January's Australian Open, describing it as an intrusion on privacy. Pegula is also a member of the WTA players' council. The latest incident has now produced both an acknowledgement of the notification failure and a reported change to how practice coverage will be delivered.