During a recent practice session at Indian Wells, American tennis player Jessica Pegula was overheard on a hot mic criticizing her opponent, Mirra Andreeva. Pegula, the daughter of billionaire Bills owner Terry Pegula, called the young Russian player a "diva" who "needs to be humbled."
Pegula also voiced her disappointment with Andreeva's coach, Conchita Martínez, stating that she lost respect for the former Spanish professional for encouraging Andreeva's behavior. "Conchita’s always been very nice to me, but I lost a little respect for her because I’m just like this girl. I think she’s a nice girl but she’s a diva. She needs to be humbled," Pegula said in a video circulating online.
Pegula elaborated on her frustrations, describing Andreeva's actions as disrespectful. "… If I was a coach and my girl, you just played four great games and you’re up 4-0 and you’re mad at me, hitting balls at me … first of all, that’s disrespectful to the other person … like, shut the f–k up."
She further commented that Martínez "pokes her and eggs on her behavior." Pegula suggested that Andreeva, who won the French Open last year, could surpass American player Coco Gauff if she adopted Gauff's mentality. "It’s so funny how you see her and you see Coco’s mentality — like if she has Coco’s mentality, she’s better than Coco … the serve, everything, all around and moves just as good, but mentally, she’s just…" Pegula stated.
Andreeva has not yet publicly responded to Pegula's comments. Pegula is scheduled to play against Gauff at the WTA Finals on Sunday.