American tennis star Jessica Pegula has come under scrutiny after being recorded making critical remarks about teenage rival Mirra Andreeva during a training session ahead of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
The 32-year-old was unaware that a microphone was capturing her conversation when she described the 19-year-old French Open champion as a “diva” who needed to be humbled.
Pegula also expressed disappointment with Andreeva’s coach, former Spanish tennis star Conchita Martínez, saying she had lost some respect for her over the way she handled the teenager’s behaviour.
“Conchita has always been very nice to me, but I’ve lost a little bit of respect for her,” Pegula said.
American Star Accuses Teenager of Disrespectful Behaviour
Continuing her comments, Pegula criticised Andreeva’s conduct towards her coaching team, particularly when things were going well during matches.
“I think she’s a nice girl, she’s just a diva. She needs to be humbled. You have to put her in her place,” she said.
Pegula described a situation in which Andreeva became frustrated with her coach despite having a commanding lead in a match.
She questioned why Martínez would tolerate such behaviour, arguing that the teenager should be challenged when she directs her frustrations towards members of her team.
Pegula also suggested that Martínez sometimes encourages Andreeva’s reactions rather than addressing them.
Despite her criticism, the American acknowledged the teenager’s tennis ability, highlighting her strong serve, intelligence and anticipation on court.
She went on to compare Andreeva’s abilities with those of American player Coco Gauff, suggesting that the Russian could be even better if she developed a stronger mentality.
During the conversation, Pegula also made a gesture with her finger near her temple while discussing Andreeva’s temperament.
Andreeva’s Previous Outbursts on Court
Andreeva has attracted attention for several emotional incidents during tournaments, including confrontations with officials, her team and spectators.
One of the most notable incidents occurred at Wimbledon this year, when she smashed her rackets and became visibly frustrated during her second-round defeat to Barbora Krejcikova.
The teenager also snapped at the umpire and members of her team before declaring “I quit” and leaving the court in tears.
Her behaviour has also attracted attention at previous tournaments.
During last year’s French Open, Andreeva struggled in her defeat against world No. 361 Lois Boisson. She hit a ball into the crowd, prompting boos from spectators and a warning.
In March this year, she again lost her temper at Indian Wells after being defeated by Katerina Siniakova.
She threw and smashed her racket before exchanging heated words with people in the crowd.
Andreeva has previously acknowledged that her reactions are not always appropriate but suggested that expressing frustration can sometimes help her performance.
“I feel like it’s not the best way to handle yourself, but once in a while it really helps to get mad at yourself and get it done,” she said.
Russian Teenager Looks to Serena Williams for Inspiration
Andreeva has also spoken about wanting to improve the way she handles disappointing results.
She identified 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams as an example of a player who managed defeats with composure.
“I think the one person that was handling losses very well was Serena Williams, like I’ve never heard or seen her upset,” Andreeva said.
She recalled watching Williams lose Grand Slam finals while still smiling and showing happiness for her opponents.
Andreeva said she hoped to learn from the American’s approach and develop a better response to difficult moments in her own career.
Pegula and Andreeva Yet to Meet in Competitive Action
Despite the criticism, Pegula and Andreeva have not yet faced each other in a competitive match.
However, a meeting remains possible at the WTA Finals tournament.
Andreeva has already secured a major career achievement by winning the French Open this year, while Pegula continues to pursue her first Grand Slam singles title.
The American’s best result at a major tournament came at the 2024 US Open, where she reached the final.
Billionaire Family Background Puts Pegula Under Scrutiny
Pegula’s comments have also attracted attention because of her family’s considerable wealth.
She is the daughter of American billionaire Terry Pegula, whose fortune was built largely through the oil and gas industry.
Her father founded East Resources in 1983 using a $7,500 loan to establish an oil and gas exploration business.
He later sold most of the company’s assets in 2010 for nearly $5 billion.
Terry and his wife, Kim Pegula, subsequently expanded their investments into professional sports.
The family owns the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres and purchased the NFL’s Buffalo Bills in 2014 for $1.4 billion.
Their bid defeated competing groups associated with Donald Trump and musician Jon Bon Jovi.
Pegula has previously addressed assumptions about her upbringing and the privileges associated with her family’s fortune.
Speaking to Daily Mail Sport, she said people often assumed she had always enjoyed luxuries such as private flights and personal chauffeurs.
She maintained that she had a relatively normal childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and spent her early years taking tennis lessons after school.
“My goal since I was six or seven was to be No 1 in the world,” she said.
Pegula also explained that much of her family’s wealth came later, when she was already older and pursuing her professional tennis career.
Despite her achievements on the court, questions have continued about whether she can secure a Grand Slam title.
She has previously faced suggestions that she needs a competitive breakthrough that money and family connections cannot provide.
