Several tennis fans have taken issue with Jessica Pegula for criticizing Mirra Andreeva while using Coco Gauff’s example during a practice session ahead of this year’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells.
Pegula was unaware that her comments were being picked up by a courtside microphone. Subsequently, clips of the World No. 5 American’s criticism of the 19-year-old Russian quickly gained traction online.
In the video, which went viral on social media platforms on Wednesday, Nov. 4, Pegula engaged in a conversation with her coach during a hitting session at a practice court in Indian Wells. The 11-time WTA Tour-level titlist and 2024 US Open runner-up was heard criticizing Andreeva’s mentality. The American also opined that Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez, encourages the youngster’s “diva” behavior on court.
“Conchita’s always been very nice to me, but I lost a little respect for her, because I’m just like, this girl, she’s a nice girl. She’s a diva. She needs to be humbled. Conchita eggs on her behavior.”
The 32-year-old went on to claim that, were Andreeva to adopt Gauff’s mentality, she would become a much better player overall than the former No. 2 and two-time Major singles champion:
“It’s so funny cause if you see her and Coco’s mentality, if she had Coco’s mentality she’s better than her. Serve and everything and moves just as good.”
Numerous tennis fans took notice of what Pegula had to say about Andreeva and Gauff. Many of them took swipes at the American WTA star, with some opining that Pegula is in no position to criticize either the Russian or her compatriot because she herself is yet to win a Grand Slam singles title.
One fan wrote:
“Jessica Pegula should be banned from the WTA. There is no room for this in our sport.”
“Outrageous insight here.”
Jessica Pegula to begin WTA Finals 2026 campaign with clash against Coco Gauff, Mirra Andreeva to face Elina Svitolina
Pegula has been drawn to face Gauff first up at the 2026 WTA Finals in Indian Wells. The Americans are in the same group as World No. 1 Elena Rybakina, the defending WTA Finals champion, and Linda Noskova, who won her maiden Major singles title at Wimbledon this year. Pegula and Gauff’s WTA Tour-level head-to-head stands at 5-5.
Meanwhile, Andreeva is in the other Round Robin group alongside Aryna Sabalenka, Elina Svitolina and Karolina Muchova. The 19-year-old, who conquered Roland Garros this season, will get her campaign underway with a clash against veteran Elina Svitolina of Ukraine. Andreeva and Svitolina’s head-to-head stands at 1-1.
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Esta notícia foi originalmente publicada em: Fonte original