Tennis superstar Aryna Sabalenka was branded ‘horrible’ by a journalist in a shameful hot mic moment.

Sabalenka, 28, was posing and blowing a kiss for the camera in a promotional video during beIN Sports’ coverage of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.

But journalist Matthieu Solier was overheard saying ‘look, look, look, she’s horrible’ in the background, not realising his insult was being broadcast to the masses.

An X user quickly shared the clip and branded it ‘shameful,’ prompting a response from beIN Sports executive Florent Houzot.

‘I regret and strongly condemn the remarks made live on air this evening during the WTA Finals broadcast.

‘These comments do not reflect the values of beIN SPORTS. I reaffirm our commitment to treating all athletes and contributors on our broadcasts with respect.’

Solier is yet to comment.

Sabalenka, the world No 1 with four Grand Slam titles with 5.7 million followers on Instagram who earned around £22.5million in prize money and endorsements in 2025, has not commented either.

The scandal is not a great look for beIN Sports, who have acquired broadcasting rights in France for the ATP Tour for multiple years beginning from 2028.

Sabalenka is into the second round of the WTA Finals after dispatching Karolina Muchova in straight sets.

And this is the second hot mic embarrassment to hit tennis in recent times after Jessica Pegula was caught red-handed gossiping about Andreeva, 19.

The American, a billionaire heiress, was caught calling Andreeva a ‘diva’ who ‘needs to be humbled’ by a microphone that she was unaware of during training ahead of the tournament.

She also said she had ‘lost respect’ for legendary Spanish player Conchita Martínez, who now coaches Andreeva, this year’s French Open champion.

Andreeva has gained a reputation for her fiery temperament – at Wimbledon this year she smashed her rackets, snapped at the umpire and her team, said ‘I quit,’ and left the court in tears after losing to Barbora Krejcikova in the second round.

Pegula, daughter of £8.9billion oil and gas tycoon Terry Pegula, was recorded by a hot mic.

‘Conchita has always been very nice to me, but I’ve lost a little bit of respect for her,’ she began.

‘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.

‘Do it, stand up to her. If I was a coach, and my girl just played four great games, and you’re up 4-0, and you’re mad at me throwing balls at me, first of all, that’s so disrespectful. You’re up 4-0, like shut the f*** up.

‘But she can’t. Conchita pokes her and eggs on her behaviour. She has a perfect serve, she’s smart, she anticipates well.

‘If she had Coco’s mentality, she’s better, serve, everything, all around. Mentally she’s just…’

Pegula also swirled her finger close to her temple, appearing to indicate that she thought Andreeva was crazy.