Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has received an apology after a journalist’s ‘shameful’ remarks about her were accidentally aired through the hot microphone.

The WTA Finals are currently taking place, as Sabalenka recently defeated Karolina Muchova in her first outing. During all the games that have been played so far, there has been plenty of promotional content used, and as one of the biggest stars in women’s tennis, Sabalenka, named the most marketable athlete of 2026, was, of course, the face of plenty of new videos.

However, when one was played by beIN SPORTS, a journalist happened to make an inappropriate comment, one that has led to the broadcaster being forced to acknowledge their mistake.

We now know about the controversy, but what was actually said?

BeIN Sports were providing coverage of the WTA Finals, just as they would do for any other tennis event, though this time viewers in France spotted a comment that ostensibly slipped through.

It came when the promotional package focused on Sabalenka blowing a kiss to the camera. However, during this, journalist Matthieu Solier wasn't shy when giving his thoughts on the world No. 2, who lost her world number one ranking at the US Open. Only this time, he didn't realise that his mic was actually live, and that people at home could hear his rude remarks.

Viewers soon picked up on what he said in the background.

"Look, look, look, she is horrible."

As expected, this didn't sit well with those watching, and they were quick to call out what was said; in the process, demanding action.

Broadcaster Forced to Issue Apology

The video was quickly spread across social media. One viewer in particular labelled the comments “shameful”, while also tagging French broadcasting regulator Arcom and beIN SPORT France’s director of broadcast operations, programming and editorial, Florent Houzot.

Amid the backlash, Houzot was quick to shut down the situation. He gave an apology on behalf of the broadcaster, making it clear that Solier's stance was not shared by them.

He wrote: "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."

Rather ironically, this isn’t the first fiasco this month when someone has been caught saying things they wouldn’t publicly.

In perhaps a worse way, world no.5 Jessica Pegula’s private chat with a colleague was picked up on a stream on YouTube. During this, she was heavily critical of rival Mirra Andreeva, going as far as to saying “she needs to be humble.”

In another coincidence, Andreeva is actually set to face Sabalenka today. No.2 in the world versus No.3, a huge match-up, and one which has only been built up even more after both of them were embroiled in these situations regarding criticism on broadcasts.