beIN SPORTS issued an official apology after a network journalist was caught on a live open microphone calling tennis star Aryna Sabalenka’s flying kiss “terrible” during a WTA Finals broadcast.
- Player Sentiment & Performance: Sabalenka shrugged off the media gaffe to secure a 2-0 win over Karolína Muchová at Indian Wells, keeping her elite betting and tournament futures resilient.
The incident occurred while beIN SPORTS was broadcasting the WTA Finals to French viewers, according to reporting by The Sun. As a promotional video played on screen, world number two Aryna Sabalenka appeared in a close-up shot and blew a kiss toward the camera lens.
Network journalist Mathieu Solières, unaware that his microphone remained active, reacted to the visual by stating on air, Look, look, look. It’s terrible.
The unscripted remark was transmitted live to viewers.
A viewer recorded the segment and shared it on social media, describing the remark as disgraceful while tagging France’s broadcast regulator Arcom and Florent Houzot, beIN SPORTS France’s director of editorial, publishing, and broadcasts. Houzot issued a swift public rebuke on behalf of the network.
Houzot stated, I regret and strongly condemn the remarks delivered live this evening during our broadcast of the WTA Finals.
He added, These remarks do not reflect the values of beIN SPORTS. We reiterate our commitment to respecting and treating all players and personnel appearing on our broadcasts with dignity.
According to Money Today, the controversy unfolded just one day after beIN SPORTS announced a multi-year agreement to broadcast the ATP Tour in France, placing sudden reputational pressure on the network’s tennis coverage expansion.
| Event Details | Sourced Information |
|---|---|
| Player Affected | Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 2) |
| Broadcaster | beIN SPORTS France |
| Journalist Involved | Mathieu Solières |
| Network Official | Florent Houzot (Editorial Director) |
Solières has not issued a personal statement addressing the broadcast incident. Meanwhile, the controversy follows a similar audio lapse earlier in the tournament involving Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva, showing that tennis broadcasts continue to have audio monitoring issues.
Sabalenka advanced past Karolína Muchová in straight sets at Indian Wells despite the off-court distraction. She prepares to face world number three Mirra Andreeva in their upcoming Wednesday match.
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