Aryna Sabalenka was ruthlessly branded 'horrible' by journalist Matthieu Solier, who was caught on a hot mic criticizing the tennis star during beIN Sports’ coverage of the WTA Finals

Journalist Matthieu Solier was caught on a hot mic calling Aryna Sabalenka “horrible” during beIN Sports’ live broadcast of the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.

In a promotional clip hyping up her presence at the season-ending championship, Sabalenka — who was hit with a hefty fine for her fiery outburst at the US Open — smiled for the camera before blowing a kiss. Solier could be heard criticizing the 28-year-old in the background, stating: “Look, look, look, she's horrible.”

Taking to social media, droves of viewers slammed Solier’s behavior while calling for him to be fired by beIN Sports. “Is he going to be FIRED OR NOT? It's a shame for female athletes that he is still employed there! No consequences nor apologies from him. Shame on @belNsports_fr,” one X user wrote, with another adding: “I'd never liked the person who said this, commentator Mathieu Solier. He seems insincere in the way he comments. If he could take a little vacation.”

A third chimed in, “Such behavior on the part of the moderator is unacceptable, but it did occur. He must therefore accept the consequences and an appropriate sanction to ensure that it does not happen again.”

Addressing Solier’s comments, beIN Sports executive Florent Houzot condemned his remarks before insisting that the sentiment he expressed didn’t reflect the company’s values.

“I regret and strongly condemn the remarks made live on air this evening during the WTA Finals broadcast,” Houzot wrote.

“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.”

Things swiftly went from bad to worse for Sabalenka, who suffered a 6-4, 6-0 defeat to Mirra Andreeva in their Group 2 round-robin match. Despite falling into a 1-4 hole in the opening set, the 19-year-old roared back by winning 20 of the next 23 points en route to qualifying for the semifinals.

Funny enough, Andreeva also found herself at the center of a hot-mic scandal ahead of the tournament. During a training session, Jessica Pegula was overheard describing the Russian as a “diva” who “needs to be humbled.”

Pegula also took aim at Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez, adding: “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 behavior. 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 concluded while making the cuckoo sign beside her head.