The rise of online abuse in various sports continues to raise alarms, and the world of tennis is no exception. A new report released by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has brought to light some shocking statistics regarding abusive comments directed at female players on social media platforms. More than 8,000 posts and comments, flagged as abusive, violent, or threatening, were identified as coming from over 4,200 different accounts throughout the tennis season.
British player Katie Boulter shared her harrowing experiences with online threats, saying, “It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone. I think it increases in number and it also increases in the level of things that people say. I don’t think there’s anything off the cards now.” How alarming is it that players are facing this kind of hostility simply for competing in their sport?
This startling revelation comes from a partnership with the Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service, which has been operational since January 2024. The service aims to safeguard players and their families from targeted online attacks, indicating a growing recognition of the need for protective measures in the digital age. According to the report, a whopping 1.6 million posts and comments were assessed via Threat Matrix AI, and analysts confirmed around 8,000 of those were abusive.
Among the alarming data, it was found that 458 players did not escape the brunt of this online hostility, with five players alone accounting for 26 percent of the total detected abuse. Just imagine, 97 of those accounts were responsible for a staggering 23 percent of all the malicious comments. It’s a grim situation where prolific abusers continue to operate, undeterred by the potential fallout.
In response to these findings, WTA and ITF have issued a joint call for a constructive conversation with the gambling sector to address the troubling individual behaviors often seen in the context of sports betting. The report suggests that angry gamblers were responsible for a massive 40 percent of all detected abuse throughout the year.
Shockingly, a small number of accounts—just 10 in total—were linked to approximately 12 percent of all abusive posts, most of which were initiated by disgruntled bettors. In a move toward accountability, nine of these accounts have already faced suspensions, with posts either deleted or removed by social media platforms themselves.
Furthermore, the report mentions that 15 particularly egregious cases of abusive behavior have been escalated to law enforcement. These include high-stakes incidents connected to Grand Slam tournaments and the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. Three of these troubling cases were even submitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The report underscores the importance of ensuring that abusers are held accountable, which is a crucial step in protecting players not only from online harassment but also from potential threats at tournaments.
Additionally, security measures have been put in place to prevent these toxic individuals from accessing tournament venues. Both Tours and Grand Slams have taken sweeping action, banishing those who pose a threat to athletes’ safety. This includes looking out for threats made against male and female players alike during major events.
Today’s revealing report showcases the widespread nature of this issue while simultaneously highlighting the proactive efforts being undertaken to safeguard athletes. It is clear that from interactions with law enforcement to interventions from social media platforms, steps are being taken to make online environments more secure for players.
Moreover, Jessica Pegula, an American tennis player and member of the WTA Players’ Council, commented on the urgency of this issue. She stated that online abuse should be intolerable and that no player should have to deal with such behavior. Pegula praised the measures taken by WTA and ITF but emphasized that it is only a start. There must be a collaborative effort from both the gambling industry and social media platforms to combat this issue at its roots.
The tennis community is calling for immediate action and comprehensive strategies to eliminate online abuse. It is crucial for social media companies and gambling organizations to take responsibility and implement strong policies that will protect not just players, but everyone who uses their platforms. The players deserve an environment where they can compete without the threat of bullying or harassment, allowing them to focus on their performance rather than the toxic chatter that comes with it.
The battle against online abuse in sports is far from over. With the efforts being put into place by the WTA and ITF, coupled with contributions from fans and stakeholders, a more respectful digital space can potentially emerge for tennis players and athletes across the board.