Findings reveal that gambling-related abuse constituted 48% of all incidents, with angry bettors emerging as a primary source of harassment.
Key points:
- Over 12,000 abusive comments were reported for action, with 15 cases referred to law enforcement
- Angry gamblers account for nearly half of all abusive online posts targeting tennis players and officials
- The initiative will expand in 2025 to enhance protection against direct messaging abuse
Leading tennis organisations have unveiled the results of a new initiative to protect players and officials from online abuse.
This collaborative effort, established in 2023 and implemented throughout 2024, leverages the Threat Matrix service to protect players, officials and others involved in the sport from abusive and threatening behaviour on social media platforms.
The system monitored over 2.4 million posts across platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok, identifying 12,000 verified abusive comments and reporting them for action.
Alarmingly, nearly half (48%) of these abusive posts were attributed to angry gamblers, often lashing out following unfavourable outcomes.
Sexist and explicit remarks were also prevalent, underscoring the broader challenge of ensuring a safe online space for athletes.
The initiative's reach is large, covering over 8,000 players and officials, including all participants in Wimbledon and the US Open.
Its AI-driven approach, combined with human expertise, identifies and addresses abusive content, supports law enforcement investigations in severe cases and educates players on handling online harassment.
To date, 15 prolific abusers have been referred to law enforcement, with several others suspended from platforms following investigation.
Former WTA World No.1 Victoria Azarenka welcomed these efforts, stating: "Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, and with that, it was essential for the WTA and these partner organisations to take meaningful steps toward filtering, blocking and reporting hateful and harmful comments.
“No one should have to endure the hate that so many of us have faced through these platforms. I am pleased that we now have the tools to help filter content and create a healthier online environment.”
Jonathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group, the company behind Threat Matrix, added: “The tennis authorities have shown great leadership to drive such a comprehensive, season-long approach to protect their players and the wider tennis family from online abuse and threat.
“We are extremely pleased to have helped close down a considerable number of prolific abusive accounts and identified clear drivers for abuse, including a large number of angry gamblers.
“In 2025, we look forward to expanding the service by offering players enhanced protection from direct messaging abuse whilst also feeding the data we’ve gathered on trends and tactics into the tennis tour’s education programs.”
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