A new report reveals persistent online harassment against women in tennis, with angry gamblers fueling a significant portion of the attacks.
Female tennis players faced a staggering volume of online abuse last year, with more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages directed at them across various social media platforms. This alarming figure for 2025 highlights a persistent issue, mirroring the number of attacks reported in 2024.
The data comes from the Signify Group's threat matrix service, an advanced system that employs artificial intelligence-led detection to monitor online content. Despite some positive developments in tackling this problem, the sheer scale of the abuse remains a serious concern for the sport.
While the volume of abuse is troubling, the report did highlight encouraging progress in combating the most severe forms of harassment. However, the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) player board has firmly stated that such abuse is “unacceptable” and its repercussions on athletes can be “significant,” according to reporting by BBC Sport - Tennis.
The Scale of Online Harassment Against Tennis Stars
The 12,000 abusive posts directed at female tennis players in 2025 underscore the relentless nature of online harassment. These attacks often take a heavy toll on the individuals involved, impacting their mental well-being and overall experience in professional sports. The good news is that active measures are proving effective in mitigating some of the most harmful content.
According to the Signify Group's report, 66% of the most serious abuse was successfully removed from social media platforms. Furthermore, investigations led to 35 accounts, linked to 12 distinct individuals, being escalated to law enforcement authorities. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Gambling's Role in Fueling Abuse Against Female Players
A significant portion of the online abuse targeting female tennis players stems from disgruntled gamblers. In 2024, angry gamblers were identified as the source behind 48% of posts deemed abusive. This trend continued into 2025, where they were responsible for 42% of all verified abuse and a disturbing 59% of the most severe harassment cases.
This connection between sports betting and online abuse highlights a critical area for intervention. The intense emotions and financial stakes involved in gambling can sometimes lead to toxic behavior directed at athletes, particularly when match outcomes don't favor bettors.
Calls for Action and Player Protection Measures
The issue of online harassment has deeply affected players, with Britain’s Katie Boulter revealing in 2025 that she had received death threats. Following her experience, fellow players have called for identity verification to be introduced by social media platforms, arguing that increased accountability could deter anonymous aggressors.
The WTA and World Tennis are committed to addressing this challenge. Their statement emphasized that the insights from the report are crucial for broadening understanding of the issue and taking decisive action to protect victims. They also acknowledged the value of collaborative efforts across the sport and with partners to identify abusive behavior, support players, and take meaningful action against those responsible.
Forging a Path Forward Against Online Threats
To tackle the pervasive nature of online abuse, the WTA and World Tennis believe that "collective action" is essential for making "significant progress." The threat matrix service, which combines AI detection with human analysts, already monitors major platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.
The effectiveness of advanced technology is also evident in the men's game, where a similar AI-driven system successfully blocked 162,000 abusive posts within a single year. This success provides a blueprint for what can be achieved through technological intervention and highlights the potential for widespread implementation to protect all athletes.
The governing bodies continue to proactively advocate for collective action from social media companies, law enforcement agencies, various governing bodies, and the gambling industry. This unified front is seen as the most effective way to protect athletes and foster a safer online environment for everyone involved in professional tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many abusive posts did female tennis players face in 2025?
Female tennis players were subjected to more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages on social media in 2025, a figure similar to the previous year, according to a report by the Signify Group.
What role do gamblers play in online abuse against female tennis players?
Angry gamblers are a significant source of online abuse. They were behind 42% of verified abuse and 59% of serious abuse cases targeting female tennis players in 2025.
What actions are being taken to combat abuse in women's tennis?
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and World Tennis are working collaboratively to identify abusive behavior. In 2025, 66% of serious abuse was removed, and 35 accounts linked to 12 individuals were escalated to law enforcement.
What is ID verification and why are tennis players calling for it?
Identity verification involves requiring social media users to confirm their real-world identity. Tennis players are calling for its introduction on platforms to increase accountability and deter anonymous online abusers, following incidents like death threats received by Katie Boulter.