Online Abuse Against Tennis Players Exposed by New Report
A recent report sheds light on a troubling increase in online abuse aimed at tennis players. According to Threat Matrix, an AI-powered service, around 50% of the 12,000 abusive posts identified in 2024 were linked to frustrated gamblers.
The Role of Threat Matrix in Monitoring Abuse
Threat Matrix, launched in late 2023 by leading tennis organizations including the ITF, WTA, AELTC, and USTA, analyzes social media posts across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.
Over 2.4 million posts were reviewed between January and October 2024. The system supports 39 languages and tracks over 7,700 players from ITF and WTA tournaments, as well as major events such as Wimbledon and the US Open.
The AI service helps detect and respond to abusive content swiftly, providing critical support for players and officials, including chair umpires, who face intense online hostility.
Efforts to Protect Players
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka, a WTA Players’ Council member, underscored the initiative’s importance:
“It was essential for the WTA and these partner organizations 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,” Azarenka stated.
Threat Matrix has effectively removed harmful posts and identified violators. The system flagged 15 accounts that exceeded criminal thresholds, referring them to law enforcement for further action.
Johnathan Hirshler, CEO of Signify Group, the company behind Threat Matrix, expressed pride in the progress made:
“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.”
