Katie Boulter, the British No. 2 tennis player, has recently brought to light the alarming levels of online abuse she and other players face, particularly those linked to tennis betting. This unsettling trend highlights a darker side of the sport, where disgruntled gamblers resort to sending hateful messages, including death threats, to athletes after losing bets. Boulter's revelations coincide with growing concerns within the tennis world about the impact of online abuse and the increasing prevalence of sports betting.
Boulter revealed that the volume of abuse intensifies around significant tournaments like Wimbledon, describing the situation as "pretty astronomical" leading up to the event. The abuse isn't limited to losses; players also receive hateful messages after wins, depending on how individuals have placed their bets. The nature of the abuse ranges from comments about appearance and performance to severe threats. Reflecting on the situation, Boulter confessed that early in her career, the comments affected her deeply, but she has since learned to distance herself from them. However, she remains concerned about the impact such abuse may have on younger, emerging players.
This issue is not unique to Boulter. French player Caroline Garcia has previously shared examples of abusive messages she received after a loss at the US Open, blaming "unhealthy betting" as a primary cause. Garcia also criticized social media platforms for their inadequate filtering of abuse and questioned the ethics of tournaments partnering with betting companies. Echoing this sentiment, Jessica Pegula described "constant death threats and family threats" as a disturbing norm, advocating for the gambling industry to take responsibility in curbing betting-related abuse.
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) published their first season-wide report on online abuse, detailing the scale of gambling-related threats directed at players. The report highlighted that a significant portion of direct abuse originates from "angry gamblers" seeking to inflict emotional distress on players following lost bets. Between January and December 2024, approximately 48% of abusive messages were traced back to gamblers. The WTA and ITF are now urging the gambling industry to engage in constructive dialogue to address the issue and tackle those responsible for prolific online abuse connected to sports betting.
Gael Monfils took a unique approach, responding to disgruntled bettors with humor and sarcasm after receiving abusive messages following a loss. He questioned the bettors' judgment in betting on him, given his circumstances, and even mocked race-related insults.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to combat online abuse in tennis. Stricter moderation policies on social media platforms, responsible gambling campaigns, and collaborations between tennis governing bodies and the betting industry are crucial steps. Furthermore, raising awareness among players, particularly younger ones, about available support systems and coping mechanisms is essential to mitigate the psychological impact of online abuse. The mental well-being of athletes must be prioritized.
