Angry gamblers responsible for nearly half of social media abuse targeting tennis players

LONDON – Angry gamblers were responsible for nearly half of the 12,000 abusive social media posts aimed at tennis players in 2024, according to a report published on Dec 19.

The study, undertaken by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and the United States Tennis Association (USTA), monitored 2.47 million posts across several platforms using an artificial intelligence (AI) detection system.

Fifteen accounts monitored by the Threat Matrix system were said to have breached criminal thresholds and referred to national law enforcement agencies.

“Protecting our players and the wider tennis family from online abuse is critical to us all,” a joint statement from the four organisations said.

“That’s why we came together a year ago to put a proactive monitoring service in place for our athletes and officials.”

The system, launched at the start of 2024, monitored all social media posts to players and officials during Wimbledon and the US Open for harassment, abuse and threats.

It provides rapid threat assessment of personal safety and alerts social platforms of abuse and fixated threats.

As well as the 15 accounts flagged to law enforcement agencies, the study also found that a smaller number of accounts, 52 in total, were responsible for prolific abuse.

With tennis popular on betting sites, gamblers were responsible for 48 per cent of abuse, the report found, while sexist and inappropriate comments were the most commonly flagged posts.

The Threat Matrix system works in 39 languages and currently protects nearly 8,000 players, the tennis organisations added.

Former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka welcomed the new tool in highlighting abuse.

“It was essential for the WTA and these partner organisations to take meaningful steps toward filtering, blocking, and reporting hateful and harmful comments,” said the 35-year-old Belarusian.

“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.”

The report was published a day after World Athletics offered 25 athletes year-round AI protection on their social media platforms after they were targeted by cyber bullies during major recent events.

The athletics body also unveiled findings of a four-year report analysing online abuse in the sport.

The study monitored online activity during the Olympics in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships. REUTERS