Iga Swiatek, the five-time Grand Slam champion, has called on tennis’s governing bodies to provide more comprehensive tools to help players combat online abuse. Swiatek’s comments follow recent statements from French player Caroline Garcia, who revealed she was targeted with online harassment after her first-round loss at the US Open. Garcia attributed the abuse partially to “unhealthy betting” practices, highlighting a growing concern among players about the impact of online negativity.
In response to these issues, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) launched the Threat Matrix in December. This service employs artificial intelligence and open-source data to monitor and protect players from online threats. The French Open has also introduced AI-powered software to block online harassment and hate speech, offering a promising solution for players facing digital abuse.
Swiatek, speaking after her victory over Ena Shibahara, emphasized the need for further measures to safeguard players in the online realm. She remarked, “It would be nice if we can do more as Garcia did and try to educate people. Also maybe in the future, have some solutions such as using AI to make it safer for us.” Swiatek highlighted the challenge of navigating the internet safely, noting that players must be cautious about what they read and who they follow. She acknowledged the usefulness of tools provided by the French Open, such as apps designed to block hateful messages, and expressed hope for the development of additional resources.
World number six Jessica Pegula shared her experience with online abuse, noting that despite her efforts to avoid negative comments, she still encountered harassment through her skincare brand’s social media account. Pegula described how her social media manager was alarmed by the severity of the abuse, including death threats, which she had become somewhat desensitized to. “There was this girl that does my social media for my company Ready 24, and she said ‘you know, you’re getting a lot of really bad messages’,” Pegula explained. “I laughed because it’s so normal for me. I’m like, ‘Oh, no, don’t worry, it’s nothing.’ She was gravely concerned that I was getting death threats… It’s not normal, but it’s totally normal for us.”
Men’s world number one Jannik Sinner, who has faced intense scrutiny related to a doping case from which he was ultimately cleared, also addressed the issue of online abuse. Sinner admitted that while he tries to avoid social media, he is aware of the negative messages directed at him. “I’m not so much on socials, especially in the last period. I try to not look. I know that there are some negative messages, but it’s something you have to be careful about,” Sinner said. He advised younger players to rely on their close friends and family for support, emphasizing the importance of having a solid support network.
Russian player Karen Khachanov, who was defeated by Britain’s Dan Evans earlier this week, echoed the call for respect and kindness in the online space. In a post on Instagram, Khachanov urged fans to avoid kicking someone when they are down and to foster a more supportive environment. “I will be grateful for all the support that I get,” he wrote. “Let’s be kind to one another. Less hate and more love and the world will become a better place.”
The tennis community’s call for more effective measures against online abuse underscores the need for continued efforts to protect athletes from digital harassment. As online platforms and social media become increasingly integral to public life, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for players remains a crucial priority.
