WTA players received over 12,000 abusive social media posts in 2025 as gamblers fuel majority of serious cases
WTAThursday, 16 July 2026 at 18:30
Female tennis players were targeted by more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages on social media during 2025, according to a new report highlighting the continued scale of online abuse in the sport.
The data, published by the Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service and reported by the BBC, showed that the number of abusive posts remained at a similar level to 2024, despite increased efforts from tennis organizations and social media platforms to identify and remove harmful content.
The report also showed some progress in tackling the problem, with 66% of serious abuse detected during the year removed from platforms. In addition, 35 accounts connected to 12 individuals were escalated to law enforcement due to the severity of the content.
The findings come after several WTA players have spoken publicly about their experiences with online abuse, including incidents involving threats, harassment and criticism amplified by betting-related frustration.
Gambling-related abuse remains one of the biggest issues facing players
According to the report, angry gamblers continued to represent a significant source of online abuse directed at female tennis players. In 2025, gambling-related accounts were responsible for 42% of verified abusive posts, while they accounted for 59% of cases classified as serious abuse.
Players such as Aryna Sabalenka, Daria Kasatkina and Coco Gauff have previously addressed the impact of abusive messages, while Eva Lys recently highlighted the issue during her Bad Homburg campaign by responding ironically to a fan’s comments on social media.
Eva Lys during press conference at Billie Jean King Cup
The numbers represent a slight improvement compared to the previous year, when gamblers were linked to 48% of all abusive posts identified as harmful.
The WTA Player Board described the situation as “unacceptable” and emphasized that even though the abuse comes from a relatively small number of accounts, the consequences for players can be significant.
“While it comes from a relatively small number of accounts, its impact can be significant,” the WTA Player Board said in a statement. “It’s reassuring to know the WTA and World Tennis are taking this seriously, supporting players and making it clear that this kind of behaviour isn’t acceptable.”
The organization also highlighted the importance of cooperation between governing bodies, social media companies, law enforcement agencies and the gambling industry to continue reducing abuse across the sport.
The Threat Matrix service uses artificial intelligence-based detection combined with human analysts to monitor content across platforms including X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.
The WTA and World Tennis stated that continued collaboration will be necessary to make further progress in protecting players from online harassment. “Insight from this report is crucial to helping us broaden our knowledge of the issue and take decisive action to protect victims of vile online abuse by punishing those responsible,” the organizations said.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- Well done to the author of this article!! A meltdown is what Coco experienced at the US Open the year she was chirping at her box, very near to tears, double faults were in great supply and she simply could not get a handle on that match. THAT AP is a meltdown!!Rapunzel12-07-2026
- This sensible approach helped Muchova... and look where she will find herself tomorrow (Wimbledon Final). Iga's wise to escape... especially to Nature and so. The wilderness (forests, lakes, mountains) has been my "Church" and escape from The Noise since I was a kid. She'll do well in the end.
mandoist10-07-2026 - "Like if it was hotter, I probably would have won, I'm not gonna lie." Geezus...mandoist08-07-2026
- This one has totally lost the plot. She is about to cross the racism line in her hatred for Russian people. NEWSFLASH DARLING -- Russian majority of citizens (and your ex-Colleagues whom you shamed) are not who you should be aiming at. Grow up.mandoist08-07-2026
- Why do all these "experts" feel the need to publicly "tell players" what they need to do, or what they're doing wrong?? How about this -- if you're so concerned with a player's situation actually take the time to contact the team in question and talk directly to them. Yapping in public media is rarely, if ever, helpful.mandoist07-07-2026
- Gee... preferential treatment all the way to the end? STOP IT WTA & WIMPLEDON !!! This entire WILLIAMS CHARADE is 100% unfair to young upcoming players who legitimately earned a shot at a Wildcard. The whole scenario with these freebies to The Williams' is pathetic and barely within the rules (which have been bent like a pretzel to accomodate them). The lamest excuse this time is "...she is a top draw". How does that apply to Wimbledon which is sold-out in advance? Stop enabling this abhorrent "Look at me" behavior. If they want to make believe they can compete -- LET THEM PLAY QUAILIFIERS LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.mandoist06-07-2026
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- Real fans of the sport, that's who.mandoist06-07-2026
- I agree with Reilly, who cares about doubles reallySakkariFan2305-07-2026
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