British tennis player Katie Boulter told the BBC she received death threats aimed at her and her family during the French Open, saying in an interview that online abuse had become the norm and she was worried about the impact it would have on young players.
The British number two added that the abuse extended to matches played by her fiancé, Australian Alex de Minaur.
Boulter, 28 and ranked 39th on the WTA, said she believed many abusive messages were being sent by people betting on tennis matches.
Speaking after his own defeat to Queens, de Minaur said he hoped something could be done about the abuse Boulter and many other players receive from players.
Alex de Minaur, who was stunned in Queens overnight, said he hoped something could be done about players who abuse tennis players. (Getty Images: Dan Istitene)
“It’s great for her to step up and shine a light on this topic, which happens to every tennis player. I would say to every athlete,” de Minaur said.
“I hope there’s something that can be done about it. It’s something that’s been going on for a while now. It’s something that a lot of people have spoken out against, but that’s not changing.
“When you lose you don’t feel in the best emotional state, but you also have to deal with everything that’s going on behind the scenes with angry players.
“I haven’t gone on my social media yet, but I’m sure a lot of people won’t be too happy with my result today.
“Every tennis player on the tour receives thousands, millions of messages every time they lose a match or cost someone money by betting on them. So it’s something we’ve gotten used to.
“I would like to see this issue addressed or repaired in some way, but I’m not too sure of the answer.”
The messages threatening Boulter’s loved ones were sent during her French Open first round match against Carole Monnet on May 29.
After losing the first set tie-break, Boulter won the match 6-7 (4), 6-1. 6-1.
But the loss of the tiebreaker sparked outrage.
“I hope you get cancer,” one message said, while another mentioned damaging “his grandmother’s grave if she’s not dead by tomorrow” and “candles and a coffin for your whole family.” A third said: “Go to hell, I lost the money my mother sent me.”
Boulter, who shared screenshots of the messages with the BBC and revealed she was also receiving explicit photos, said she was worried about the harmful consequences of widespread abuse on young players.
“Early on in my career, it was probably something I took very personally… receiving comments about your appearance,” she said.
“It becomes more obvious every time you use your phone.
“I think it’s increasing in number and the level of things people are saying is increasing as well. I don’t think there’s anything improbable now.”
Emma Raducanu, left, was threatened by a fan earlier in the season. (AP Photo: Joanna Chan)
Many other players have already reported abuse online, while Boulter’s fellow Brit Emma Raducanu recently broke down in tears after a man displaying “obsessive behavior” towards her was kicked off the pitch at the Dubai International..
“I think it shows how vulnerable we are,” Boulter said.
“You really don’t know if this person is there. You really don’t know if they’re nearby or if they know where you live or anything like that.”
In an effort to protect athletes from this type of abuse, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the United States Tennis Association launched the Threat Matrix in 2023.
The program monitors public social accounts for abusive and threatening social media content. It also provides player support.
Despite years of reporting online abuse, Boulter said the volume has become overwhelming — and her concern now lies in protecting those who follow her.
“I think at the end of my current situation, I think there are just too many to almost do that,” she said.
“As a tennis player, I just want to see and protect some of the young players who are coming through and try to find a way around this whole situation.“
According to statistics provided to the BBC by data science company Signify, the ITF and the WTA, around 8,000 abusive, violent or threatening messages were sent publicly to 458 tennis players via their social media accounts in 2024.
Boulter, who suffered abuse after both wins and losses, said much of it came from people who bet on his matches.
“When it comes to death threats, it’s just not something you want to read right after an emotional loss,” she said.
“Most of the time you also get it after you win.”
Katie Boulter lost to Madison Keys in the second round of the French Open. (AP Photo: Thibault Camus)
According to Signify, angry players sent 40 percent of all detected abuse, with messages clearly related to betting activities due to the timing or content of the abuse.
The ITF and WTA have released a statement urging the gaming industry to combat gambling abuse.
“Protecting players and the tennis family from vile threats and abuse online is a key priority for us,” a WTA and ITF spokesperson said.
“From escalating law enforcement and platform intervention to banning abusers from our events, perpetrators must understand that they will face consequences for their actions.
“Given the clear evidence highlighted by Threat Matrix on the link between angry gamers and prolific online abuse and threats, we are calling for constructive dialogue with the gaming industry to help resolve this issue.
“Everyone – betting operators, social media platforms, governing bodies, players and law enforcement – has a responsibility to make the online space safer and more positive.”
WTA Players Council member Jessica Pegula said online abuse is “unacceptable”.
“I welcome the work that the WTA and ITF are doing with Threat Matrix to identify and take action against abusers, whose behavior is so often linked to gambling. But that in itself is not enough.
“It’s time for the gaming industry and social media companies to tackle the problem at its source and take action to protect everyone facing these threats.”
Boulter said she was bracing for an increased level of abuse when she plays at Wimbledon, her home grand slam. The grass tournament begins June 30.
AP/ABC
