Female tennis players faced a barrage of more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages on social media in 2025, according to new data from the Signify Group’s threat matrix service.
The threat matrix, powered by artificial intelligence and supported by human analysts, tracked abuse levels similar to those seen in 2024. Major platforms. X. Instagram. YouTube. TikTok, and Facebook, all featured in the data. Online hostility toward women in tennis shows no sign of fading.
Gambling-related abuse and response actions detailed
Gambling-fueled anger drove a large share of the abuse. In 2025, gamblers accounted for 42% of all verified abusive posts and 59% of the most serious cases. The previous year, gambling-related accounts were behind 48% of abusive posts. Here’s how the numbers stack up:
| Year | Total Abusive Posts | % Linked to Gambling (All Abuse) | % Linked to Gambling (Serious Abuse) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ~12,000 | 48% | Not specified |
| 2025 | ~12,000 | 42% | 59% |
Platforms have started to respond. Two-thirds of serious abuse in 2025 was removed. Law enforcement received 35 accounts, linked to 12 individuals, for further investigation.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) player board called the abuse "unacceptable" and pointed to its "significant" impact. While a relatively small number of accounts generate most of the abuse, the consequences for players are anything but minor.
Public outcry has grown. After British number two Katie Boulter revealed she had received death threats, players demanded that social media platforms introduce identity verification. The WTA and World Tennis have both called for coordinated action from the sport, social media companies, law enforcement, and the gambling industry.
Detection is only part of the solution. The AI-based threat matrix service aims to identify and help remove abusive content. The WTA and World Tennis have partnered with the Signify Group to commission these reports, support affected players, and pursue action against offenders.
Two-thirds of serious abuse was removed in 2025, but the report makes clear that more needs to be done. The organisations involved argue that data-driven insight is crucial for understanding the problem and taking real steps to protect players.
A shift is underway. More cases are being escalated beyond platform removal. In 2025, 35 accounts tied to 12 individuals were handed over to law enforcement, a more direct approach than in previous years.
Gambling-driven abuse remains a flashpoint. The Signify Group’s findings echo broader concerns about the impact of betting on player welfare. For a deeper look at recent betting trends and their influence on sports, readers can find a recent analysis of celebrity betting patterns.
The WTA and World Tennis say progress depends on continued collaboration. Both organisations have pledged to keep pushing for tougher measures to shield athletes from online abuse.
