British tennis star Katie Boulter has bravely stepped forward to expose the dark reality of online abuse faced by athletes, revealing that she and her family have received vile messages and death threats—especially after high-profile matches. Her story has reignited urgent calls for action to protect players from the escalating hostility on social media platforms.
The Shocking Scale of Abuse
Boulter, currently ranked No. 39 in the WTA and the British No. 2, opened up about receiving a torrent of hateful messages following her French Open first-round match against Carole Monnet on May 29, 2025. Despite winning the match, she was bombarded with threats and insults, many from disgruntled gamblers who lost money betting on her performance.
Examples of Disturbing Messages
“Hope you get cancer.”
“Candles and a coffin for your entire family.”
Threats to desecrate her grandmother’s grave if “she’s not dead by tomorrow.”
“Go to hell, I lost money my mother sent me.”
Boulter shared screenshots of these messages with the BBC, highlighting just how personal and cruel the abuse can become. She described the experience as “horrible” and admitted, “I just wonder who the person is that has sent that. I don’t think it’s something that I would ever say to my worst enemy. It’s just an awful, awful thing to say to anyone”.
The Role of Sports Betting in Online Harassment
A significant portion of the abuse directed at Boulter and other tennis players comes from individuals who have placed bets on matches. According to a new report by the WTA and ITF, 40% of all online abuse in tennis is attributed to angry gamblers lashing out after losing money.
Key Findings from the WTA/ITF Report
- In 2024, 458 tennis players were targeted by over 8,000 abusive comments and posts.
- Five players received more than a quarter of all the abuse.
- Just 97 accounts were responsible for 23% of all detected abuse.
- 15 cases were so severe they were escalated to law enforcement.
The Emotional Toll on Athletes
Boulter admitted that the constant barrage of abuse has taken an emotional toll, not just on her but on many athletes, especially younger players entering the sport. She explained, “It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone. You really don’t know if this person is on site, if they’re nearby or if they know where you live or anything like that”.
She also expressed concern about the impact of explicit content, noting that young athletes are particularly vulnerable to such harassment. “Youngsters really shouldn’t be seeing things like that or being sent things like that,” Boulter said.
How Boulter and the Tennis Community Are Responding
While Boulter has learned to manage her reactions over time, she remains deeply concerned for the next generation of players. She sometimes responds to abusers in hopes of making them reflect on their actions, but she knows this is not a solution to the wider problem.
The WTA, ITF, and other governing bodies are now calling on betting companies and social media platforms to take stronger action, including:
- Proactively monitoring and removing abusive content.
- Reporting serious threats to law enforcement.
- Supporting affected athletes with mental health resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of abuse has Katie Boulter received online?
Katie Boulter has received death threats, vile insults, and explicit messages, often targeting her and her family, especially after matches.
2. Why do tennis players like Boulter receive online abuse?
A large portion of the abuse comes from angry gamblers who lose money betting on matches and then lash out at players on social media.
3. What actions are tennis organizations taking to address online abuse?
The WTA and ITF have launched monitoring initiatives, referred serious cases to law enforcement, and are urging betting companies and social media platforms to do more to protect players.
4. How does online abuse affect athletes’ mental health?
The constant barrage of threats and insults can lead to anxiety, fear, and emotional distress, particularly for younger or less experienced athletes.
5. What can be done to stop online abuse in sports?
Stronger moderation by social media platforms, accountability for abusers, support from governing bodies, and education for fans and gamblers are all crucial steps.
Conclusion
Katie Boulter’s courageous decision to speak out about the “disgusting” online abuse and threats she has endured shines a harsh light on a growing problem in professional sports. Her experience is a sobering reminder that behind every athlete is a human being deserving of respect and safety. As the tennis world rallies for change, it’s clear that collective action is needed—from sports organizations, betting companies, social media platforms, and fans—to ensure that the next generation of players can compete without fear of harassment.
