British tennis player Katie Boulter has revealed she received death threats targeting herself and her family during the French Open, telling the BBC that online abuse has become disturbingly routine in the sport. She expressed concern about its impact on younger players entering the game.
Boulter, currently ranked No. 39 in the WTA and Britain’s No. 2, also said the harassment extends to matches involving her fiancé, Australian player Alex de Minaur. She believes much of the abuse comes from individuals betting on tennis.
The threats surfaced during her French Open first-round match on May 29 against Carole Monnet. Although she went on to win 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-1, losing the first-set tie-break triggered a flood of vitriol, including messages like, “Hope you get cancer,” and “Candles and a coffin for your entire family.” One even threatened to vandalize her grandmother’s grave.
Boulter shared screenshots with the BBC, which included threats and explicit images. She said the abuse has escalated over time and worries that younger players may not be equipped to handle it.
“When I started, I took it very personally,” she said. “Now, it’s constant. It increases in volume and severity — nothing seems off-limits anymore.”
Fellow British player Emma Raducanu has also been targeted, including by a fan exhibiting disturbing behavior at the Dubai International earlier this year. Boulter said the abuse has made athletes feel vulnerable, unsure whether the threats are made by individuals nearby or online trolls from afar.
To help combat the problem, the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), USTA, and All England Club launched a program called Threat Matrix in 2023. It monitors public social media for threats and abuse and provides support for affected players.
However, Boulter noted that the sheer number of abusive messages has become overwhelming and that her main focus now is on protecting younger players.
“I just want to help shield the next generation from going through this,” she said.
According to figures shared by data firm Signify and the tennis bodies, over 8,000 abusive or threatening messages were sent publicly to 458 tennis players on social media in 2024. Around 40% were linked to gambling, often arriving immediately after matches.
Boulter said she receives abuse even after victories and described reading death threats after emotionally intense matches as deeply distressing.
In response, the ITF and WTA released a joint statement urging action from the gambling industry, stating that perpetrators should face consequences — including bans from events, law enforcement referrals, and account removal from social platforms.
Jessica Pegula, a WTA Players’ Council member, echoed those concerns, saying the problem must be tackled at its root. “It’s not just about reacting to threats — it’s about preventing them,” she said, calling on both gambling operators and social platforms to step up.
With Wimbledon approaching on June 30, Boulter is preparing herself for another wave of abuse during her home Grand Slam.
