Introduction to Online Abuse in Tennis
Coco Gauff, the world No. 2 tennis player, has called on social media companies to do more to tackle online abuse, describing the comments she receives as "rough". The WTA tour, on which women’s tennis operates, released a report that determined the widespread abuse of players online. The report stated that a large part of the abuse came from angry players, with 15 cases so serious that law enforcement was involved.
The Extent of Online Abuse
Data showed that in 2024, around 8,000 "misuse, violent or threatening" comments were sent to 458 players. More than a quarter of the abuse was received by only five players. Gauff said that it was a "given" that players had to deal with online abuse. She described the abuse as "the worst thing you can get", including threats of murder, racist comments, and nudity.
Request for Action
Gauff emphasized that social media companies should play their role in addressing online abuse. She said, "It is something for which we have to continue to be aware. I would love it if some of the social media platforms are involved, not only when it comes to tennis players, but also influencers and other athletes who receive these comments." Gauff believes that social media companies can do more to filter out abusive comments and ban accounts that send them.
The Blurred Lines between Virtual and Physical Abuse
Gauff suggested that the lines between virtual and physical abuse can become blurred. She said, "For me, it is more about forbidding these accounts and banning people with the same telephone number or email from new accounts. You can block them, but they just make a new account. There must be a way to fix this system." Gauff admitted that she had never experienced anything "threatening", but someone had once tried to follow her home.
Recent Incidents and Apologies
A man who was accused of pursuing British tennis player Emma Raducanu was held by the police after buying tickets for Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Gauff announced that she had accepted an apology from Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, after Sabalenka made derogatory comments about Gauff after losing to her in the French Open final. Gauff said, "She wrote me an SMS two or maybe three days ago, she sent a text that apologized. I understand that things can be emotional and things can be said. I definitely appreciate the fact that she has apologized."
