British tennis player Katie Boulter has revealed that she and her family have been targeted with vile, harassing messages—including death threats—in the aftermath of her recent French Open matches. The world No. 39 and Britain’s No. 2 received horrifying texts during her second-round contest at Roland Garros, intensifying a wider debate about online abuse and gambling-related toxicity in tennis.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Boulter shared specific examples of the threats she received, such as “Hope you get cancer,” “Candles and a coffin for your entire family,” and a chilling promise to desecrate her grandmother’s grave “if she’s not dead by tomorrow.” Another message threatened bodily harm, stating: “Go to hell, I lost money my mother sent me”.
She described these attacks as deeply unsettling, especially because they came after she dropped a first-set tiebreak—a seemingly minor moment that some on online betting platforms interpreted as a chance to lash out when their wagers didn’t go as planned .
Layered Abuse: Gambling, Gender, Family
Tennis authorities—the WTA and ITF—are sounding the alarm. Recent data analyzed through Threat Matrix AI revealed that 40% of abusive online messages directed at players are tied to gambling losses. In the past year alone, the organizations tracked 1.6 million posts, finding that 458 players were directly abused and that 15 accounts were referred to law enforcement .
Boulter emphasized her concern that this isn’t just harassment, but a dangerous climate of aggression geared toward betting outcomes. She expressed fear not just for herself, but for her family’s safety and the psychological impact on younger players entering the circuit.
“It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone,” she remarked, adding that the scale and intensity of the abuse have grown over time.
Psychological Toll: From Harassment to Fear
The WTA No. 2 described how even routine online interactions have become fraught with negativity and dread. The threats—especially those involving cancer or violence toward loved ones—introduced a new level of anxiety.
Boulter admitted she worries about the anonymity and proximity of the harassers: she doesn’t know “if this person is on site… knows where you live or anything like that,” making every notification feel like a potential threat .
For many players, the fear extends beyond career setbacks—these threats undermine mental health, safety, and well-being.
Broader Context: Physical Stalking and Historical Cases
Online vitriol is just one facet of a broader pattern of abuse female tennis players endure. Boulter previously recounted incidents of stalking and in-person threats:
- During the Nottingham Open, a fan threatened, “I’m going to hurt you if you come out,” prompting immediate WTA intervention and security action.
- Another incident involved being followed by car in London while with fiancé Alex de Minaur.
Similar threats have been made recently against other players like Emma Raducanu, who obtained a restraining order after being stalked .
Tennis Authorities Respond: Calls for Action
In reaction to this surge in abuse, both the WTA and ITF have intensified efforts through AI monitoring and collaboration with law enforcement .
Jessica Pegula, a member of the WTA Players’ Council, emphasized the need for broader systemic change. She stated:
“It’s time for the gambling industry and social media companies to tackle the problem at its source and act to protect everyone facing these threats”.
What’s Next: Wimbledon and Beyond
With Wimbledon looming, Boulter warned that the volume and severity of online abuse are only likely to escalate. She expressed concern for younger players who may find themselves unprepared for such hostility.
Moving forward, she stressed the importance of raising awareness and encouraging tennis organizations to protect athletes at all levels—not just through technical systems, but with psychological and security support.
Final Thoughts: A Crisis Under the Radar
Katie Boulter’s revelations have drawn attention to a chilling side of modern sport—where performance is dramatically overshadowed by personal attacks rooted in gambling and hate. As tennis authorities take steps to monitor and respond, there’s consensus on one point: no athlete should have to brace for threats simply for doing their job.
With Wimbledon approaching, Boulter’s advocacy may mark a turning point—forcing fans, platforms, and betting firms to accept responsibility. Without these changes, her message is clear: the cost of silence is too high.
