Angry players responsible for almost half of abuse against tennis players on social media, study finds

Angry players are responsible for almost half of the 12,000 abusive social media posts targeting tennis players this year, according to a new report.

The study, undertaken by the International Tennis Federation, the Women’s Tennis Association, the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the United States Tennis Association, monitored 2.47 million posts across multiple platforms using a tracking system. artificial intelligence (AI) detection.

Fifteen accounts monitored by the Threat Matrix system reportedly exceeded criminal thresholds and were referred to national law enforcement agencies.

“Protecting our players and the tennis family from online abuse is essential for all of us,” the four organizations said in a joint statement.

“That’s why we came together a year ago to establish a proactive monitoring service for our athletes and officials.”

The system, launched earlier this year, monitored all social media posts directed at players and officials during Wimbledon and the US Open for harassment, abuse and threats.

It provides a quick assessment of threats to personal security and alerts social platforms of abuse and fixed threats.

In addition to the 15 accounts reported to law enforcement, the study also found that a smaller number of accounts — 52 in total — were responsible for prolific abuse.

While tennis is popular on betting sites, players are responsible for 48% of abuse, according to the report, while sexist and inappropriate comments are the most frequently reported messages.

The Threat Matrix system works in 39 languages ​​and currently protects nearly 8,000 players, tennis organizations said.

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka said the new tool to highlight abuse was essential.

“No one should have to endure the hatred that so many of us have faced through these platforms,” she said.

“I’m glad we now have the tools to filter content and create a healthier online environment.”

-Reuters