British tennis player Katie Boulter has revealed she received alarming death threats directed at both herself and her family during the French Open. In an interview with the BBC, Boulter expressed concern that online abuse has become a troubling norm, particularly highlighting the potential impact this kind of harassment could have on younger athletes entering the sport.
The British number two, currently ranked 39th in the WTA, disclosed that much of the abuse coincided with matches played by her fiancé, Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur. Boulter believes that many of the harassing messages she receives originate from individuals who are placing bets on tennis matches.
Specifically, the threats towards her family were sent during her first-round match against Carole Monnet on May 29. After narrowly losing the first-set tiebreak, Boulter rallied to win the match 6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-1, but felt the backlash from the betting community that follows such games closely.
In her candid interview, Boulter shared some of the chilling messages she received, revealing a shocking level of vitriol that included threats against her loved ones. She stated, “At the very start of my career, I took things personally… It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone… I think it increases in number and it also increases in the level of things that people say.”
Boulter’s experience reflects a broader issue that has been increasingly discussed in the realm of sports, particularly about the rise of online abuse and its effects on athletes. This sentiment resonates with experiences shared by other athletes, such as Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas, who also faced harassment recently and called for action against such behavior in sports.
The ongoing discussion surrounding this topic offers hope for change, as it highlights the urgent need for greater protections for athletes against harassment and abuse. Communities are beginning to rally around affected athletes, advocating for a safer sports environment where young players can thrive without fear of online bullying.
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