WTA prioritises player safety amid surge in online abuse

The WTA has declared player safety and wellbeing a key priority as it confronts the escalating problem of online abuse targeting its athletes. The commitment comes amid growing concerns about the volume and severity of hostile messages directed at women in professional tennis through social media platforms.

According to a report released in July, women tennis players received more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages across social media channels in 2025 alone. The figures underscore the persistent challenge of online harassment facing female athletes, who often encounter significantly higher levels of abuse compared to their male counterparts.

The WTA's renewed focus on player protection includes efforts to work with social media platforms, tournament organisers, and other stakeholders to create safer online environments. The organisation has indicated it will pursue measures to identify, report, and address abusive content more swiftly.

The initiative reflects broader concerns within professional sports about the mental health and safety of athletes exposed to relentless online harassment. Player welfare advocates have long urged sports bodies and technology companies to take stronger action against coordinated abuse campaigns and threatening behaviour targeting women competitors.