By Islam El-Sakka
British tennis player Jodie Burrage says she does not fear for her safety despite receiving death threats and abusive messages online after a recent loss, because such harassment has become routine for professional players.
After losing her first WTA Tour singles match in 16 months to Indian wildcard Vaishnavi Adkar in Chennai, Burrage checked her phone to find messages promising punishment and threatening her life. She told BBC Sport that she tries not to read the comments, but acknowledges the toll it takes.
Abuse Linked to Gambling
Burrage highlighted that abuse occurs after every match, win or lose, and pointed to gambling as a major driver. The WTA and World Tennis report based on Signify Group's Threat Matrix service found that "angry gamblers" accounted for 42% of verified abuse during the 2025 season. This has raised concerns about tournament sponsorship deals with betting firms.
Call for Accountability
The 27-year-old Briton urged social media platforms to do more, suggesting that requiring ID verification for Instagram accounts would increase accountability and limit harmful content. She also shared screenshots of the abuse on Instagram to raise awareness.
Support Systems in Place
All WTA players have access to Threat Matrix, which monitors social media for threats and can alert platforms and law enforcement. Names can be shared with gaming companies to ban offenders. However, Burrage noted the system is not foolproof.
Focus on 2027 Season
Despite the abuse and a recent injury layoff that saw her ranking drop to 888, Burrage has climbed back to 474. She said she is building a strong team around her and remains focused on a successful 2027 season, refusing to let the harassment derail her career.
