Panna Udvardy Threats: WTA Response Under Scrutiny After Tennis Star Receives Violent Messages
Tennis player Panna Udvardy, ranked No. 95 in the world, has publicly criticized the WTA Tour’s handling of violent threats sent to her personal phone. This incident marks the second time in the past week a WTA Tour player has come forward with similar concerns, prompting questions about player safety and data security.
The Threatening Messages
Udvardy, 27, received a disturbing message from a UK-based phone number demanding she lose a match in Antalya, Turkey. The message escalated into a direct threat to kidnap her mother, accompanied by photos of her family, a handgun, and a chilling warning: “we have two groups near Hungary ready for war if necessary.”
“At midnight I’m panicking, I’m alone in the hotel. I was really scared, so I forwarded these messages to my parents,” Udvardy shared in a voice message. “I forwarded it also to the supervisor and the WTA player relations team. I wrote an email to the social media team at the WTA. I could not sleep for two hours.”
WTA’s Response and Concerns
Udvardy expressed disappointment with the WTA’s response, stating that she felt the situation was downplayed. She was informed by a tournament supervisor that other players had received similar messages, and that an investigation into a potential data leak was underway. However, she felt there was a lack of visible security measures or genuine concern.
“The supervisor told me, ‘Oh, it happened to other players, so don’t worry.’ OK, but I am worried — it’s my phone number, my personal data, who knows what else they have?” Udvardy questioned.
The WTA’s safeguarding team attempted to minimize the threat by suggesting the gun photo was old, implying the sender may not have possessed a firearm. Udvardy found this explanation unhelpful.
Investigation and Official Statements
The WTA has stated that there has been no official data breach, and the FBI is assisting in investigating the origin of the threatening messages. Players have been instructed to immediately report any threats to the tour’s safeguarding team. The FBI has previously investigated similar incidents, with 15 cases reported to law enforcement and three to the FBI in a recent season-wide report on player abuse.
The WTA utilizes Signify Group’s Threat Matrix service, which employs AI and human analysts to detect and filter abusive messages on social media.
Similar Incidents and Broader Concerns
Italian player Lucrezia Stefanini also reported receiving threats, including a photo of a gun, before a match at Indian Wells. Multiple ATP Tour players have also reported receiving direct threats in recent weeks. Stefanini stated she received increased security from the WTA following her report.
Tennis players frequently face abuse and harassment on social media, often from bettors who have lost money. Former champion Caroline Garcia reportedly rejected a $270,000 sponsorship due to her experiences with bettor abuse.
The Link to Betting and the Need for Change
Udvardy highlighted the emotional toll of online abuse, particularly when it extends to private messages. She emphasized the need for proactive safety measures, stating, “Are we waiting for something to happen to put more safety measures for the players, or worry? I don’t think this should be the case. This should not be normalized.”
The WTA and ATP both have data partnerships with sportsbooks and betting companies, raising questions about the potential connection between betting activity and player harassment. Stats Perform, a key data provider, recently extended its partnership with the WTA to 2030.
Ultimately, Udvardy lost her match but expressed pride in her performance under such stressful circumstances. Following the match, she received support from Hungarian consulate officials and local police, who provided security.
Source: The Athletic
