Iga Swiatek Calls for Action Against Online Abuse

Iga Swiatek has urged tennis governing bodies to enhance tools for players to combat online abuse, following Caroline Garcia's report of receiving hateful messages after her U.S. Open loss, which she attributed to 'unhealthy betting'. The ITF, WTA, AELTC, and USTA have already initiated the Threat Matrix service, utilizing AI and open-source data to protect athletes, while the French Open has provided AI software aimed at blocking harassment. Swiatek emphasized the necessity for education and more advanced AI solutions to ensure safer online spaces for players. Additionally, men's world number one Jannik Sinner and Russian player Karen Khachanov expressed similar concerns, with Sinner acknowledging the persistent nature of negative online interactions. They highlighted the importance of having supportive relationships to navigate the pressures of online scrutiny. The collective call for action reflects an urgent need for improved measures to safeguard athletes from digital abuse.