Established by spectators: stalking in tennis – when the stars cry

The popularity of tennis also has drastic dark sides for German number one. Hassattacks on the Internet or penetrating are bothering on larger topics. “Accordingly, of course, many more people become aware, who unfortunately come up with very, very bad thoughts,” said the 23-year-old at the tournament in Stuttgart. They are delicate topics that have to be talked about, because in the end there are too few opportunities to act against it.

Interpretation on the Internet and nuisance are not new topics in tennis, but they recently come into focus again. Two stalking incidents for the former world rankings Iga Swiatek and the former US Open winner Emma Raducanu-two of the most famous players on the women’s tour-caused a sensation. Raducanu even hid behind the referee chair in mid -February for fear of a stalker in Dubai in Dubai.

Raducanu tells of fear: “I could hardly breathe”

She couldn’t “literally see the ball for tears,” said the US Open winner of 2021 later. “I could hardly breathe.” Since then she has been more vigilant and has increased the safety precautions. The man had already followed her for tournaments in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Doha. He was temporarily closed to all WTA events, said the women’s organization.

Only a few weeks passed until the topic of stalking reappeared. The BBC reported that the Polish world ranking second Swiatek in Miami was threatened by a man during training. As the management told the British broadcaster, the man was aggressive and sneering. A few hours after the report became known, she surprisingly left Miami’s quarter -finals. In Stuttgart, Swiatek will be recovering for the first time this week.

The transition from online aggression to the real world

“I wouldn’t call it a threat,” said Swiadek at the Porsche Grand Prix about the incident in Florida. But there was a fan that wanted to disturb her rhythm. The women’s organization WTA helped her “to react quickly,” said the Polish. “And I felt sure.” She was also grateful to have her team around her that helps her in such situations.

As the BBC reported, the man had sent her previously insulting news about social media. “The incident in Miami seems to be a direct transition from verbal online aggression to a threat in the real world,” said BBC information from management.

Memories of attack on Monica Seles

The Stuttgart WTA tournament, in which the best players in the world are represented year after year, claims to be of great importance to security. However, the security personnel on the match and training places have not been further increased due to the latest incidents.

“I think there have always been such cases and there will probably always be it,” said the tournament’s sporting director, Anke Huber. “I don’t think you can completely prevent it.” The former tennis player has remained in the head the tragedy of the attack on the world number one Monica Seles at the time 32 years ago by a fanatical Steffi-Graf fan. Since then, a lot has happened on security on the tennis tour.

In addition to the tournament organizers, the WTA also works with local authorities and security experts. The players are encouraged to report any evidence immediately of their extent or threat potential.

WTA: 12,000 striking posts in nine months

In order to better protect the players online, the WTA introduced a technological solution with other organizations at the beginning of last year. Artificial intelligence should filter messages. Around 12,000 posts and comments that break the rules were discovered between January and October 2024. 15 accounts were forwarded to national law enforcement authorities.

Hass messages have also made the best German tennis player Lys public. She is glad that attacking comments and people can be reported if players feel uncomfortable. “The WTA will do everything that this person will definitely no longer get a ticket from the tennis tournaments,” said Lys. “We definitely have to put a statement there.”