Angry players are responsible for 48% of the 12,000 social media posts deemed offensive towards tennis players this year, according to an artificial intelligence detection system.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF), Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) joined forces late last year to launch a program that monitors posts on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
In the period from January to October this year. The Threat Matrix service monitored 2.47 million posts.
About 12,000 posts and comments violated the social media platforms’ community guidelines.
They have been directed to social media platforms for the abuse to be removed, and in serious cases, the entire account.
Abuse in 15 accounts exceeded criminal thresholds and was referred to national law enforcement authorities for action.
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka, a long-time member of the WTA Players’ Council, said she was pleased the system was helping “create a healthier online environment.”
“It was essential that the WTA and these partner organizations took significant steps to filter, block and report hateful and harmful comments,” the 35-year-old Belarusian said.
“No one should have to endure the hatred that so many of us have encountered through these platforms.”
