Creeps send female tennis pros photos of guns, threaten families if they doesn’t lose matches, terrifying messages reveal

Two women’s tennis players recently came forward with disturbing threats they received before their respective matches, which included images of a gun and threats against their families if they did not lose their games.

Lucrezia Stefanini, ranked World No. 138, shared her harrowing experience before a match at the Indian Wells Open in California. She received a threatening WhatsApp message that mentioned her family members, her birthplace, and included a photo of a gun. Despite the threats, Stefanini lost her match but spoke out about the incident on Instagram, calling out the unacceptable pressure she faced before the game. She also praised the tournament organizers for providing additional security and support.

On the other hand, Hungarian player Panna Udvardy, ranked World No. 95, also received threatening messages before her match at the Antalya WTA 125 in Turkey. The messages, sent via WhatsApp from an unknown number, threatened harm to her family members if she did not lose her match. Udvardy immediately contacted the WTA supervisor, filed a police report in Turkey, and sought help from the consulate to ensure her safety and that of her family.

Udvardy went on to win her match before facing another defeat in the quarterfinals. She emphasized the seriousness of the threats and called for stronger measures to protect players’ personal data and safety. She urged the WTA to investigate the situation thoroughly and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Both players received support from their respective federations, with Angelo Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, condemning the threats as intolerable and calling for legal action. Binaghi stressed that such behavior has no place in sports and should be met with immediate legal consequences.

The incidents involving Stefanini and Udvardy highlight the need for increased security measures and protection for athletes in the face of threats and intimidation. It is essential for sports organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of their players, both on and off the court, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all athletes.