British tennis star receives death threats after defeat

British tennis player Jodie Burrage received death threats and online abuse following her loss in the opening singles match of the Chennai Open, her first WTA Tour appearance in 16 months. The 27-year-old British player, currently ranked 474th in the world, was defeated by India's Vaishnavi Adkar in a grueling three-set battle that saw Adkar overcome a set deficit to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory.

In the aftermath of her defeat, Burrage faced a barrage of abusive messages on social media platforms. She shared a screenshot of the messages on Instagram, expressing her disappointment and disbelief at the welcome she received back onto the tour. "Nice welcome back to tour. I remember why I left," she posted.

Eva Lys, a German tennis player, offered Burrage support, tagging the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and questioning when action would be taken against the abusive behavior. The incident highlights a broader issue plaguing the sport. According to data from Signify Group, female tennis players were subjected to over 12,000 abusive social-media posts and messages last year, with similar numbers reported in 2025.

The majority of these abusive messages were motivated by gambling, accounting for 42% of all verified abuse and 59% of serious abuse cases.

The issue of abuse has been a persistent concern for many female tennis players. British player Katie Boulter previously spoke about receiving death threats, and the WTA player board has expressed strong disapproval of such behavior, acknowledging its potential to cause significant harm to athletes. Calls for identity verification on social media platforms and stronger measures to combat abuse have been gaining momentum, as tennis players and their allies demand a safer and more respectful environment for all.