To combat this, tennis has implemented Project Matrix, an initiative launched last year to track social media activity and assess threat levels for players competing in tour-level events and grand slams.
This proactive approach was started to protect players from escalating threats before they turn into real-world confrontations.
Other Athletes Speak Out on Stalking
The issue is not confined to tennis. British middle-distance runner Sabrina Sinha shared her experience of online stalking, where she received explicit emails from a cyber-stalker.
In January 2019, the man who targeted her was sentenced to 14 years in prison after harassing multiple women across the United States.
Women’s basketball players have also been significantly affected. Caitlin Clark, a global icon in the sport, received multiple threats and sexually explicit messages from a stalker who now faces criminal charges.
The problem became so severe before this year’s Unrivaled three-on-three basketball league that organizers held a security meeting with players, advising them not to post real-time locations on social media or reveal where they lived.
Olympic Athletes Also at Risk
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas recently took to TikTok for advice after experiencing stalking incidents at airports.
