Latest news with #KatieBoulter
BBC News
8 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
I had first death threat at 18 - Watson on social media abuse
British tennis player Heather Watson says she has received social media abuse "daily" during her career and had her first death threat aged was speaking after compatriot Katie Boulter told BBC Sport about the scale of unsavoury and hurtful comments she has received online, including death Sir Andy Murray has said he is trying to keep his children away from social media and backed calls for more action to prevent abuse of sport stars."My first death threat was at 18," Watson told BBC Sport. "I told my friend [American tennis player] Sloane Stephens at the time. "The thing that shocked me the most, but also kind of made me feel better - because I told her I was scared as this person told me he was watching me and was going to kill me - was that she said 'girl, don't worry, I get these all the time'."I'm smiling now after so many years and such a long career. I receive abuse daily, but it is all in perspective. "It is all just sad people who have nothing better going in their lives than to sit behind their computer or phone and write that."I don't think anyone in their right mind would abuse someone online they have never met. It just goes over my head, it is just madness."Watson is preparing for Wimbledon and will face Danish 23rd seed Clara Tauson in the first round of the singles draw, having been handed a wildcard. She won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2016 with Finland's Henri Kontinen and the pair again reached the final 12 months later. 'Abuse is the norm' Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this month Boulter said that receiving abusive content and death threats has become "the norm" for athletes and that "it becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone".Murray, who retired from professional tennis in August 2024, said the prevalence of social media abuse "hasn't really changed", despite athletes speaking out on the subject for many Boulter's comments, fellow tennis players demanded more action, including calls for the introduction of identity verification on social of the England women's football team also plan to give up social media for their forthcoming European Championship defence in Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC that the government will explore whether further protective measures can be put in place on social media platforms.
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First Post
14 hours ago
- Sport
- First Post
Explained: Tennis' plan to work with betting companies to reduce abuse of female players
With British tennis star Katie Boulter opening up on abuse from faceless social media trolls, many of which contained references to betting, the WTA and ITF have decided to approach gambling companies for a solution to what is a major problem in sport. read more The WTA and ITF had published a report recently which revealed that 458 players were the targets of abuse last year. Reuters Online abuse directed towards athletes has become a major problem in sport with the advent of social networking platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) in the 2000s. And the issue becomes even more concerning when it's female athletes who are targeted by faceless trolls on social media. The sport of tennis isn't any different, where British star Katie Boulter has admitted to receiving death threats and explicit pictures from trolls, where a report published recently by Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) revealed that 458 players had been targeted last year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The report used an AI-led detection system developed by the Signify Group which found that frustrated gamblers accounted for nearly half (40 per cent) of the social media abuse, which rose to 77 per cent when it came to abuse directed towards the personal accounts of players. A worrying 26 per cent of that abuse were directed towards five female players, the report added. Tennis chiefs approach gambling firms in order to tackle online abuse As many as 15 of the worst offenders have been reported to police and other law enforcement agencies, according to The Guardian, and they have also been banned from buying tickets for the four Grand Slams as well as for ATP and WTA tour events. The spotlight, however, has fallen on betting companies and their reluctance to take action against punters venting their frustrations on social media, often at the expense of a player's mental well-being. According to the British publication, the WTA and ITF have intensified their talks gambling companies have deepened since the report was published by the two tennis organisations, urging them to fund educational campaigns in addition to taking stern action. The talks have been met with a degree of success, with some betting organisations are willing to take action against accounts belonging to those guilty of social media abuse. For instance, FanDuel – US-based gambling company that is WTA's official gaming partner in the United States – has altered its terms and conditions earlier this week which gives them the right to suspend accounts found guilty of harassing athletes, with the definition of harassment also getting broadened. 'We may, in our sole discretion, suspend or terminate your Account and/or exclude you from our services if we determine that you pose a threat to the safety of participants in a sporting event, or discover that you engaged in the harassment of a sports official, coach or any participant in a sporting event,' read a statement from FanDuel in an email to its users. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'The report has brought about a constructive conversation with the betting industry. We will continue to push for the industry to do more as part of a collective effort to rid tennis of betting-related abuse. We hope the gambling industry responds constructively to our call for more action on their par,' a spokesperson for WTA and ITF said. British star Boulter opens up on online abuse British No 2 Boulter, for one, had revealed to the BBC that many of the abusive messages that she receives on social media appear contained references to gambling. British tennis star Katie Boulter had opened up on facing social media abuse in a recent interview with BBC. Reuters 'Go to hell, I lost money my mother sent me,' was one of the messages received by Boulter after she had lost the first-set tie-breaker in her opening round-tie against Carole Monnet at the French Open. 'At the very start of my career, it's probably something I took very personally… getting comments about the way you look,' Boulter told BBC. 'It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone. 'I think it increases in number and it also increases in the level of things that people say. I don't think there's anything off the cards now,' she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Emma Raducanu will face British teen at Wimbledon while Katie Boulter handed tough test
Emma Raducanu will face 17-year-old wild card Mingge Xu in an intriguing all-British first round match-up at Wimbledon. British No 1 Raducanu, who narrowly missed out on a seeding, has been handed a difficult path to the second week. The 22-year-old could face 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova or 32nd seed McCartney Kessler in the second round, with world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka a potential opponent in round three. Raducanu was knocked out of the Eastbourne Open in the second round on Wednesday and acknowledged, amid a tough year which has included a stalking ordeal, that she needs to get her 'head in the game' ahead of The Championships. 'I feel quite tired,' she said. 'Just going through some stuff and I need to do my best to get my head in the game ahead of next week. Realistically, the turnaround is pretty soon – it's only four days away, really, that Wimbledon starts. 'I think I'm just going to start with [a day off] tomorrow and then hopefully I can get on the court on Friday.' Raducanu is due to practice on Court 1 with 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina. Elsewhere in the women's singles draw, British No 2 Katie Boulter will face ninth seed Paula Badosa from Spain in a tough opening test. British No 3 Sonay Kartal will face 20th seed and Grand Slam winner Jelena Ostapenko, with 16-year-old hotshot Hannah Klugman facing 29th seed Leylah Fernandez – who Raducanu beat in the 2021 US Open final. Other notable first round contests include second seed Coco Gauff, who won the French Open earlier this month, taking on highly-rated Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska and two-time champion Petra Kvitova – in her final Wimbledon – facing 10th seed Emma Navarro. Sabalenka, who beat Raducanu at Indian Wells last year in their only previous match, takes on Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine in round one. Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova will face Alexandra Eala from the Philippines. British first round matches – women's singles: Emma Raducanu vs Mingge Xu Katie Boulter vs Paula Badosa (9) Hannah Klugman vs Leylah Fernandez (29) Harrie Dart vs Dalma Galfi Sonay Kartal vs Jelena Ostapenko (20) Jodie Burrage vs Caty McNally Heather Watson vs Clara Tauson Fran Jones vs Yuliia Starodubtseva
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
SPORTS DIGEST: Stars like Murray speaking out can spark much-needed change in tackling social media abuse
For better or worse, social media is now a part of everyday life. Unfortunately, where athletes are concerned, it seems there's far more bad than good these days. Tennis is the latest sport to spotlight the issue, with several stars revealing horrific online abuse. Katie Boulter spoke out last week about receiving vile messages, including death threats, after losing matches. 'It becomes more apparent every single time you go on your phone,' the British No2 said of the online hate. 'I think it increases in number and it also increases in the level of things that people say. I don't think there's anything off the cards now.' Other stars have now joined her in calling for more to be done to tackle the scourge of online abuse. Fellow Brits Harriet Dart and Sonay Kartal are among those urging more action, such as the introduction of identification measures for those creating social media accounts. Andy Murray then became the latest big name to speak on the topic, telling the BBC: 'I think it's positive any time anyone can speak out about it. It's great that (Katie) talked about it. 'Athletes across all sports have been discussing this for a long time, but it hasn't really changed. Hopefully something can get done soon.' The Scot also revealed he and his wife Kim will be keeping their children – aged between four and nine - away from social media as long as possible due to the dangers. Asked what can be done to deter online abusers, he said: 'If I'm being honest I don't know. 'Me and my wife are trying to keep our children off social media until they are much older, because I think it can be pretty damaging. 'I don't know whose responsibility it is, I don't know if the government needs to do more to tackle it, or (X owner) Elon Musk and people like that can do more to stop these messages getting through to individuals. 'I don't mean just athletes, but then you get into the whole debate around free speech and it's a difficult one.' It's certainly a thorny issue but it's clear more must be done to protect athletes whose jobs are pressurised enough without vile abuse affecting them. We may never have a perfect solution, but when big names such as Murray join the conversation, seeing some real action surely becomes a more tangible possibility. Fixtures announced as SWPL enters new era It's a new era in the Scottish Women's Premier League and the hype has increased this week after the fixtures for the new season were released. The reconstructed league will officially kick off on August 17, with a new 10-team top flight, reduced by two teams from the previous campaign. The second tier has increased by two teams, meaning both divisions now have 10 clubs. The new look is just one of the reasons the 2025/26 campaign is so hotly anticipated. SWPL 1 is one of the most competitive leagues around, and last season saw a dramatic three-way fight for the crown. Hibs completed a remarkable run to the title on the final day, beating out Glasgow City and Rangers to become champions for the first time in 18 years. Grant Scott's side will begin the new season at home to Aberdeen, while Glasgow City will face Motherwell. Rangers – still on the hunt for a new manager after Jo Potter left for Crystal Palace – are away to Montrose on the opening day. After failing to defend their title in a disappointing campaign, Celtic have been handed a tough first assignment away to Hearts, as last season's fourth and fifth-placed teams look to get off to a good start. Newly promoted Hamilton will take on Partick Thistle, now managed by David Elliot after Brian Graham left to play for Falkirk. In the second tier, there's plenty of change too. No fewer than five teams are new in the league from last season; East Fife and University of Striring have been promoted from the Women's Championship, while Spartans, Dundee United and Queen's Park were all relegated from the top flight. 'We believe these changes will help deliver two extremely competitive and entertaining divisions,' said SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre. 'With six different league winners in the last three years across both divisions, the SWPL has become one of the most entertaining and competitive leagues in Europe, already gaining a reputation for final-day drama. We anticipate another compelling season as clubs battle to finish in the top six and fight to avoid relegation in both leagues. 'We can't wait to get the new campaign under way and I would encourage as many fans as possible to play their part by getting along to a SWPL match on the opening day to see elite football delivered locally in what we anticipate may be the best season of SWPL action yet.' Lapointe seals deal to save Sons There was great news for Dumbarton fans earlier this week as Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe completed his takeover of the club. It's been a difficult period for the embattled Sons, who were plunged into administration in November and were hit with a 15-point deduction. The club were then relegated to League Two, where they will begin the new season with a further five-point deficit. Fans have rallied, raising over £100,000 to try and save the team. But fears were raised again last month when a prospective deal with Gareth Phillips to save the club from administration collapsed after the businessman withdrew his offer due to health reasons. However, Lapointe stepped in and struck a deal to take over the club, now operating under the name The Dumbarton Football Club Ltd after the previous company was dissolved. 'So many people have helped to get to this conclusion but most importantly has been the support of the fans,' said a statement from administrators Craig Morrison and Ian Wright. 'We wish Mario and everyone involved with the Club every success for the season ahead and for the longer term future of the Sons.' The entrepreneur, owner of electronics manufacturing company SMT-ASSY, met with supporters on Wednesday and is set to attend this weekend's friendly against St Mirren. With the 152-year-old club now saved, there is renewed optimism for Sons fans after a long period of financial hardship. Nothing is ever guaranteed for a club of their size, but one of Scotland's oldest footballing institutions can at least now have hope for the future. McGregor ruled his own testimonial! Testimonial matches are one of football's great traditions. A long-serving player gets their moment in the sun, fans get to celebrate one of their own and it's one of those rare occasions in the sport where everything around a club feels harmonious. Spare a thought for poor old Darren McGregor then. The former defender is set to be honoured by Hibs next month in a testimonial against Bolton to mark a decade since he joined the Easter Road club. However, the 39-year-old will not be able to play in the match on July 19 after being involved in a car accident. McGregor was part of the club's historic 2016 Scottish Cup win and after making almost 200 appearances for the Leith side, retired in 2023. He has since been coach of the club's Under-18 side. 'It's with sadness we can confirm that Darren McGregor won't be able to play in his testimonial match against Bolton Wanderers next month,' said Hibs in a statement. 'McGregor was involved in a vehicle collision on Friday evening (20 June, 2025) and is now recovering after undergoing surgery at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Everyone associated with the football club and Darren McGregor's testimonial wishes him a speedy recovery. 'Whilst 'Daz' can't feature in the match, he will still be able to attend, with the game commemorating his fantastic career.' Thankfully, McGregor is on the mend but he still would have imagined his well deserved lap of honour coming in slightly different style.
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
British tennis star Katie Boulter hopes £1.9m love nest she shares with Aussie ace will help boost Wimbledon chances
TENNIS star Katie Boulter is counting on home comforts at this year's Wimbledon — by staying with her fiancé at their £1.9million love nest. The 28-year-old was spotted on a stroll with fellow ace Alex De Minaur near their three-bed cottage this week. 4 4 British No2 Katie cut a casual look in a baggy red T-shirt and leggings, paired with white trainers. It is understood Alex, 26, bought the London pad in 2023 and they have been living in it together for some time. A source said: 'Love is very much in the air for Katie and Alex. They've been together for five years, they got engaged last year, and they've found their dream home. "They can only hope to have as much success on the court next week as they've had in their relationship.' Katie, from Leicester, hopes sleeping in her own bed improves her chances of success when she and Australian men's No1 Alex start their Wimbledon campaigns next week. Katie told Women's Health: 'Being at home brings a sense of calm that's hard to replicate in hotels, and I think that can really help with focus.' Last year the fan favourite made the second round before . Afterwards Katie went on a winning run which saw her break into the world Top 25 for the first time. She is currently No41. Sydney-born Alex is world ranked No11 and last year reached the Wimbledon quarter finals. A representative for Katie was approached for comment. Meet Alex de Minaur - Spanish-speaking 'honorary Brit' dating Katie Boulter and about to take on Novak Djokovic 4
