Just days before the start of Indian Wells players have received an email from officials confirming that the FBI will be present at the tournament this year.
In a brief statement issued, it has been confirmed that the law enforcement agency will be at the tournament in order to ‘monitor and address any social media abuse.’ It is unclear as to why officers will be on site as the issue is exclusively related to online activity. Details about the kind of work they will be doing in Indian Wells have not been provided.
“We would like to inform you that the FBI will be present at this year’s BNP Paribas Open to monitor and address any social media abuse or threats aims at players,” a memo sent to players reads.
The development comes after multiple players spoke out about their experiences with social media abuse. During this year’s US Open Shelby Rogers said she expected to receive death threats following her loss to Emma Raducanu. The American later added that she was ‘used’ to receiving these kinds of threats. Meanwhile, Sloane Stephens has previously uploaded screenshots of racist abuse she has received.
Former US Open finalist Madison Keys recently criticized social media companies for not taking enough action to deal with the abuse. In a series of Twitter posts, the world No.48 wrote that she ‘will keep speaking out until social media is a safe place for everyone.’
During this year’s US Open, the WTA confirmed to Reuters that they are currently working with Theseus who are a risk assessment and management company that specialises in support for athletes if they encounter online harassment. The governing body of women’s tennis noted that cases of social media abuse are on the rise.
“Theseus and the WTA work with the social media platforms to shut down accounts when warranted, and if applicable, local authorities are notified,” a spokesperson said.
The ATP, who governs the men’s Tour, has also been working closely with Theseus. In an article published by the Metro in November 2020, spokesman Simon Hisgon said they are ‘monitoring closely’ cases of online abuse. Higson’s comments were in reference to the trend between social media abuse and the online betting market.
‘Online abuse of players through social media channels continues to be an area we are monitoring closely,’ said Higson.
‘The growth of social media combined with increased attention on the sport across various digital platforms has led to players being exposed to receiving abuse, threats or unwanted communication, particularly from disgruntled gamblers.’
‘This issue has been on the rise in recent years and it is important that our players are able to understand what they are receiving, why, and what actions they are advised to take.
‘Players are encouraged to report any communication of any concern and there are clear reporting processes and follow-ups in place for them throughout the year.”
The BNP Paribas Open main draw will start on Wednesday with the women’s tournament, followed by the men’s tournament the day after.
