Jack Draper has raised his voice against the growing tide of online abuse targeting professional tennis players, underlining the damaging impact on athletes and their loved ones. In a recent interview with The Guardian, the rising British star revealed the harsh realities of facing relentless harassment, particularly from disgruntled gamblers, after matches. Draper’s candid discussion sheds light on a pervasive issue within the sport, where both men and women face vitriolic attacks, though women players often bear the brunt of it.
A Persistent Problem: Abuse Beyond the Court
Draper’s concerns align with a chorus of players who have publicly condemned the toxic environment fostered by social media interactions. Instances of harassment, ranging from offensive comments to death threats, have become distressingly common. These outbursts are frequently triggered by bettors enraged over lost wagers, and their targets are not limited to the players themselves but extend to family members and friends. Draper recounted an incident from 2018, when, after winning his first professional match with a dominant scoreline, he faced a barrage of vitriol. Trolls labeled him a “horrible person” and even attempted to locate his mother to direct abuse toward her.
“My first pro match in 2018, I think I won love and love [6-0, 6-0], and I was a horrible person – they were going to find my mum,” Draper shared. “It’s every match, whether you win or lose, you get hundreds of messages from people and you can’t really stop it.”
This unrelenting scrutiny has become a grim reality for many players navigating the professional circuit. Draper emphasized that the situation is particularly dire for female players. “Everyone has it, and especially the girls. The girls get it way worse than the guys,” he noted. His observations echo the experiences shared by numerous female athletes, who have frequently spoken out against the disproportionate levels of harassment they face.
Female Players’ Experiences: A Disproportionate Burden
The abuse faced by women players has sparked widespread concern within the tennis community. Coco Gauff, for instance, has publicly condemned the behavior of these gamblers, describing them as “annoying” and detailing her strategy of blocking abusive profiles. Caroline Garcia, another high-profile player, recently shared the vile messages she received, some urging her to “kill herself” and others targeting her mother with offensive remarks. Similarly, Iga Świątek and Danielle Collins have joined the conversation, calling for an end to the poor behavior and emphasizing the need for greater accountability.
The impact of such abuse extends beyond the emotional toll on players. It creates an environment of fear and distrust, affecting their performance and mental health. The lack of effective mechanisms to combat online harassment has further exacerbated the problem. Draper highlighted the sense of helplessness that accompanies the flood of abusive messages. “If I lose a match these days, just go on my latest Instagram account – you’ll probably see about 100 messages with clown emojis and snakes and all this sort of stuff,” he said. “You can’t control it.”
The Psychological Toll: Navigating the Challenges of Professional Tennis
Beyond addressing the issue of online abuse, Draper also reflected on the broader challenges of life on the professional circuit. The Brit opened up about the 2024 season, describing it as a period of significant personal and professional growth. He emphasized the importance of embracing the arduous journey, noting that the hard work, self-doubt, and fears are integral to the experience.
“I hear people say all the time that it’s not the achievement that feels great, it’s the process of the achievement,” Draper explained. “Going through all that; all the work, the doubts, the worries… It’s the actual work that you put in which is the enjoyable part.”
This mindset has helped Draper navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis. The 2024 season, in particular, was a landmark year for him. He achieved significant milestones, including winning his maiden tour-level title at the Boss Open in Stuttgart and clinching his first ATP 500 title at the Vienna Open. These victories propelled him to a career-high ranking of World No. 15, a testament to his resilience and dedication.
“Looking back over this year, I’ve had some amazing moments that made me feel good,” Draper reflected. “But I’ve also learned to enjoy all the hard work and all the tough things that go with it.”
A Call for Change: Protecting Players in the Digital Age
Draper’s remarks underscore a critical need for systemic change. The tennis community must address the issue of online abuse head-on, implementing stricter measures to protect players and their families. This includes holding social media platforms accountable and developing more robust mechanisms to identify and penalize offenders. Moreover, there is a need for greater awareness and education about the impact of such behavior, both within the sport and among fans.
The disproportionate harassment faced by female players also calls for a more nuanced approach. Initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in tennis must extend to addressing the unique challenges women face in the digital age. By fostering a more supportive and respectful environment, the sport can ensure that all players have the opportunity to thrive, free from the shadow of online abuse.
In raising his voice, Jack Draper has joined a growing movement within the tennis world. His candid reflections serve as a reminder of the human cost of online harassment and the urgent need for change. As the sport continues to evolve, the voices of players like Draper will be instrumental in shaping a future where respect and dignity are the norm, both on and off the court.