Jodie Burrage has exposed a disturbing wave of online hostility following her return to the WTA Tour, revealing she received death threats and severe abuse on social media after her first singles match in 16 months. The 27-year-old, who had previously reached a career-high ranking of world number 85 in September 2023, was eliminated in the first round of the Chennai Open. Despite a strong start, she fell to India’s Vaishnavi Adkar, who fought back from a set down to secure a 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory. The match marked a significant milestone for Burrage, yet the post-match reception was marred by toxic messages that she chose to make public.
British No. 1 faces online abuse after Chennai Open exit, prompting calls for WTA action.
In a transparent response to the harassment, Burrage shared an Instagram story featuring a video scroll of the direct messages she received, highlighting the extent of the abuse directed at her return. “Nice welcome back to tour. I remember why I left,” the Londoner wrote in the accompanying caption, signaling a deep frustration with the digital environment surrounding professional tennis. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges players face in managing their mental health and public image, particularly when returning from extended breaks due to injury or personal reasons.
The incident has sparked immediate solidarity from within the tennis community, with Germany’s Eva Lys tagging the WTA on Instagram to demand accountability. Lys asked, “When will something be done?” highlighting a growing pressure on the governing body to implement stricter measures against online harassment. As Burrage currently sits at world number 474, her experience serves as a stark reminder of the psychological toll that digital abuse takes on athletes, urging the WTA to prioritize player safety and well-being in the digital age.
Source: BBC Sport
