The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has implemented an innovative AI-driven safety tool to protect the world's leading male tennis players from severe online abuse. Over the past year, this system has scanned more than 3.1 million messages directed at the top 245 male players, successfully blocking 162,000 abusive posts in real time.

The Scope of the Problem

One in every ten comments received by these players was found to be abusive, with certain players experiencing abuse in up to 50% of their social media interactions. The ATP's Safe Sport Initiative, launched in July 2024, has been instrumental in creating a healthier online environment for players.

Key Achievements

• 3,300 Comments Escalated: Since the initiative began, over 3,300 abusive comments have been flagged for further action.
• 68 Abusers Identified: The system has identified 68 individuals responsible for sending abusive messages, with 28 cases referred to law enforcement.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its success, the Safe Sport tool is not foolproof. It has been unable to detect every instance of abuse, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating online harassment.

Impact on Players

Players like Dusan Lajovic, a member of the ATP Player Advisory Council, have praised the initiative for fostering a more positive online space. However, the issue extends beyond male players. Female tennis stars, such as Katie Boulter and Elina Svitolina, have also faced significant online abuse, particularly around major tournaments and after defeats.

Moving Forward

The ATP continues to refine its AI tools to better protect players and ensure a safer digital environment. This initiative underscores the importance of leveraging technology to address the pervasive issue of online abuse in sports.

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