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Tennis Players Receive Threatening Messages Demanding Match Losses
Panna Udvardy and Lucrezia Stefanini detail disturbing threats against their families
Mar. 7, 2026 at 11:12pm
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Two women's tennis players, Panna Udvardy and Lucrezia Stefanini, have reported receiving threatening messages on their personal phones, including photos of a gun, demanding that they lose their upcoming matches. The players said the messages threatened harm to their families if they did not comply.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the growing problem of athletes, especially women, facing disturbing threats and abuse, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and performance. It raises concerns about the safety and security measures in place to protect players at major tennis tournaments.
The details
Udvardy and Stefanini both posted about the threatening messages they received on social media. The messages included specific details about their families, such as where they live and what cars they drive, as well as a photo of a gun. The culprits threatened to harm their family members if the players did not lose their matches. Both players reported the incidents to the Women's Tennis Association, and additional security was provided for their matches.
- On March 6, 2026, Panna Udvardy received the threatening messages on her personal phone around midnight.
- On March 6, 2026, Lucrezia Stefanini received a similar threatening message on WhatsApp.
The players
Panna Udvardy
A women's tennis player who received threatening messages, including a photo of a gun, demanding that she lose her match against Anhelina Kalinina at the Megasaray Hotels Open.
Lucrezia Stefanini
A women's tennis player who also received threatening messages, including a photo of a gun, demanding that she lose her match at the Indian Wells qualifying tournament.
What they’re saying
“Last night around midnight I received several very disturbing messages on WhatsApp from an unknown number on my personal phone. The person told me that if I didn't lose my match today, they would harm members of my family.”
— Panna Udvardy
“I received a WhatsApp message in which I was threatened over winning yesterday's match. They threatened me and my family and named my parents, the place where I was born, and they sent me a photo of a gun.”
— Lucrezia Stefanini
What’s next
The Women's Tennis Association and local authorities are investigating the incidents, and additional security measures have been put in place to protect the players during their matches.
The takeaway
This disturbing case highlights the growing problem of athletes, especially women, facing threats and abuse, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and performance. It underscores the need for stronger security measures and support systems to protect players at major sporting events.
