Panna Udvardy, a professional tennis player from Hungary, has reported receiving alarming threats. The messages, sent via WhatsApp, included a gun photo and disturbing warnings about her family’s safety.
Threatening Messages Received
On Thursday night, Udvardy received these messages from an unidentified number. The sender claimed they knew personal details about her family, including their residence, vehicles, and phone numbers.
Details of the Incident
- Player: Panna Udvardy
- Ranking: 95th in the world
- Age: 27 years
- Event: WTA 125 tournament in Antalya
- Match: Quarter-finals, lost to Anhelina Kalinina
- Match score: 7-6 (7-3) 7-5
In response to the threats, the Hungarian consulate dispatched three police officers for her protection during the match. Additionally, police secured her family members’ homes to ensure their safety.
Broader Concerns in Tennis
In her Instagram post, Udvardy revealed that other players have also faced similar threats. This alarming trend comes soon after Lucrezia Stefanini, an Italian tennis player, reported receiving threats ahead of a qualifying match at Indian Wells.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is actively investigating these incidents. Authorities aim to determine how confidential player information has been compromised, as the source of these threats remains unknown.
