By Richard Pagliaro Saturday, March 7, 2026
Photo Credit: Panna Udvardy Instagram
Indian Wells – Tennis tournament takes dark and twisted turn Panna Udvardi.
Udwadi, ranked 95th in the world, shared on social media that she had received threatening messages via WhatsApp on her personal phone. An unknown perpetrator threatened Udvardy with harm to her family if she did not lose the 125K Megasary Hotels Open tournament on clay in Antalya, Turkey.
Even more disturbing: The threatening message was accompanied by a photo of the Hungarian player’s family and an image of a gun, suggesting they would be targeted for violence if she didn’t lose on purpose.
“This person told me that if I didn’t lose today, they would hurt my family,” Udvardi posted on Instagram. “They said they knew where my family lived, what kind of cars they drove, and their phone numbers. They even sent pictures of my family and a picture of a gun…”
The 27-year-old Hungarian said she believed the WTA database had been breached and some players’ personal information had been exposed, given that she had been told other players had been threatened. She believes criminals are using this personal information to threaten multiple players: put your game in trouble and potentially face violent consequences.
“Honestly, it’s very scary to receive something like this,” Udvardi said. “I immediately contacted WTA executives, sent screenshots and informed my parents.
“My parents subsequently contacted the consulate and when I woke up this morning I also spoke to the WTA director again. I have been informed that similar threats have been made recently by other players who believe personal information may have been leaked from the WTA database and are currently investigating.”
Second seed Udvardi Reached the quarter-finals in Antalya Lost to Ukrainian player Angelina Galinina 7-5, 6-2. Udvardi thanked Turkish authorities for providing police protection for her and her family.
“The consulate responded very quickly and sent three police officers to come watch my game, which I’m very grateful for,” Udvardi said. “The police also went to the homes of my parents and grandmother, and after the game I submitted an official report to the Turkish police.”
Some players have reported receiving threats from suspected gamblers or gambling syndicates.
When asked about the reaction at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday night, Osaka called the threats “crazy” and said “I don’t think it will be positive.” [sports gambling]”.
“I think sports gambling, it’s hard to say it’s bad because obviously I’m an athlete so I live on the other side of it,” Osaka told the media in Indian Wells. “But I don’t think there’s anything positive about it, especially
When people don’t treat athletes as human beings.
“I’ve met people who, like, bet ridiculous amounts of money, but that’s their responsibility and they shouldn’t take it out on the athletes because I think we care more about whether we win or lose than the person who made the bet. So to threaten someone’s life is crazy.”
Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova says she wants stricter safety measures to protect players and their families.
“I saw a super scary post the other day with Panna. Yeah, I mean, I
Anisimova said: “I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. It’s really crazy and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.”
I think it was unbelievable that she didn’t sleep the night before the game, and yeah, she was threatened like that, her family and close people, I mean, super scary, really scary.
“The only thing is, I wish there were safety measures, safety measures, I think they are
From the posts I read, I took it seriously that a lot of people were trying to step in and help her and make her feel safe.
“I think that’s the most important thing. Hopefully, yes, there are a lot of people trying to make her feel safe and everything will be okay.”
