'This is not normal': Possible WTA database leak results in disturbing threats aimed at player's family

Before her match in Turkey yesterday, world No.95 Panna Udvardy received frightening threats towards her family linked to a WTA database breach, describing the ordeal as "very scary".

The Hungarian player lost a tight two-set affair against Anna Kalinina in Antalya, but after the defeat, she shared that something more serious was on her mind.

"Last night around midnight, I received several very disturbing messages on WhatsApp from an unknown number on my personal phone," Udvardy wrote on Instagram.

"The person told me that if I didn't lose my match today, they would harm members of my family. They said they knew where my family lives, what cars they drive and that they had their phone numbers.

"They even sent photos of my family members and a picture of a gun. It was honestly very scary to receive something like this.

"I immediately contacted the WTA supervisor, sent the screenshots, and informed my parents. My parents then contacted the consulate, and when I woke up this morning, I also spoke again with the WTA supervisor. I was told that similar threats have recently happened to other players and that they believe personal information may have been leaked from the WTA database, which is currently being investigated."

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"I want to say something clearly: this is not normal," the 27-year-old added.

"Even as athletes or public figures, it's not acceptable to receive threats against our families, especially not on our private phone numbers and alongside disturbing images. We should not normalise abuse like this in sport.

"I hope the WTA continues investigating this situation seriously and takes stronger steps to protect players' personal data and safety and to inform players immediately if there is a breach in their system.

"No player should have to deal with something like this."

Police were quick to respond to the incident, as they protected her parents' and grandmother's homes.

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