Tennis star Panna Udvardy receives gun photo death threat to family in shocking WhatsApp match-fixing blackmail

Panna Udvardy. Image via: Getty Images

A disturbing incident has shaken the tennis world after Hungarian player Panna Udvardy revealed she received threatening WhatsApp messages demanding she lose a match. The world No. 95 said the sender warned that her family would be harmed if she did not comply. The threats arrived shortly before her quarterfinal appearance at the Megasaray Hotels Open in Antalya, Turkey, a WTA 125 tournament. Udvardy later shared details publicly, describing how the unknown individual sent images of a firearm and personal information about her relatives. Authorities and tournament officials responded immediately after the player reported the messages. Security around the match increased, and police also contacted members of her family as a precaution. The episode has raised new concerns about player safety and the growing problem of threats tied to gambling pressure in professional tennis.

Gambler sends gun image to Panna Udvardy’s family before match

Panna Udvardy gets death threats. Image via: Instagram

Panna Udvardy explained that the alarming messages arrived late at night on her personal phone. The sender demanded that she lose the upcoming match or face consequences involving her family. In her statement, she wrote: “Last night around midnight I received several very disturbing messages on WhatsApp from an unknown number on my personal phone.” She then revealed the most alarming part of the exchange. “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.” Udvardy said she immediately informed tournament officials and contacted her relatives. She explained: “I immediately contacted the WTA supervisor and sent him screenshots. I also informed my family, who immediately got in touch with the local consulate.” Three police officers were stationed near the court during her quarterfinal match against Anhelina Kalinina. Authorities also visited the homes of her parents and grandmother to ensure their safety. Despite the tense circumstances, Udvardy competed in the match, which ended in a 7-6, 7-5 victory for Kalinina.

Did any other athlete receive similar threat?

The incident does not appear to be isolated. Udvardy revealed that officials informed her about similar reports involving other players. “The WTA supervisor told me that similar threats had been received by other players. They suspect a possible leak of personal information from the database and indicate that an investigation is underway.” One recent case involved Italian player Lucrezia Stefanini, who reported a comparable experience before a qualifying match at the Indian Wells Open. Stefanini described receiving a message containing threats against her family along with a firearm image. She said, “I received a WhatsApp message in which I was threatened over winning yesterdays match.” She added further details about the message, “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.” Stefanini explained why she spoke publicly about the situation. “I’m making this video and explaining what happened because I dont think its right to put me under this pressure and unease before a match.” Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, described the behavior as unacceptable and criminal. Investigations into the threats are ongoing while tennis authorities examine possible breaches of player data and broader safety concerns.

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