Sportradar’s AI tool to safeguard tennis players from online abuse
Safe Sport, launched in collaboration with Sportradar and Tennis Data Innovations (TDI), will scan players’ social media accounts for abusive comments across 29 languages
The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) has partnered with data firm Sportradar and Tennis Data Innovations (TDI) to launch an AI service to help protect players from receiving online abuse.
The tool, Safe Sport, will use AI tech from Sportradar and its partner Arwen AI to scan players’ social media accounts for abusive comments, spam and bots across 29 languages.
Flagged comments will automatically be hidden in real time , preventing players and their followers from being exposed to toxic content.
Sportradar analysts will also investigate any threats and potential criminal comments and hold those responsible to account, the New York-listed firm said.
Players will also have access to educational programmes concerning topics such as handling abuse, limiting online risks and maintaining integrity across social media platforms.
The service will be made available to the top 250 ATP singles players and the top 50-ranked doubles players on an opt-in basis.
The launch of the tool comes amid growing concerns over social media abuse directed at sports stars by bettors for perceived failings relating to wagers.
Andreas Krannich, executive vice president of Sportradar Integrity Services, said: “This partnership is groundbreaking in sport as we’re bringing together AI-driven auto-moderation, education and investigative services for the first time.
“The Safe Sport solution offers players better protection from online harm, representing a significant leap forward in safeguarding mental and physical wellbeing, enabling them to concentrate on delivering their best performances.”
Andrew Azzopardi, ATP director of safeguarding, added: “The ATP is committed to safeguarding players and their wellbeing. This includes taking a proactive stance against online abuse, which has become a very important issue in the lives of modern athletes.
“This collaboration will ensure that tennis is playing its part in tackling this issue, and shining a light on the effects that harmful online discourse can have on our communities. We’re grateful for the support of TDI and the expertise of Sportradar in making this happen.”
Sportradar entered into a multi-year partnership with TDI back in December 2023, whereby the data firm secured global data, media data and streaming rights for all ATP and ATP Challenger Tour events.