ONLINE ABUSE 'RISING AS FAST AS SPORTS BETTING ITSELF' IN THE WAKE OF OMAR JASIKA THREATS

Omar Jasika has called out "putrid comments" received on social media. (Getty/Graham Denholm)

With vile abuse continuing to escalate across all forms of social media, Australia's Omar Jasika is the latest victim to share disgusting messages he and his partner encountered.

The 27-year-old exited China's Guangzhou Challenger event against compatriot James McCabe in three sets earlier this week.

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But the loss sparked a string of disgraceful hate comments sent to Jasika's Instagram direct message.

One account wrote that he should be "shot in the f***ing head" and wished Australia's 14th-ranked player cancer, while another person sent a photo of a gun "waiting to kill [him]".

Jasika shared the harrowing threats on his Instagram story, adding the caption: "We can handle losing the match, that's the sport. But the hate and disrespect? That's not what any athlete deserves. When will the ATP do something about these putrid comments?"

Aussie player Akira Santillan replied to The First Serve's Instagram post of Jasika's story, highlighting, "you have a choice not to read it also", to Jasika's reply, "agree but when you keep getting spam calls from different numbers everyday getting deaths threats, [it's] a bit hard to avoid."

Jasika responded to another fan who suggested to remove himself from social media by providing an eye-opening take.

"It's gotten to the point where my partner gets messages and texts because of my tennis matches. Or they would find my email or WhatsApp or whatever [no] matter how you try and block it out. Reason for me posting is for people to hopefully realise maybe they should think twice before sending a hurtful text or message."

Prominent tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg shared his thoughts on X, writing: "Not a new phenomenon, sadly, but I can only imagine that the abuse athletes get from sports bettors is rising as fast as sports betting itself right now."

In recent years, the likes of Nick Kyrgios, Caroline Garcia and Karen Khachanov have opened up on damaging threats impacting mental health, as well as Daria Kasatkina admitting the issue is "completely out of control".

The latest example of online abuse received by Jasika will only add more pressure on the shoulders of the ATP and WTA to enact swift change.

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