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Stefanini Reports WhatsApp Death Threats Before Indian Wells Qualifier

Tournament officials assigned escorts in response to Lucrezia Stefanini's report of WhatsApp threats demanding a deliberate loss.

Overview

  • The 27-year-old Italian said private WhatsApp messages threatened to kill her if she did not lose and included a photo of a pistol.
  • She reported the messages to the WTA, and Indian Wells organizers increased security and provided escorts to and from the venue.
  • The threats referenced her parents and other personal details, indicating a shift from public abuse to direct, private intimidation.
  • She played her qualifying match and lost to Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva in three sets after roughly three hours on court.
  • Media coverage links the case to a recent bettor-related threat reported at the Rosario Challenger involving Nicolas Sanchez Izquierdo, underscoring wider integrity concerns.