10/6/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Tennis.
There’s a reason tennis is commonly referred to as a “game of love.” Those who play know that love is literally how we keep score. Good for young and old, tennis requires concentration, self-reliance, and a desire to have fun. Some say it’s an individual sport, just you against your opponent. But that would discount the coaches, teammates, groups, and clubs that contribute to the sport being one of America’s favorite pastimes. When we protect our tennis players, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Tennis Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Tennis has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Tennis can include frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
- Close relationships can develop between athletes and coaches, and competitions result in increased amounts of one-on-one interactions. These relationships can develop while the athlete is still young because of early sport specialization, and boundaries can become blurred.
- Since tennis is very technical, there can be internal and external pressures for improvement and perfectionism that may leave the athlete emotionally vulnerable, especially when receiving criticism.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
8/31/2026
US Open fury over ‘disgusting’ Venus ‘abuse’ as Grand Slam receives huge backlash
7/27/2026
After Supreme Court ruling, advocates warn trans athlete bans can be harmful for kids
7/23/2026
Winter Haven High School teacher, tennis coach arrested for sexual battery of 15-year-old student: PCSO
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Tennis Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety, Environmental Safety, Safeguarding, Governing Bodies, and Coaching within Tennis.
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How Coaches Can Improve the Mental Game of Beginner Tennis Players
Coaching
Improve coaching to younger and beginner tennis players by creating a healthy mindset.
Sports Injury Prevention: Racquet Sports
Physical Safety
Learn about injury prevention in racket sports.
Stay Safe and Play Your Best: Tennis Safety Tips for Hot Summer Matches
Environmental Safety
Gain an understanding of tennis court safety, including recognizing and preventing heat-related illness.
Tennis - Active & Safe
Physical Safety
Gain an understanding of common injuries and injury prevention in tennis.
WTA Safeguarding and Integrity
Safeguarding
Access the WTA's safeguarding policy and reporting forms.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
View Crisis Resources
