French tennis player Arthur Bouquier, ranked 225th globally, was subjected to a disturbing threat from a gambler ahead of his participation in the Thionville Challenger match. The unidentified individual had wagered a hefty sum of 2,000 euros on Bouquier’s victory and sent a message warning of dire consequences should the athlete fail to perform and win the match.

The message was sent to Bouquier before his game against Florian Broska, a German player ranked 522nd worldwide. The gambler’s communication, written in French, was not only threatening but also indicated the person’s desperate circumstances.

The gambler, who was betting on Bouquier to win in two sets, wrote, “You are playing against Florian Broska, a rank 522, who never wins in the first round. I just hope you make the effort to take him out in 2 sets because I bet 2000 euros on you in 2 sets.” He further added, “I swear, if you lose, I will not forgive you. I will hunt you down or your family just to hurt you, even if it means going to prison by the way because if I lose these 2000 euros, I will be on the street so nothing will make sense to me. I might as well end my days in prison.”

Notably, the individual ended the message by stating that he would be present in the audience during Bouquier’s match, marking the severity of the situation. The tennis player went public with this incident by sharing the message on his social media, tagging ATP Tour, ITF, and the Thionville tournament.

The shocking incident emphasizes the darker side of sports gambling and the potential threats athletes face from disgruntled bettors. As of now, it is expected that the organizers of the Thionville Challenger will take necessary actions to ensure Bouquier’s safety during and post-match.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the high-pressure environment professional athletes operate in, and the additional stressors they face off-field from fans, bettors, and critics alike. It also raises questions about the measures in place to protect athletes from such threats and the need for more robust systems to ensure their safety and well-being.