International Tennis Federation joins social media boycott, says players have received death threats

Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Osaka beat qualifier Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria in straight sets to reach the Pan Pacific Open quarter-finals. (AFP)

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has joined the wide-ranging social media boycott by sports' organisations this weekend in a protest against online abuse.

"Tennis players, coaches and officials all over the world receive abusive messages through social media on a daily basis -- and this is on the rise -- referring to their race, their gender, their looks and their ability," a statement read.