The German, who reached the semi-finals last year, lost in three sets to Kaia Kanepi and received threats from gamblers who lost money when she went down in the second set tie-break from 5-1 up.
Several people posted angry messages on Kerber’s Facebook page, the majority by a man called Marijan Batinich Maali, who is based in America and whose profile picture includes a swastika.
Shock exit: Angelique Kerber was a strong favourite to reach the latter stages of the tournament
The Women’s Tennis Association are investigating but will leave to Kerber the decision on whether to report culprits to the police, who will investigate only if a complaint is made.
Gamblers are an increasing problem on the tennis tour, with men and women regularly abused on Facebook or Twitter by people who have lost money. However, the threats to Kerber were more serious.
Her exit means the odds have shortened again on Serena Williams retaining her title. On Saturday, she goes up against 42-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm, who is the oldest woman to appear in the third round of a Grand Slam and who meets the defending champion for the first time in her career.
For the Japanese challenger, memories will still be vivid of the last time she stepped out on Centre Court. Her mind is sure to go back 17 years to when she lost a semi-final in controversial fashion.
Going through: Kaia Kanepi celebrates her victory over Kerber
Down and out: Kerber threw away a chance of victory after holding a commanding lead in the second set
Shortly after that loss, the right-hander took a break from the game, only returning to professional competition in 2007.
As she contemplated breaking the record of Virginia Wade, who reached the third round at Wimbledon in 1985 aged 39, Date-Krumm recalled how close she came to glory.
‘I remember it well,’ she said. ‘I could still see the ball but Steffi just didn’t want to play.
‘The supervisor came and said that it was too dark and that we needed to come back the next day, so I had no choice.
‘When I came back, Steffi was back to normal and I had no chance. It was the closest I came to reaching a Grand Slam final.’
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