Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina recently voiced her outrage over a series of hateful messages she received on social media following her loss to Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals of the National Bank Open in Toronto. The 30-year-old athlete labeled these messages as “shameful,” highlighting the disturbing trend of online abuse that athletes, particularly those who are women, often face in the wake of competitive defeats.
In a post shared on her Instagram Stories, Svitolina provided screenshots of several vitriolic messages, some of which contained threats of violence and sexual assault, while others insulted her character, alleging match-fixing. Some comments even referenced the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in a derogatory manner and included racist slurs aimed at her husband, French tennis player Gael Monfils.
Svitolina addressed the message-senders directly, stating, “To all the bettors: I’m a mom before I’m an athlete. The way you talk to women – to mothers – is SHAMEFUL. If your moms saw your messages, they’d be disgusted.” In response to the outpouring of negative sentiments, she also expressed gratitude for the supportive messages she received from fans, terming their kindness as “incredible.”
The issue of online abuse in sports has gained more recognition in recent years, especially as sports betting has become more commonplace. Other athletes, such as British tennis player Katie Boulter, have reported receiving threatening messages after losses, with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) documenting rising instances of such abuse. A report from the WTA noted that 15 cases of online harassment had reached a level that necessitated law enforcement involvement. Leading voices in the sport, including U.S. player Jessica Pegula, have called for sports betting companies and social media platforms to take more responsibility in addressing online intimidation towards athletes.
Svitolina’s courage in confronting this issue serves as inspiration for many, shedding light on the urgent need for systemic changes in how online abuse is tackled, particularly concerning vulnerable groups like female athletes. Her message underscores that behind the athlete brands are real people with families who are directly affected by such vitriol.
This continued advocacy highlights the importance of creating a safer online environment for all sports professionals, particularly as social media becomes increasingly intertwined with athletic performance and public perception.