Caroline Garcia Highlights Social Media Abuse in Tennis

Caroline Garcia has spoken out against the severe online abuse she received following her first-round loss at the US Open, highlighting the emotional toll such harassment takes on athletes. In her posts on social media, she shared examples of hateful messages, including death threats and personal attacks, expressing concern for younger players who may not be equipped to handle such negativity. Garcia criticized the partnership between sports tournaments and betting companies, suggesting that it exacerbates the abuse players face, especially from disgruntled gamblers. She emphasized that while she has developed tools to shield herself from the hate, the problem persists and requires more attention. Other players, including Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys, have echoed her sentiments, underlining the normalization of online threats in sports. Garcia's call for empathy towards athletes serves as a plea to recognize their humanity amidst the competitive pressures they face.