LONDON — Rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about the torrent of social media abuse he has faced, following emotional calls for action from British player Katie Boulter, who described the messages directed at him as "disgusting."
The 21-year-old Spanish phenom, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, revealed in a recent interview that he has been targeted with hateful comments and threats online, particularly after high-profile matches. Boulter, who has been vocal about mental health in sports, demanded stricter measures from tennis governing bodies to protect players from such abuse.
Alcaraz Speaks Out on Social Media Abuse
Alcaraz, known for his electrifying performances on court, admitted that the negativity has taken a toll on him. "It’s tough to read some of the things people say. I try to focus on the positive, but sometimes it’s hard to ignore," he shared during a press conference at Wimbledon.
The two-time Grand Slam champion emphasized that while criticism is part of the sport, personal attacks cross a line. "I understand fans have opinions, but there’s a difference between critique and abuse," he added.
Boulter’s Emotional Plea for Action
Katie Boulter, who has faced her own battles with online harassment, broke down in tears while discussing Alcaraz’s situation. "It’s disgusting what he’s had to deal with. No one should have to go through that," she said in an emotional post-match interview.
Boulter called for immediate action from the ATP, WTA, and social media platforms to curb online abuse. She highlighted several key steps that could be taken:
- Stronger moderation of comments on players’ social media profiles
- Faster response times for reporting abusive content
- Harsher penalties for repeat offenders, including potential bans from tournaments
The Wider Issue in Tennis
Alcaraz’s experience is far from isolated. Recent studies show that over 60% of professional tennis players have faced some form of online abuse, with women and younger players disproportionately affected.
The ATP and WTA have both introduced initiatives to combat the problem, including mental health support and partnerships with social media companies. However, players argue that more needs to be done.
Quotes from the Tennis Community
Several high-profile figures have rallied behind Alcaraz and Boulter. Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz’s compatriot and mentor, stated, "Carlos is one of the most respectful players on tour. He doesn’t deserve this treatment."
Former world No. 1 Andy Murray also weighed in, tweeting: "Social media companies must take responsibility. The abuse players receive is unacceptable and has real consequences."
What’s Next?
The ATP has confirmed it is reviewing its policies, with potential updates expected before the US Open. Meanwhile, Alcaraz has vowed to continue speaking out. "If sharing my story helps others, it’s worth it," he said.
Boulter, meanwhile, has launched a campaign with mental health charities to raise awareness about the impact of online abuse. "We need to protect the next generation of players," she emphasized.
As the tennis world grapples with this issue, one thing is clear: the calls for change are growing louder, and players like Alcaraz and Boulter are leading the charge.