TORONTO — Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina has publicly condemned the "disgusting" and "vile" messages she received following her second-round loss to Naomi Osaka at the 2024 Canadian Open, calling out online abuse directed at athletes.
The former world No. 3, who has been vocal about the emotional toll of competing amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, revealed she was targeted with hateful comments after her 6-2, 6-4 defeat to Osaka. Speaking to reporters, Svitolina described the messages as "unacceptable behavior that has no place in sports or society."
A Heated Match and Its Aftermath
The highly anticipated clash between Svitolina and Osaka marked their first meeting since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. While the match itself was competitive, the aftermath took a dark turn when Svitolina’s social media accounts were flooded with abusive remarks. Some comments criticized her performance, while others targeted her nationality amid geopolitical tensions.
Svitolina, who has won 17 WTA titles, did not hold back in her response: "It’s disgusting to see people hiding behind screens to spread hate. These messages affect athletes mentally, and it needs to stop."
The Broader Issue of Online Abuse in Tennis
This incident is not isolated. Tennis players, particularly women, have increasingly spoken out about online harassment. A 2023 study by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) found that:
- Over 60% of professional players reported receiving abusive messages.
- Female athletes were twice as likely to face gender-based insults.
- Nearly 40% of cases involved geopolitical or nationality-based attacks.
Naomi Osaka, who has also faced online vitriol, expressed solidarity with Svitolina: "No one deserves this kind of treatment. We’re here to compete, not to be attacked for who we are."
WTA’s Stance on Player Protection
The WTA has implemented stricter policies to combat online abuse, including partnerships with cybersecurity firms to track and report offenders. In a statement, the organization said: "We stand with Elina and all players subjected to harassment. Such behavior violates our integrity rules and will not be tolerated."
Svitolina’s Advocacy for Ukraine
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Svitolina has used her platform to raise awareness and funds for her homeland. She has donated prize money to relief efforts and worn blue-and-yellow ribbons during matches. The backlash she faced in Toronto, however, highlights the challenges Ukrainian athletes continue to endure.
In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote: "I play for my country, my family, and everyone suffering. The hate won’t break me, but it shows how much work is left to do."
Fan and Peer Reactions
The tennis community rallied behind Svitolina, with fellow players and fans condemning the abuse. Andy Murray tweeted: "Elina is one of the toughest competitors out there. Attacking her is cowardly and shameful."
Meanwhile, Ukrainian player Dayana Yastremska shared her own experiences: "We’re targeted just for being Ukrainian. The tennis world must do more to protect us."
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Svitolina’s ordeal underscores the urgent need for stronger measures against online harassment in sports. While governing bodies have taken steps, players argue that enforcement remains inconsistent. As Svitolina put it: "We need action, not just words. No athlete should have to deal with this."
The incident also raises questions about the role of social media platforms in policing abusive content. With the US Open approaching, players hope for a safer environment—both on and off the court.