PARIS — American tennis star Jessica Pegula has opened up about the disturbing wave of online abuse she faced following her early exit at the recent French Open, calling the issue "crazy" and "unavoidable" in today’s digital age.
The world No. 5, who lost in the second round to unseeded opponent Clara Burel, revealed that she was bombarded with hateful messages on social media after the match. Pegula, known for her candidness, described the experience as "mentally exhausting" and highlighted how pervasive cyberbullying has become in professional sports.
The Torrent of Abuse
Pegula shared screenshots of some of the messages she received, which included personal attacks, insults about her performance, and even threats. "It’s wild how people feel entitled to say whatever they want behind a screen," she said in an interview with ESPN. "I’ve learned to ignore most of it, but sometimes it still gets to you."
The issue isn’t isolated to Pegula. Several high-profile players, including Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka, have spoken out about the mental toll of online harassment. The WTA has acknowledged the problem but admits that policing social media is a challenge.
Why Online Abuse Is "Unavoidable"
Pegula explained that despite efforts to filter comments or limit interactions, abusive messages still slip through. "You can block keywords, turn off DMs, but trolls find ways," she said. "It’s part of the job now, which is sad."
Experts point to several factors contributing to the rise in online abuse in tennis:
- Anonymity: Users hide behind fake accounts, making accountability difficult.
- High stakes: Fans invest emotionally in matches, leading to extreme reactions.
- Global reach: Social media platforms amplify voices, both positive and negative.
The Psychological Impact
Sports psychologists warn that constant negativity can affect athletes’ confidence and performance. "Even the strongest players struggle when they’re bombarded with hate," said Dr. Rebecca Symes, a mental health specialist who works with tennis professionals.
Pegula admitted that while she tries to stay resilient, the abuse sometimes lingers. "You replay matches in your head, and then you see people tearing you apart online—it’s a lot," she said.
What’s Being Done?
The WTA has partnered with tech companies to improve moderation tools, but progress is slow. Some players, like Osaka, have taken breaks from social media altogether. Pegula, however, believes more systemic change is needed.
"Platforms need to enforce stricter policies," she said. "Right now, it feels like we’re on our own."
A Call for Empathy
Pegula ended her remarks with a plea for fans to reconsider their online behavior. "We’re human beings, not just athletes," she said. "A little kindness goes a long way."
As the conversation around mental health in sports grows louder, Pegula’s openness adds to the push for better protections against online abuse. Until then, she says, players will have to "develop thick skin—whether they like it or not."