LONDON — British tennis star Katie Boulter has opened up about the emotional toll of receiving vile messages on social media, with her fiancé, Australian tennis player Alex de Minaur, sharing a heartbreaking response to the abuse directed at his partner.
The 27-year-old Boulter, who recently broke into the WTA Top 30, revealed in an interview that she has been subjected to relentless online harassment, including personal attacks and derogatory comments about her career and relationship. De Minaur, visibly emotional, responded by stating that "every athlete has to deal with this at some point, but it doesn’t make it any easier to see someone you love go through it."
The Toll of Social Media Abuse
Boulter, who has been vocal about mental health struggles in the past, admitted that the negativity has affected her confidence. "It’s tough to ignore when people are constantly tearing you down," she said. "I try to focus on the positive, but some days it’s overwhelming."
De Minaur, currently ranked in the ATP Top 10, emphasized that social media abuse is a widespread issue in professional sports. "It’s not just Katie—every player I know has faced it," he said. "The anonymity of the internet makes people think they can say anything without consequences."
A Call for Change
Both Boulter and de Minaur called for stricter regulations on social media platforms to curb online harassment. Boulter suggested that verified accounts and stronger moderation could help reduce abuse. "There has to be accountability," she said. "Right now, it feels like anything goes."
De Minaur added that while blocking and reporting tools exist, they often aren’t enough. "We need platforms to take this seriously," he said. "No one should have to deal with this level of toxicity just for doing their job."
The Impact on Performance
Boulter admitted that the negativity has occasionally crept into her game. "There have been matches where I’ve doubted myself because of what people say online," she revealed. "It’s something I’m working on, but it’s not easy."
De Minaur, who has been a steady source of support, said he often reminds Boulter of her achievements. "I tell her to focus on the fans who love and support her, not the ones who hide behind screens," he shared.
How Athletes Are Fighting Back
Boulter isn’t alone in speaking out. Other high-profile athletes, including Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles, have also addressed the mental health toll of online abuse. Some solutions being discussed include:
- Stronger moderation: Social media companies implementing stricter policies against harassment.
- Legal action: Athletes pursuing legal consequences for extreme cases of abuse.
- Mental health support: Sports organizations providing counseling for players affected by online hate.
Boulter said she hopes her openness will encourage others to speak up. "If sharing my experience helps even one person, it’s worth it," she said.
Conclusion: A Plea for Kindness
As Boulter and de Minaur prepare for the upcoming grass-court season, they’re urging fans to think before they post. "Words have power," de Minaur said. "A little kindness goes a long way."
Boulter, who recently won her second WTA title in San Diego, remains determined to rise above the negativity. "I won’t let this define me," she said. "My love for the game is stronger than any hate."
The couple’s candid discussion has sparked a broader conversation about athlete welfare, with many fans and fellow players rallying behind them. As de Minaur put it, "At the end of the day, we’re all human. A little empathy wouldn’t hurt."