- Online Hatred Towards Zverev: Zverev Declares His Mother Wanted to Be Departed
For Alexander Zverev, dealing with internet hate is straightforward: "Just disregard them." This issue resurfaced at the US Open, with French player Caroline Garcia revealing malicious messages she received. Even Germany's top-ranked tennis player encountered harsh criticism via social media during the New York Grand Slam event.
"Take a look at my Instagram, see thenumber of times my mother's demise is wished for, or mine," Zverev stated. "Fools exist worldwide."
Garcia reported receiving hundreds of hateful messages, sharing distressing examples ranging from insults to wishes for her mother's death. Despite the pain, the 30-year-old has tools to shield herself. "Yet, it's not okay. It concerns me when I think about aspiring players who endure this," she wrote.
Jule Niemeier faced similar ordeals early in her career. Subsequently, she drastically reduced comments on her Instagram posts. "It's truly unfortunate because it diminishes the joy," the Dortmund native reflected after her second-round win at the US Open, discussing her encounters with hate messages. "When you're young and making your debut on the tour, many aren't adept at handling it."
She spends "scant" time on social media, but it's crucial for sponsors. "But I post scarcely from my personal life, also due to such messages, for self-protection, to shield my family and friends," she explained. Her close friend Eva Lys had also publicized hate messages in the past and garnered substantial public backing afterward.
Seeking solutions
However, what long-term strategies can address this issue effectively? Last year, the French Tennis Federation implemented a technological solution to shield players at the French Open from hateful comments. An artificial intelligence is intended to filter messages, and players must scan a QR code before utilizing their social media accounts.
"The WTA and the ATP are investigating solutions," Niemeier acknowledged - but: "It doesn't resolve it altogether. You win a match and still receive such messages, which is completely ludicrous."
Garcia, in a prolonged post on social media, placed the blame on the platforms to take stronger action against hate. She also criticized the collaboration between tournaments and tennis sponsors with betting companies, which she perceived to foster damaging gambling habits. Frequently, discontented bettors can be observed in the comment sections, hurling insults at players following their losses and accusing them of intentionally losing.
Players are united in their quest to combat "this calamity"
Garcia received significant support from the tennis community, primarily from her peers. World number one Iga Swiatek from Poland thanked her. World number six Jessica Pegula from the USA stated: "The persistent death threats and threats to family members are now commonplace." And Tunisian Ons Jabeur responded to Garcia: "Let's all stand together to combat this calamity."
Zverev expressed his frustration with the harmful messages he and his mother received during the US Open, stating, "Take a look at my Instagram, see thenumber of times my mother's demise is wished for, or mine." Garcia's experience at the US Open was no different, with both tennis players highlighting the issue of hateful messages during major tournaments.
