'We are humans' - Garcia calls out 'damaging' online abuse

Caroline Garcia revealed a number of abusive messages she has received on social media following defeats

France's Caroline Garcia has called out the "damaging" abuse tennis players receive on social media when they lose matches.

The world number 30 suffered a surprise defeat by Mexico's Renata Zarazua in the first round of the US Open on Tuesday.

In a post on X and Instagram, Garcia included images of four abusive messages of "hundreds" she has received recently following defeats.

One included a threat to her family, while another said "a clown belongs in the circus".

"Maybe you can think that it doesn’t hurt us," wrote Garcia. "But it does. We are humans.

"And sometimes, when we receive these messages we are already emotionally destroyed after a tough loss. And they can be damaging.

"Many before me have raised the subject. And still, no progress has been made."

While Garcia felt she had "done work to protect myself from this hate", she was concerned about the younger players who have to deal with similar comments online.

Tennis is a near year-round sport, with the amount of matches making it attractive to gamblers and Garcia intimated that tournaments partnering with betting companies added to the problems faced by players.

"I know those who write these terrible messages won't change because of this," she added.

"But maybe you, next time you see a post from an athlete, singer or any other person, that has failed or lost, you will remember that she or he is also a human being, trying his/her best in life.

"Social media platforms don't prevent it, despite AI being in a very advanced position."

Britain's Katie Boulter was one of a number of players to repost Garcia's message, while women's world number one Iga Swiatek responded, "Thank you for this voice".

US players Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula also commented with the latter writing: "Yep. The constant death threats and family threats are normal now. Win or lose."

Russia's Karen Khachanov said "painful losses" can be "extremely difficult to cope with" from a mental health perspective.

The 28-year-old was beaten by Britain's Dan Evans in a second-round match which lasted a record five hours and 35 minutes and asked people to "be respectful" in such circumstances.

Khachanov said: "Professional sport is often associated with mental strength, but not many people tell you about this mental fatigue, burnout, self-criticism and a feeling of desperation. Don't strike a man when he is down."

As Garcia alluded to, online abuse has been highlighted by a number of players in recent years with former world number eight Daria Kasatkina saying it was "completely out of control" last year.

French Open organisers have even offered players artificial intelligence-protection from social media abuse at the tournament for the past two years.

In 2023, a WTA spokesperson said the governing body works with a risk assessment and management company to shut down social media accounts when warranted.

"Player safety is the WTA's number one priority," added the spokesperson.

"The WTA has been working for several years to educate and counsel players on this issue, as the number of players affected continues to increase and it's an important issue we take very seriously."