"I wish something terrible happens to you from the bottom of my heart".
"I hate you so much".
"I hope your mom dies soon".
After losing in the first round of the US Open against Mexican Renata Zarazúa, Caroline Garcia, the Frenchwoman with eleven WTA titles and who reached the semifinal in the American Grand Slam tournament two years ago, decided to share with her followers. The comments above are, according to Garcia, just a few of the hundreds she has received after recent losses.
Compare to tobacco companies
"Maybe you think it doesn't affect us. But it does. We are humans. And sometimes when we receive such messages, we are already mentally broken after a tough loss", writes Garcia on Instagram.
The 30-year-old also sees a clear connection between online hate and growing gambling addiction. And wonders why tennis at all has to do with betting companies.
"Tournaments and the sport itself continue to collaborate with betting companies, which continue to draw new people into unhealthy gambling. The days when cigarette brands sponsored sports are long gone. Yet we continue to support betting companies that actively destroy some people's lives".
Gauff recognizes herself
Colleagues in the world top recognize themselves. Home star Coco Gauff had not read Garcia's post when she was asked about it after her win in the second round against German Tatjana Maria (6–4, 6–0). But similar comments also reach her.
It's tough. You can have had an otherwise good day and then someone literally writes "Go and take your life", says the reigning US Open champion according to news agency AFP.
