Elina Svitolina (former world No. 3) has revealed that following her 6–2, 6–2 defeat to Naomi Osaka in the Canadian Open quarter-final, she was subjected to horrific online abuse—including death threats—which she blamed on frustrated gamblers who had presumably lost money betting on the match..
She posted screenshots on Instagram, writing:
“To all the bettors: I’m a mum before I’m an athlete.” She went on: “The way you talk to women – to mothers – is SHAMEFUL. If your moms saw your messages, they’d be disgusted.” Some of the messages also invoked the war in Ukraine and included racial slurs targeting her husband, Gaël Monfils, who is Black.
A Broader Trend: Betting-Related Abuse in Tennis
This isn’t an isolated incident. A 2024 WTA/ITF report highlighted that 40% of online abuse directed at professional tennis players came from “angry gamblers”. High-profile players like Caroline García and Katie Boulter have previously criticized the pervasive abuse and the social platforms for failing to intervene adequately.
Boulter even described how some messages escalated to death threats and explicit harassment, often tied to betting frustrations after a loss.
Why It Matters
- Emotional Toll on Players: Abuse like this not only impacts players’ professional lives but also their personal well-being, especially when family is targeted.
- Modern Pressures of Sports Betting: As legal and online betting grows, so too does the risk of fans reacting aggressively to unfavorable outcomes.
- Call for Action: The tennis community—through WTA, ITF, and other governing bodies—is urging betting companies and social networks to step up protections and crack down on abusive behavior.
Svitolina’s experience underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards and more accountability online.
What Svitolina Said (Instagram Statement Highlights)
- “I received death threats… messages referencing the war… racial slurs against my husband.”
- “I’m a mum before I’m an athlete… the way you speak to mothers is shameful.”
- She urged: “If your mothers saw these messages, they’d be disgusted.”
Summary Table
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Svitolina lost 6–2 6–2 to Osaka in Canadian Open quarter-finals |
| Nature of abuse | Death threats, misogynistic and racist messages, explicit violence references |
| Source | Primarily frustrated bettors |
| Response | Public statement condemning the behavior; shared screenshots on Instagram |
| Broader data | WTA/ITF report: 40% of abuse from gamblers in 2024 |
| Calls for change | Industry urging betting firms & social platforms to better protect players |
The Bottom Line
Elina Svitolina’s public confrontation of the online abuse highlights a disturbing aspect of modern sports culture: when fans are emotionally and financially invested, losses can spark hateful reactions. Her statement serves as a call to action toward safer, more respectful environments for athletes—especially women and mothers—on social media and beyond.
