American Sloane Stephens acquired a torrent of offended messages on social media, together with racist and sexist abuse, following her third spherical loss to Angelique Kerber on the U.S. Open, the match’s 2017 champion mentioned on Saturday.
Stephens, who’s Black, mentioned she received over 2,000 messages of abuse after Friday’s 5-7 6-2 6-3 defeat, reports Reuters.
“It is so onerous to learn messages like these, however, I will submit a couple of so that you guys can see what it is like after a loss,” she wrote in an Instagram story.
What adopted was a collection of racist and sexist messages aimed at the 28-year-old Stephens.
“Such a hate is so exhausting and by no means ending,” she mentioned.
“This is not talked about sufficient, however, it actually freaking sucks… I am glad to have folks in my nook who assist me. I am selecting constructive vibes over detrimental ones.
“I select to point out you guys happiness on right here, however it’s not all the time smiles and roses.”
Stephens, who has been ranked as excessive as world quantity three, then posted supportive messages she acquired from her staff after the loss, the folks she known as “the one ones who matter.”
“Powerful one yesterday however let me say I actually like the way in which Sloane is progressing and the place we’re heading to,” one message mentioned.
“Really feel tremendous assured concerning the subsequent steps. Let’s get able to win Indian Wells and end the yr sturdy and begin making ready to win majors and are available again to the highest 10.”