‘I am used to death threats and abuses, but I wish social media didn’t exist,’ says Shelby Rogers
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Shelby Rogers
WTA player Shelby Rogers lost in the fourth round of the 2021 US Open to British teenager Emma Raducanu in straight sets opened up on how she would have to deal with several abuses and multiple death threats.
The American who beat World No.1 Ash Barty in the earlier rounds in New York has often been a victim of unpleasant messages coming from the world of social media.
Speaking at the press conference after her fourth round defeat to Raducanu, the 28-year-old Roger said, “I’m going to have nine million death threats and what not. At this point in my career, I’d say I’m used to it. I kind of wish social media didn’t exist.”
“You could probably go through my profile right now, I’m probably a ‘fat pig’ and words that I can’t say right now. But, I mean, it is what it is. You try not to take it to heart, and it’s the unfortunate side of any sport and what we do,” the World No.43 further added.
‘I’m also very grateful to have had that opportunity on Ashe’: Rogers
Rogers went onto explain that although she felt special playing on the biggest stage in tennis, the abuse from some barbaric fans can knock one off their comfort zone.
“I’m also very grateful to have had that opportunity on Ashe. Not everybody has even had a chance to play there, and I played there three times this week. It’s just trying to keep it in perspective. You know, just focusing on the important things, not comments from people in their mom’s basement. It’s really unfortunate and some of it does get to your head sometimes.”
Along with Rogers, many more players have experienced racial abuse and death threats on social media. Although such unpleasant episodes are still prevalent on the tour, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) says it is working on the issue of online abuse towards professional athletes.
“The WTA works with the social media platforms to shut down accounts when warranted, and if applicable, local authorities are notified,” said the WTA release.
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