Lisbon, Portugal — Elena Rybakina, the world No. 2 tennis player and two-time Grand Slam champion, has deactivated her Instagram account following what she describes as an unmanageable surge in online harassment. The 26-year-old Kazakhstani star, who previously disabled comments on her posts after her second-round exit at this year’s French Open, told reporters before her Berlin Open clash that the abuse had become “too much” to handle.
“It’s impossible to control it any other way, and of course it’s not the nicest thing,” Rybakina said. “I usually don’t pay much attention, but at that point it felt important.” She added that much of the abuse stems from her professional role, particularly when fans lose money on bets tied to her matches. “If these people can’t stop in the moment because they lost some money, I’d rather give the option to comment nothing and then bring the account back,” she explained.
Rybakina’s decision comes amid a broader crisis in tennis, where online abuse—often fueled by betting activity—has forced multiple top players to limit their social media presence. The issue gained renewed attention after her recent defeat at the HSBC Championship, where she lost to Katie Boulter in a match that also raised concerns about player safety following Rybakina’s worrying fall on the grass court. The incident occurred just days after 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko suffered a serious injury during a tournament, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the sport.
Rybakina’s Instagram account, which had previously disabled public comments, was deactivated following her loss to Boulter. Fans speculated the move was directly tied to the abuse she had faced, particularly after her second-round exit at Roland Garros this year. The WTA Tour has not yet commented on the incident, but the case underscores growing calls for stronger protections for players in the digital age.
Why Has Online Abuse in Tennis Reached a Crisis Point?
Rybakina is far from the only tennis player to confront this issue. In recent months, both ATP and WTA stars have spoken out about the toxic environment online, where betting-related harassment often escalates into personal attacks. Lorenzo Musetti, the Italian star, described how abuse has followed him across tournaments, noting that “it’s pretty clear that there are some people from the crowd who bet and cheer for the underdog, even if it disturbs the game.” His comments align with those of Iga Świątek, the former world No. 1, who called online harassment “a sad part of our reality in sports,” citing bots, betting, and even so-called “fans” as contributors to the problem.
Even veteran players like Damir Džumhur, 34, have faced vicious online campaigns, with abuse extending to their families. The issue has prompted calls for tennis governing bodies to implement stricter safeguards, though no concrete measures have yet been announced. The WTA and ATP have both acknowledged the problem, but critics argue more must be done to protect players’ mental health.
How Are Players Responding to the Crisis?
Rybakina’s decision to deactivate her Instagram is part of a broader trend among top athletes. Many have reduced their social media activity, disabled comments, or even temporarily deleted accounts to escape the harassment. Some, like Ons Jabeur, have publicly condemned the culture, calling it “hopeless behind screens.” The French Open champion’s remarks last year foreshadowed the current crisis, as betting-related abuse continues to plague the sport.
For Rybakina, the relief of stepping back from social media has been immediate. “I’m not there to spend all day cleaning my Instagram,” she said. “I have a little help with the content, but it’s not full-time. So, I thought it’s better even for me to spend less time on social media.” The move reflects a growing recognition among athletes that their online presence is no longer just a personal choice but a professional necessity—and one that comes with significant risks.
What Happens Next for Tennis Players and Online Safety?
The tennis community is now watching closely to see if Rybakina’s deactivation will prompt broader action. While the WTA and ATP have issued guidelines on online conduct, enforcement remains inconsistent. Some players have called for anonymous reporting systems to track abuse, while others advocate for stricter penalties against platforms that fail to moderate harmful content.
Meanwhile, the issue extends beyond tennis. Sports like football, basketball, and esports have also grappled with online harassment, raising questions about whether governing bodies across disciplines can—or will—take meaningful steps to protect athletes. For now, players like Rybakina are taking matters into their own hands, prioritizing their well-being over engagement with an increasingly toxic digital landscape.
Key Takeaways: The State of Online Abuse in Tennis
- Elena Rybakina has deactivated her Instagram after facing relentless online harassment, particularly tied to betting-related abuse.
- The issue is not isolated: Lorenzo Musetti, Iga Świątek, and Damir Džumhur have all spoken out about similar experiences.
- Tennis governing bodies have acknowledged the problem but have not yet implemented strong safeguards.
- Players are increasingly taking personal steps—like disabling comments or reducing social media activity—to protect their mental health.
- The crisis extends beyond tennis, with online harassment affecting athletes across multiple sports.
The next major checkpoint will be the WTA’s annual players’ meeting, where online safety is expected to be a key topic of discussion. Players and advocates will push for concrete solutions, including better platform accountability and support systems for those targeted by abuse.
For now, Rybakina’s move serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing athletes in the digital age. As she prepares for her next tournament, her silence on social media may be the only way to find peace in an increasingly noisy world.
What are your thoughts on online abuse in sports? Share your experiences or suggestions in the comments below.