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Rogers, 28, beat top-ranked player and Wimbledon winner Ash Barty Saturday in a surprising third-round victory before Raducanu defeated her days later. She told reporters Monday perCNN, “Obviously, we appreciate the spotlight in those moments, but then, you know, you have today and I’m going to have nine million death threats and whatnot.”
She said it was “polarizing” to go from “one extreme to the other very quickly,” referring to the reaction to her win against Barty compared to her loss against Raducanu.
“At this point in my career, I’d say I’m used to it,” the tennis star added, but admitted, “it’s not easy, to say the least.”
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Rogers said the “positive support” she receives “vastly overshadows the online abuse,” but reminded her fans, “it’s important to be aware that it does exist so we can prepare & deal with it.”
Despite the online hate, Rogers said she’s always dreamed of being a pro tennis player, and reminded others, “it’s a dream worth having,” adding, “I want you to play this sport, fall in love with tennis, & not worry that it’s toxic or miserable. I am so grateful for what tennis has given me.”
Rogers ended her message on a determined and hopeful note, writing, “I wouldn’t trade the highs & lows for anything.”
“I can accept my bad days, learn from them & push myself to be better bc I know my value as a person doesn’t change with wins & losses,” she continued. “I’ll never run away from the negativity - it’s the reality of social media/gambling/sport but maybe we can expose it and teach each other how to beat it.”
Stephens added, “This type of hate is so exhausting and never ending. This isn’t talked about enough, but it really freaking sucks…I choose to show you guys happiness on here, but it’s not always smiles and roses.”
Tennis proNaomi Osakasparked a larger conversation about athletes and mental health afterwithdrawing from the French Openin May, citing her anxiety and depression. Osaka later alsowithdrew from Wimbledon. After losing against Leylah Fernandez in a third-round match during the US Open last week, Osakatold reportersshe was “going to take a break from playing for a while.”
This year, the United States Tennis Association announced the launch of aMental Health Initiativeat the US Open to ensure players had access to resources like licensed mental health providers and quiet rooms.
“We recognize that ensuring the mental health of the players is an area that needed to be addressed, and we are taking formative steps to give athletes the necessary resources to compete at the highest level,” USTA CEO and Executive Director Mike Dowse said in an Auguststatementannouncing the initiative.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
