Elina Svitolina, one of the most remarkable tennis players, has been talked about again, not for her qualities on the court, but for the avalanche of insults and threats that she received following her recent defeat against Naomi Osaka. Visibly affected, the Ukrainian player melted into tears by denouncing hostile and racist messages addressed to her family.
Svitolina, whose career in tennis has already been strewn with pitfalls, has been devastated by the treatment she and her husband suffered. The player shared the details of attacks on social networks, revealing messages containing death threats and racist insults towards her husband, also tennis player Gaël Monfils.
In his publication, Svitolina could not contain his indignation and said that “the way they speak to women, to mothers, is shameful”. These words have deeply resonated in the sports community and in all tennis enthusiasts, aroused a debate on online violence and the treatment reserved for women in public space, especially when they do not meet the expectations of certain fans.
What is the most overwhelming in this situation is that the abuses of which Svitolina has been a victim are not only personal, but also affect his family. In a sport where emotions are on edge, defeat can be a blow, but the reaction of some, which use verbal and racial violence, is completely unacceptable. The athlete was not only the victim of direct attacks, but also of toxic behaviors which affect the dignity of women in sport and in society in general.
However, in the midst of this wave of hostility, Svitolina also wanted to thank his fans for their support. “Thank you to all those who sent me messages of encouragement and solicitude for my family,” he wrote in his message, stressing that, despite the difficult moments, it is the love and solidarity of his fans who give him the strength to move forward.
The situation of Elina Svitolina underlines the urgency of a more in -depth reflection on online behavior and respect for public figures, in particular women. If some devote themselves to encouraging hatred, others, like Svitolina, continue to fight not only for their sporting exploits, but also for human dignity and respect for others.
This episode not only aims to raise awareness of online violence, but also to remind us that competition and sport must be a reflection of positive values and mutual respect. The attitude towards women, mothers and families in sport must change, and it is up to us to materialize this change.
In conclusion, Svitolina, by her courage to share this painful experience, launched not only a message against abuse, but also testifies to his gratitude to those who support her in these difficult times. As she herself said: “We don’t need more hatred, we need more love and respect. »»
