The 2017 champion lost to Angelique Kerber 5-7 6-2 6-3 in Friday's third-round match, and was then subjected to what she estimates was more than 2,000 offensive or angry comments; Stephens then posted supportive messages she received from her team
Monday 6 September 2021 08:50, UK
American Sloane Stephens says the "hate is so exhausting and never ending" after receiving a torrent of racist and sexist abuse on social media after her US Open exit.
The 2017 champion lost to Angelique Kerber 5-7 6-2 6-3 in Friday's third-round match, and was then subjected to what she estimates was more than 2,000 offensive or angry comments.
"It's so hard to read messages like these, but I'll post a few so you guys can see what it's like after a loss," the 28-year-old wrote in an Instagram story, before sharing some of the threats and abuse she received.
"This type of hate is so exhausting and never ending," she added after showing three screengrabs.
"This isn't talked about enough, but it really freaking sucks... I'm happy to have people in my corner who support me. I'm choosing positive vibes over negative ones.
"I choose to show you guys happiness on here, but it's not always smiles and roses."
A Facebook spokesperson has told Sky Sports News: "The racist abuse directed at Sloane Stephens after the U.S. Open is abhorrent.
"No one should have to experience racist abuse anywhere, and sending it on Instagram is against our rules. In addition to our work to remove comments and accounts that repeatedly break our rules, there are safety features available, including Comment Filters and Message Controls, which can mean no one has to see this type of abuse.
"No single thing will fix this challenge overnight but we're committed to the work to keep our community safe from abuse."
Stephens, who has been ranked as high as world number three, then posted supportive messages she received from her team after the loss, the people she called "the only ones who matter".
Stephens entered this year's season-ending grand slam at Flushing Meadows ranked 66th despite reaching the last 16 at Roland Garros and the third round at Wimbledon.
Defying her unextraordinary singles record of 15 wins and 14 losses on the year, the American fought from behind on Monday afternoon in a third-set tiebreaker to see off Madison Keys before upsetting No 21 seed Coco Gauff in a night-session match in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.
Earlier this year, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Britain's Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) joined the wide-ranging social media boycott by sports organisations in a protest against online abuse.
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