Former world number two Paula Badosa hits back at ‘disrespectful’ online critics after retiring injured in Dubai, reigniting debate on player welfare and social media abuse.
PAULA Badosa has vowed to prolong her injury-hit career after hitting back at “disrespectful” online critics following her retirement from the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The Spaniard was forced to quit her second-round match against Elina Svitolina on Tuesday due to a right thigh issue. Badosa had led 4-1 before losing the first set, after which she called for treatment and retired.
She later responded on social media to a user who accused her of disrespecting the game. “You have no idea what it’s like to live with a chronic injury and still choose to keep going,” Badosa wrote.
READ MORE: Australian tennis star Aiava retires, slams sport’s toxic culture
The former world number two described the daily struggle of managing her physical condition. She said waking up not knowing how her body will respond was part of a relentless search for solutions.
Badosa said facing “endless nightmares” was worth it for the chance to compete. “So I’ll keep trying,” she affirmed in her post.
She pledged to always try one more time for her passion. “If there’s even a 1% chance to keep going, I’ll take it,” Badosa stated.
Her comments ignited a wider discussion about hurtful social media interactions targeting athletes. “For me the only disrespect here is to open social media and read messages like this,” Badosa added.
She expressed little surprise at players suffering mental health issues given the volume of online hate. Badosa criticised the abundance of self-appointed “experts” on social platforms.
The WTA told Reuters that shielding players from online abuse remains a high priority. The governing body is committed to protecting the wider tennis family from vile threats.
Other players have recently highlighted similar toxic experiences. Australia’s Destanee Aiava last week announced she would quit tennis this year.
Aiava described the sport’s culture as “racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile”. She specifically cited the online negativity she endured.
Svitolina revealed she received death threats after a defeat in Canada last season. She blamed “shameful” behaviour on disgruntled bettors.
A survey last year by the WTA and International Tennis Federation provided alarming data. It found angry gamblers were responsible for 40% of detected abuse targeting players.
World number six Amanda Anisimova said the problem extends beyond betting. “I’d say it’s not just betting, it’s overall cyber bullying all the time,” Anisimova explained.
She highlighted constant commentary on her body as a daily difficulty. Anisimova believes people underestimate the profound effect such abuse can have.
