American tennis player Sloane Stephens revealed harassing and threatening messages after her third-round loss to Angelique Kerber at the US Open on Friday.
Stephens wrote on his Instagram Story on Saturday: "I'm human, after last night's match I got 2K+ abusive/angry messages from people upset about yesterday's results. Messages like this are so hard to read, but I Will post something like this you guys can see how it is after defeat..."
Stephens shared several messages she said she had received.
A message read: "I promise to find you and destroy your leg so hard you can't walk anymore @sloanestephens! Fixers and corruption like you should be banned in jail forever! I hope so." You enjoyed your last moments in court today."
"This kind of hatred is so exhausting and never-ending," Stephens wrote. "It's not talked about enough, but it sucks."
Despite the vile messages, the 2017 US Open champion said she is "choosing positive vibes over negative ones."
"I'm glad I have people in my corner who support me. I'm choosing positive vibes over negative ones. I want to show you guys happiness here, but it's not always smiles and roses."
The 28-year-old shared some positive messages on her Instagram story.
"I really like the way Sloane is headed and where we're headed. Feel overconfident about next steps," read one message, while another said : "My Queen, I had a flashback. Proud of your work today. You did what I expected you to do. We love you."
Instagram reviewed accounts flagged by Stephens and removed any accounts that violated its policies.
A spokesperson for Facebook, the company that owns Instagram, said: "The racist abuse directed at Sloane Stephens after the US Open is abhorrent. No one anywhere should experience racist abuse, and sending it to Instagram is under our rules." is against.
"In addition to our work to remove comments and accounts that repeatedly break our rules, there are security features available, including comment filters and message controls, which may mean no one needs to see this type of abuse." Is.
"Nothing can fix this challenge overnight, but we are committed to working to keep our community safe from abuse."
Kerber defeated unseeded Stephens 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in three sets.
"Yesterday's loss is disappointing, but I'm headed in the right direction," Stephens wrote on Instagram.
"Honestly, a lot to be proud of! Fought a whole year and still haven't given up. Never stop fighting! You win or learn, but you never lose."
The US Open, the last Grand Slam of the calendar year, ends on 12 September.