Elena Rybakina Takes a Stand Against Online Harassment by Deactivating Instagram Account

Elena Rybakina, the world’s No. 2 tennis player, has recently voiced her concerns regarding the pervasive issue of online harassment that many athletes face. Joining the ranks of fellow players like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, Rybakina has taken decisive action to protect herself from the negativity that can accompany competitive sports.

After experiencing a tough defeat against Katie Boulter at the Queen’s Club Championships, where she fell 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 following a hard-fought win over Tatjana Maria, Rybakina disabled her Instagram account. This move was seen as a protective measure against abusive messages, particularly from frustrated gamblers. In a press conference at the Berlin Tennis Open, she elaborated on her decision, stating that it had become “impossible” to manage the harmful comments without taking drastic steps.

“It’s impossible to control it any other way, and of course it’s not the nicest thing,” Rybakina explained. “I usually don’t pay much attention, but at that point it felt important.” She further expressed her desire to limit the influx of negativity by disabling comments on her reactivated account, emphasizing the need for a healthier online environment.

Rybakina also shared her perspective on social media usage, suggesting that if she were not a public figure, her online presence would be minimal. “Sometimes you don’t even notice, and it becomes too much of your time,” she remarked, indicating her preference to focus on her tennis career rather than managing social media interactions.

As she prepares for the upcoming Berlin Tennis Open, where she is the No. 2 seed and has received a first-round bye, Rybakina remains focused on her game while advocating for a more positive online experience for all athletes.