Connecting Online Hate to Betting: "Should We Support This?"

Gambling addiction and online hate are connected, says Caroline Garcia. The former world number four questions why tennis continues to collaborate with betting companies. "It makes me very worried when I think about younger players who are coming up and who need to go through this", the Frenchwoman writes on Instagram.

» Updated:

» Published:

Connecting Online Hate to Betting: "Should We Support This?"
Photo: Pamela Smith/AP/TT

Share this article

"I wish something terrible happens to you from the bottom of my heart".

"I hate you so much".

"I hope your mom dies soon".

After losing in the first round of the US Open against Mexican Renata Zarazúa, Caroline Garcia, the Frenchwoman with eleven WTA titles and who reached the semifinal in the American Grand Slam tournament two years ago, decided to share with her followers. The comments above are, according to Garcia, just a few of the hundreds she has received after recent losses.

Compare to tobacco companies

"Maybe you think it doesn't affect us. But it does. We are humans. And sometimes when we receive such messages, we are already mentally broken after a tough loss", writes Garcia on Instagram.

The 30-year-old also sees a clear connection between online hate and growing gambling addiction. And wonders why tennis at all has to do with betting companies.

"Tournaments and the sport itself continue to collaborate with betting companies, which continue to draw new people into unhealthy gambling. The days when cigarette brands sponsored sports are long gone. Yet we continue to support betting companies that actively destroy some people's lives".

Gauff recognizes herself

Colleagues in the world top recognize themselves. Home star Coco Gauff had not read Garcia's post when she was asked about it after her win in the second round against German Tatjana Maria (6–4, 6–0). But similar comments also reach her.

It's tough. You can have had an otherwise good day and then someone literally writes "Go and take your life", says the reigning US Open champion according to news agency AFP.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

El Bakkali Loses World Championship Gold in Final Meters

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Swedes in Top Teams as Men's Champions League Kicks Off

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Pihlström Advances to 1,500m Final at World Championship in Tokyo

Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold in Pole Vault

Duplantis Wins Third World Championship Gold in Pole Vault

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Thobias Montler Advances to World Championship Final Seeking Redemption

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Pro-Palestinian Protests Disrupt Tour of Spain Cycling Race

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Edlund Sets Personal Best to Reach World Championship Semifinal

Andreas Almgren Reflects on Dreamlike Day After World Championship Bronze

Andreas Almgren Reflects on Dreamlike Day After World Championship Bronze

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship

Swedish Duo Seeks Redemption in Tokyo at Athletics World Championship

Laura Dahlmeier's Body to Be Recovered Despite Her Wishes

Laura Dahlmeier's Body to Be Recovered Despite Her Wishes

Convicted Pedophiles Found Coaching in Swedish Youth Sports Clubs

Convicted Pedophiles Found Coaching in Swedish Youth Sports Clubs

Nanasi's Shoulder Injury May Sideline Him for World Championship Qualifiers

Nanasi's Shoulder Injury May Sideline Him for World Championship Qualifiers

Maja Stark Secures Fifth Place in Ohio LPGA Event After US Open Win

Maja Stark Secures Fifth Place in Ohio LPGA Event After US Open Win

Ragnar Carlsson Falls Short in World Championship Hammer Throw Qualifiers

Ragnar Carlsson Falls Short in World Championship Hammer Throw Qualifiers

Suldan Hassan Targets Olympic Gold at Los Angeles 2028

Suldan Hassan Targets Olympic Gold at Los Angeles 2028

Germany Wins European Basketball Championship After 32-Year Wait

Germany Wins European Basketball Championship After 32-Year Wait

Roony Bardghji Debuts for Barcelona in 6-0 Win Over Valencia

Roony Bardghji Debuts for Barcelona in 6-0 Win Over Valencia

Haaland Shines as Man City Dominates Manchester Derby 3-0

Haaland Shines as Man City Dominates Manchester Derby 3-0

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

Tour of Spain Final Stage Canceled Amid Protests in Madrid

Oliver Solberg Wins First WRC2 World Championship Title

Oliver Solberg Wins First WRC2 World Championship Title