Stephens wrote on his Instagram Story on Saturday: “I’m human, after last night’s match I received 2K+ abusive/angry messages from people upset with yesterday’s results. It’s so hard to read messages like these, but I’m somewhat like this. Will post like this, you guys can see how it is after defeat…”
Stephens shared several messages he said he had received.
One message read: “I promise to find you and destroy your leg so hard you can’t walk anymore @sloanestephens! Traitors and corruptors like you should be banned from jail forever! I hope so.” ” You enjoyed your last moments in court today.”
“Hate like this is so exhausting and never ending,” Stephens wrote. “It’s not talked about enough, but it sucks.”
Despite the downright messages, the 2017 US Open champion said she is “choosing positive vibes over negative ones.”
“I am glad that there are people in my corner who support me. I am choosing positive vibes over negative vibes. I’m here to show you guys happiness, 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 leading and where we’re headed. Feel overconfident about next steps,” read one message, while another added: “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, which owns Instagram, said: “The racist abuse directed at Sloane Stephens after the US Open is disgusting. No one anywhere should experience racist abuse, and sending it to Instagram is against our rules.” is under.” 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 can 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.
“Disappointing loss yesterday, but I’m headed in the right direction,” Stephens wrote on Instagram.
“Honestly, there’s a lot to be proud of! Fought all year long and still didn’t give up. Never give up fighting! You win or learn, but you never lose.”
The US Open, the last Grand Slam of the calendar year, ends on 12 September.