Elena Rybakina stepped away from social media due to abusive comments after defeats.
She explained her decision while speaking to reporters in Berlin during the grass-court swing.
What happened?
The Kazakh player said abusive comments had become too much to handle and that stepping back was the best way to protect herself.
Why it matters for Elena Rybakina
Rybakina noted that players are often expected to maintain a social media presence as part of their careers, but she did not want her pages to become a place for comments after losses.
What comes next?
Rybakina also said she did not want to spend the whole day cleaning up Instagram, even with people helping her manage messages and comments.
For Rybakina, the immediate decision was to step away from the platforms and keep her attention on the tournaments ahead.
Elena Rybakina is not the first leading tennis player to speak publicly about the effect of abusive messages online.
Caroline Garcia has also spoken publicly about online abuse after receiving messages following her US Open defeat.
Iga Swiatek has called for more tools to help players deal with abuse, saying tennis authorities needed to give players better protection.
The WTA and ITF published a season-wide report on online abuse and threats, with tennis authorities calling on the gambling industry to act.
Rybakina explained that she usually doesn't pay much attention to comments, but this time it was too much.
She added that for her, it's fine to stay away from social media.
The decision to step away from social media was made to protect her mental health and focus on her career.
Elena Rybakina will continue to compete in upcoming tournaments, prioritizing her performance on the court.
Tennis players have repeatedly spoken about online abuse, and Rybakina's decision highlights the need for greater support and protection for players.
The issue of online abuse is an ongoing concern in the tennis world, with many players speaking out about their experiences.
Elena Rybakina's decision to step away from social media is a significant step in prioritizing her mental health and well-being.
She will continue to be a prominent figure in the tennis world, competing in upcoming tournaments and speaking out about important issues.