Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 3 in the world, experienced an alarming wave of harassment during the French Open after a surprising loss. On Monday, as her fourth-round match unfolded against Lois Boisson, Pegula was inundated with disturbing death threats and hateful messages on Instagram, raising serious concerns about fan behavior in tennis. This alarming situation has brought attention to the pressures athletes face beyond the court.

Disturbing Messages and Player Response

Some of the offensive messages were shared publicly by Pegula on Wednesday, revealing the dark side of online fan reactions. Among the threats, one message accused her of deliberately losing the match:

“You sold this match on purpose. Can’t wait until Karma spends the block back on you,”

while another criticized her personally:

“Just quit playing tennis and enjoy your father’s money! You are literally the most useless top 10 player ever,”

demonstrating the level of hostility directed toward her.

Responding to the barrage of insults, Pegula addressed the behavior of angry gamblers who flood her social media. On her Instagram Story, she stated:

“These betters are insane and delusional and I don’t allow dms and try to remember when to shut my comments off during tournament weeks but they always find a way to my timeline,”

highlighting how the pressure often escalates during tournaments in tennis more than in other sports.

Ongoing Abuse from Fans Across the Sport

Pegula also revealed that she is not alone in facing such abuse, saying:

“Every person on tour deals with it. It’s so bad. Those are just really small snippets. I get told my family should get cancer and die from people on here on a regular basis. Absolutely crazy.”

This confirms the widespread issue tennis players encounter from toxic online behavior, underscoring a troubling culture within some fan communities.

Community Support and Call for Change

Following the incident, Pegula has received an outpouring of support from fans who recognize the unacceptable nature of the threats. Many have condemned the messages, emphasizing that such hostility has no place in sports or society. This episode has reignited discussions about athlete protection, cyberbullying, and the need for stronger measures to safeguard players’ mental health amid intense competitive pressures.

Jessica Pegula’s experience serves as a painful reminder of the emotional toll professional athletes endure beyond their performances, and it highlights the urgent necessity for justice and improved fan conduct at major tournaments like the French Open.