Jessica Pegula faces online hate after French Open loss as she becomes the target of harsh criticism on social media. The American tennis player was overwhelmed with hateful messages after her loss to French rising star Lois Boisson in the round of 16 at the 2025 French Open, highlighting the toxic nature that sometimes emerges within sports fandom.

Hostile Reactions to Personal Tragedy Amid Tennis Defeat

Following her defeat at Roland Garros, Pegula also revealed the recent death of her beloved dog, Tucker, on Instagram. Instead of receiving sympathy, she was met with cruel messages attacking her performance and character during this difficult period. Among the abusive comments shared by Pegula was one saying,

Tucker wants to know why you can’t hit the ball straight,

and another stating,

Tucker is better off without this loser,

illustrating the severity of the online harassment she faced.

Wider Problem of Online Toxicity in Professional Tennis

Pegula explained that such abuse is not an isolated experience, attributing much of the negativity to sports bettors and the competitive pressures within professional tennis. She noted that every player on the tour endures similar hateful attacks, exposing the widespread nature of this toxic behavior in the sport. This persistent harassment has taken a mental toll on Pegula despite her efforts to remain strong.

Importance of Addressing Online Harassment of Athletes

This incident draws attention to the growing problem of athletes and public figures facing vitriolic social media attacks. It underscores the urgent need for better regulation and accountability on digital platforms to protect individuals from this harmful behavior. Pegula’s bravery in sharing her experience serves as a crucial reminder of how fame and success can bring unwarranted hostility in the modern age.