Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s going on with Carlos Alcaraz and how it ties into the recent confessions by Iga Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka about online hate:
Context: Świątek & Sabalenka on Online Abuse
Iga Świątek made headlines by publicly sharing screenshots of harsh, critical comments she had received online (e.g. “You have no discipline, no talent…”) after a disappointing result. She framed it as “a sad part of our reality in sports,” pointing out that social media, bots, betting interests, and overly harsh “fans” play a negative role in how players get judged.
She has also called for more tools and support from the sport’s authorities to help players cope with abuse and harassment online.
Aryna Sabalenka, reacting to that climate, has admitted she also receives “hate” messages frequently. She said that over the years she’s learned not to give them too much attention, though sometimes she does check out the pages of people who send them out of curiosity. She called some messages “terrible,” including ones from “mothers” of critics, and emphasized the psychological toll that comes with being under constant scrutiny.
So, the stage is set: two top WTA players have made public that being a target of online venom is real, emotionally impactful, and a burden on them.
What Alcaraz Has Said — “Breaking Silence”
Carlos Alcaraz has now begun to more openly address his own experiences with online hate. While he hasn’t elaborated in a sensational public statement, his remarks and reflections over time reveal a shift toward acknowledging how damaging such attacks can be. Here’s a summary:
Key Statements & Themes
1. “Difficult to deal with”
After winning the 2025 French Open, Alcaraz admitted that social media abuse affects him a lot, especially when he loses matches he “shouldn’t.” He said he has learned not to look at social media as often in those low periods, because some messages are “really heavy” and “can even scare you.”
2. “Very heavy” & “Frightening” messages
He confirmed that among the messages he receives, some are scary in tone. He explained that when matches go poorly, the negative messages intensify, and he has to find ways to protect himself emotionally.
3. Social media is a “double-edged sword” / “ugly world”
While Alcaraz admits he uses social media a lot (for professional and promotional purposes), he also described it as “very ugly” at the personal level. He said people often present false versions of themselves, and anonymous comments can hurt deeply. He’s called words “no worse weapon.”
4. Coping strategy: Turn away when things go wrong
One of his practical strategies is to avoid checking social media when he’s just lost or when things are not going well. He said he’s “learned by experience” that distancing himself helps protect his mental state.
5. Family, break, reset
After a disappointing loss in Miami, Alcaraz said he took several days off with family (vacation) rather than immediately returning to practice. While that sparked some criticism from outsiders (“Why didn’t you just train?”), he viewed it as necessary for his mental reset.
He also mentioned that the hate intensified when people saw he was “not doing stuff” — but defended his choice to step away briefly.
How This Fits the Bigger Picture & Why It Matters
Alignment with WTA voices: Alcaraz’s willingness to speak about negative messages echoes (though in a different context) the confessions by Świątek and Sabalenka. It helps underscore that abuse online is not just a “women’s issue” or something only the WTA deals with — male players also face these challenges.
Breakdown of stigma: In sports (and society more broadly), there has often been stigma around admitting emotional harm or mental vulnerability. When high-profile, elite athletes like Alcaraz admit that the messages can “scare” them, criticize social media, or say “it affected me,” it helps destigmatize emotional impacts and encourages broader awareness.
Need for structural support: Świątek has called for more tools and protections; Alcaraz’s experiences help add weight to that argument. If players across both tours are suffering in silence, the case for better safeguards, mental health resources, moderation mechanisms, and accountability becomes stronger.
Psychological burden of success: The more successful you are, the more exposure and scrutiny you face. Alcaraz (as a multiple Grand Slam champion) is under constant light. So the emotional buffer required is greater. His statements help highlight how performance, public perception, and mental resilience are interwoven.