Destanee Aiava exposes vicious online bullying after tennis triumphs turn toxic
Australian tennis player Destanee Aiava has called out online bullying after sharing abusive messages from a troll. The 26-year-old, who became a fan favourite at the 2024 Australian Open, posted screenshots of the attacks on Instagram. She made it clear that body shaming and hateful comments are not just 'opinions' but serious forms of abuse.
Aiava first gained widespread attention in 2024 after securing her first Grand Slam win against Belgium’s Greet Minnen. The victory boosted her confidence, and she later shared how the moment had positively impacted her mindset.
In January 2026, she revealed on Instagram that she would be taking time to focus on her mental health. This announcement followed years of struggles, including a suicide attempt on Easter Sunday in 2022. Recently, Aiava exposed a messenger who targeted her appearance. The messages included insults like, 'Tennis isn't for you try finding something else. Maybe competitive eating?' and 'How's it stupid if I'm telling the truth how's it evil lmaooo ur literally big af and cannot for the life of you play tennis.' Instead of blocking the account immediately, Aiava chose to engage, saying she wanted to see how far the person would go. She later responded publicly, stating, 'Body shaming is not a f**king opinion and neither is bullying. If you want to hate on someone, hate in private.' She also criticised the common excuse that cruel remarks are just 'opinions,' calling out the behaviour as outright bullying.
Aiava’s decision to speak out highlights the ongoing issue of online abuse in sports. By sharing the troll’s messages, she has drawn attention to the harm caused by body shaming and cyberbullying. Her stance reinforces the need for greater accountability in how athletes are treated on social media.
