Fighting Back Against Online Hate as Tennis Star Eva Lys Soars
Eva Lys is becoming increasingly detested by a growing number of people.
Standing tall against a rising tide of cyberbullying, top German tennis player Eva Lys continues to speak out about the harassment she faces on social media.
In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, Lys expressed concern over the increasing number of hateful comments and insults that come her way. "With my rising profile and matches being shown more frequently, it's no surprise that the harassment has grown," she said.
Lys, now 23 and ranked 60th, first publicly shared her experiences with online abuse in fall 2023, when she was outside the top 100. Her perseverance and passion for tennis have propelled her to the top spot among German players, making her a target for internet trolls.
"I think it's essential to keep discussing this issue—hopefully, it'll decrease eventually," Lys noted, emphasizing the need for change and accountability. "I haven't hesitated to say—if something isn't right, it just doesn't sit well with me," she declared, showing remarkable conviction.
A Glimpse Beyond the Court
With nearly 200,000 Instagram followers, Lys isn't afraid to share glimpses of her life beyond the tennis court. She believes in showcasing diverse aspects of sports and challenging the stereotypes that plague women in the industry.
As preparation for Wimbledon and the top-tier tournament in Berlin begins, Lys reflected on her journey, acknowledging that a Grand Slam trophy may still be a few years away, due to her relatively limited world-class experience. Nonetheless, she remains steadfast in her pursuit, confident that she's "on the right track."
At Wimbledon, Lys will make her debut in the main field, going toe-to-toe with formidable opponents like French Open champion Coco Gauff, world number one Aryna Sabalenka, and 17 of the current top 18 ranked players.
Changing the Game
The online abuse faced by athletes like Lys isn't confined to sports but reflects the broader challenges faced in the digital age. Negative comments can lead to psychological stress, impact self-perception, shift community dynamics, and even affect performance. However, proactive measures can help combat these issues.
- Improved Moderation: Social media platforms can implement more robust moderation systems to swiftly identify and remove hateful content.
- Mental Health Support: Athletes should have access to professional counseling and mental health resources to process online abuse's emotional impact.
- Community Engagement: Public figures like Lys can use their platforms to raise awareness, encouraging positive behavior and fostering supportive online communities.
- Transparent Communication: Discussing the issue openly helps destigmatize it and encourages others to seek support.
- Education and Awareness: Campaigns and educational programs about digital citizenship and the consequences of online harassment can reduce its frequency and intensity.
Eva Lys's unwavering commitment to discussing online hate and her proactive approach can inspire change not only in her fanbase but in the broader digital community. By taking a stand against the tide of negativity, she continues to serve as a powerful role model for resilience and justice.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
[1] Online hate towards tennis star Eva Lys highlights growing concern - ntv.de
[2] Eva Lys discusses the online hate she faces - Tagesspiegel
[3] Social media and mental health: The emotional roller coaster of online feedback - The Guardian
[4] Online abuse in sports: An increasing concern for athletes - ESPN
"Eva Lys's ongoing struggle against hate comments on social media, particularly within the context of tennis, highlights her persistence in standing up to online harassment in sports."
"Amidst the rising tide of online hate, Eva Lys continues to advocate for improved moderation, mental health support, community engagement, transparent communication, education, and awareness, emphasizing the need for change in not just the tennis community, but the broader digital sphere as well."
