US Open 2021 - Shelby Rogers expects death threats after straight sets defeat to Emma Raducanu

ByEurosport

Updated 07/09/2021 at 10:38 GMT

Shelby Rogers has spoken out about the hate she will have received on social media after compatriot and former US Open champion Sloane Stephens highlighted the torrent of abuse she got online after losing to Angelique Kerber at the weekend. Rogers was playing in the fourth round of the Grand Slam for only the second time in her career having reached the quarter-finals in 2020.

Shelby Rogers, who was defeated by Britain's Emma Raducanu in the US Open round of 16 in straight sets on Monday, says she expects to see death threats on her social media following the loss.

Rogers was hailed as a hero after she beat world number one Ashleigh Barty on Saturday before losing 6-1, 6-2 to the 18-year-old on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Fellow American Sloane Stephens said she received around 2,000 abusive messages following her third-round loss to Angelique Kerber on Saturday evening.

WTA Madrid

'Tired' Raducanu 'trying to manage energy levels' ahead of Madrid Open

Yesterday at 23:06

• Raducanu crushes Rogers to reach quarter-finals as fairytale continues
• Djokovic 'a beast' in downing Brooksby, says Roddick

Rogers has spoken out about the abuse she will have received and wishes social media did not exist.

"Obviously we appreciate the spotlight in those moments," Rogers said in her post-match news conference.

"But then you have today and I'm going to have nine million death threats and whatnot. It's very much polarising, one extreme to the other very quickly.

"At this point in my career, I'd say I'm used to it. I kind of wish social media didn't exist.

'She literally destroyed her' - Why Raducanu won't repeat Wimbledon exit

"You could probably go through my profile right now, I'm probably a fat pig and words that I can't say right now.

"It's part of marketing now, we have contracts, we have to post certain things. It is what it is. You try not to take it to heart, and it's the unfortunate side of any sport.

"You know, just focus on the important things, not comments from people in their mum's basement.

"It's really unfortunate and some of it does get to your head sometimes."

Stephens posted screengrabs of three comments she received on Saturday and said: "This type of hate is so exhausting and never ending.

"This isn't talked about enough, but it really freaking sucks... I'm happy to have people in my corner who support me. I'm choosing positive vibes over negative ones.

"I choose to show you guys happiness on here, but it's not always smiles and roses."

WTA Madrid

When is Raducanu playing first match in Madrid as she 'racks up confidence'?

Yesterday at 22:54

WTA Stuttgart

'She has the game' - Swiatek ends Raducanu run in Stuttgart, Sabalenka and Gauff stunned

19/04/2024 at 21:56

WTA Stuttgart

'I can just swing and enjoy it' - Raducanu sets up Swiatek clash with win over Noskova

18/04/2024 at 20:28