Polish Tennis Star Faces Social Media Abuse After Tournament Victory

ANTALYA, Turkey — Polish tennis player Maja Chwalińska made headlines after defeating France’s Elsa Jacquemot to advance to the semifinals of the WTA 125 tournament on March 21, 2025. However, the match victory was overshadowed by an onslaught of abusive comments she received on social media shortly after the match.

Chwalińska’s performance was impressive, as she won the first set 6-0 in just over 30 minutes. The second set saw the Polish athlete on the brink of victory, holding a match point but ultimately losing 6-7 in a closely contested tiebreak. The third set determined Chwalińska’s advancement, which she clinched with a score of 7-5.

Despite her success on the court, Chwalińska faced a barrage of hateful messages online once she checked her Instagram after the match. Among the derogatory remarks, one user referred to her as the “biggest clown” in professional sports, while others included more disturbing comments, including wishing harm upon her family. “What is this trash doing in professional sports?” read one comment.

In her Instagram story, Chwalińska shared screenshots of the hateful comments she received, stating, “Even after a win, this is what I see on my profile.” She concluded her post with laughing emojis, indicating her disregard for the online vitriol.

The incident highlights an ongoing issue in professional sports, particularly for female athletes who often face abuse and harassment in online spaces. In recent weeks, fellow competitor Dalma Galfi, who is associated with Jan Zieliński, also encountered severe criticism on social media after her loss in qualification for the same tournament.

Chwalińska’s experience serves as a reminder that athletes can be subjected to abuse for both wins and losses. Many sportswomen have spoken out about the prevalence of online harassment and the impact it has on their mental health.