"We are HUMAN" - Joao Sousa discloses death threats, insults and social media abuse after his elimination from Girona Challenger

Portuguese tennis player Joao Sousa recently revealed that he was subjected to a barrage of threats, insults, and social media abuse following his early exit from the 2023 Girona Challenger tournament.

Sousa participated in the Challenger tournament held in Spain. He emerged victorious in the first round (Round of 32), defeating Argentinian player Andrea Collarini 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. The win secured him a spot in the second round of the tournament.

The 34-year-old suffered a disappointing defeat during the second round (Round of 16) of the tournament. His opponent, Argentinean player Mariano Navone, proved to be a tough competitor, ultimately winning the match 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

After his early departure, Joao Sousa took to social media to share the disturbing messages he had received. These messages were riddled with threats, insults, and abusive language.

The vicious attacks on his character and abilities were both unwarranted and unjustified, which has left him disheartened.

Joao Sousa received death threats and abuse

In response to the incident, Joao Sousa has spoken out about the prevalence of such abuse in the sport. He took to Instagram to acknowledge that he and his colleagues often receive messages of this nature, and emphasized the online harassment in tennis.

"I would like to explain to everyone a reality that many people are unaware of, but unfortunately tennis professionals have to deal with it every week. There have already been several professional colleagues who have exposed this problem and the vast majority of us have already learned to deal with it; however, this time I join them," Sousa wrote.

The former World No. 28 wrote that these types of messages are frequently sent by gamblers who are quick to harbor intense animosity towards the players. They tend to forget that these athletes are human beings, and should not be subjected to such hateful rhetoric.

"I am exhausted from receiving messages from gamblers with threats, insults, provocations and little understanding of what it means to sacrifice to be a professional tennis player," he continued.

"Unfortunately, the world of betting, which has all my respect, has brought this not-so-good side and these people forget that the recipient of these messages, apart from being tennis professionals, we are above all HUMANS! Humans with feelings, emotions, days like everyone else, who deal with our own problems and give our best despite victory or defeat. I'm not asking you to follow me or like me, I simply demand RESPECT, thank you!" Sousa added.

Joao Sousa's Instagram story

Joao Sousa moves forward in doubles at Girona Challenger with partner Francisco Cabral

Sousa at the 2022 French Open

Joao Sousa is still part of the Girona Challenger tournament where he has teamed up with compatriot Francisco Cabral to compete in the doubles category.

In their first match on Tuesday, March 28, the duo defeated Sweden’s Filip Bergevi and Greek Petros Tsitsipas 7-6, 6-1, securing their spot in the second round.

On Thursday, March 30, the Portuguese duo will face Sanjar Fayziev and Markos Kalovelonis in the second round.