NOW ONLINE TROLLS EVEN ATTACK BRIT DOUBLES STAR JOE
JOE SALISBURY has revealed he has become yet another victim of online abuse.
The Londoner and his men’s doubles partner, American Rajeev Ram, beat 2016 champions Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares 6-4 7-6 to book their place in the final of the Australian Open.
But Salisbury and American Desirae Krawczyk (below) then lost in the last four of the mixed doubles to Australian duo Matt Ebden and Sam Stosur.
And world No.12 Salisbury said: “Coming off from the mixed doubles, I had probably over a dozen very negative comments of just basically abusing, getting abuse or commenting on photos and sending private messages. Not very pleasant stuff.
“I’m not big on social media. I don’t think it’s healthy to be using it a lot, especially for players.
“I think the bigger your profile, it becomes negative. I think it’s mostly just gamblers who obviously are betting on you, losing money.
“Hopefully that will get a bit better and soon they will be able to crack down on that.”
Defending Australian Open champions Salisbury and Ram will play No.9 seeds Ivan Dodig and Filip Polasek in tomorrow’s final, seeking a 12th consecutive win at Melbourne Park.
The Brit and the American were not able to train together from November’s ATP Finals in London until a week before the event because Ram spent a fortnight in hard lockdown.
“It was physically and mentally tough for him but I think he dealt with it pretty well,” said Salisbury.