Joao Sousa exposed threats and insults on social networks

the portuguese João Sousacurrent 156th in the world, He issued a disclaimer on his Instagram social network and exposed threats and insults he received after being eliminated in the second round of the Challenger in Girona, Spain, against the Argentine Mariano Navone (237th).

The experienced 33-year-old man, former 28th in the world, is not going through a good moment and has had enough of the comments that, unfortunately, according to his own words, are commonplace in the sport. First of all, “we are humans“, he emphasized, tired of anonymous provocations.

“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 we have already learned to deal with it; however, this time I join them,” he began writing.

And he continued: “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. Unfortunately, the betting world, 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, are first and foremost HUMANS! Humans with feelings, emotions, days like everyone else, who deal with our own problems and give our best despite victory or defeat. I do not ask you to follow me or to like me, I simply demand RESPECTThank you!” Sousa remarked.

Far from his best level and with a record of eight ATP losses and two wins this season, he will play from April 3 to 9 on Estoril ATP 250a tournament that awarded him a wild-card to face the main draw.