Photo: (Supplied: Tennis Australia)
By ABC Pacific
Samoan Australian tennis star Destanee Aiava has hit out at the abuse she received online after her heartbreaking loss in the opening round of qualifying at the 2026 Australian Open.
The 25-year-old lost to English player Harriet Dart 3-6, 6-2, 3-6, and was visibly upset as she left the arena following the game.
She later posted a series of images on her Instagram page along with a heartbreak emoji, which, while drawing words of encouragement and support, also attracted trolling about her appearance and performance in the comments.
She shared one such comment to her Instagram story, saying: "This is a prime example of what happens when you don't parent your kids properly. They turn out stupid and evil".
"Commenting on someone's social media saying you're a big back, you can't play tennis, you're fat, yada, yada, yada, that's just straight up bullying," she said in a video she posted afterwards.
"It is disgusting, disrespectful, and I genuinely don't know why people like this waste their time and energy on athletes who are just literally trying their f***ing best."
Aotearoa Silver Fern athlete Martina Salmon, of Samoan, Tongan and Dutch heritage, told ABC Pacific she's proud of Aiava for "speaking her truth".
"As another Samoan athlete, it hurts to see my people treated this way. Fat shaming and bullying are never okay. Our feelings are valid, our voices matter, and we all deserve love and respect. I stand with Destanee."
It's not the first time Aiava has had to deal with online bullying and fat shaming.
While she had a breakthrough performance in making the second round of the Australian Open main draw last year, she also dealt with online comments about her body type and appearance.
In the video she recorded over the weekend, Aiava said she'd "dealt with this my entire career".
"The way that people think it's OK just because someone is a public figure, that they comment this sh*t? F***ing disgusting," she said.
"Body shaming is not a f***ing opinion, and neither is bullying."
Support from the Pacific community
Aiava's loss in the Australian Open didn't deter her fans, with an outpouring of support from the Pacific community.
Kim Ah-Tong and her daughter Lyana attended the match and said she "inspired us to live our dream".
"As Samoans, we wanted to support Samoans, and I want Lyana to try and pursue tennis, so it was inspiring to watch," Ms Ah-Tong said.
"When Destanee played in last year's Australian Open, that's when Lyana really started following her journey. Hopefully one day I'll get to watch her on the court or playing a sport she wants to pursue.
"We're a small nation, so having Destanee out there and other athletes out there representing us is pretty important to show who we are and where we come from."
"Go Destiny, fa'amalosi, keep going and don't give up," Lyana said.
Online, Samoan professional athletes also voiced their support.
Martina Salmon commented: "As you should! Proud of you girl. You are strong and beautiful."
Samoan UFC heavyweight Tai 'Bam Bam' Tuivasa commented, "On to the next".
Aiava is the only Pacific Island woman on the WTA tour. Fans will be able to see her in action again on Wednesday, January 21, when she partners with Australian Madison Inglis in the first round of the women's doubles.
