"I usually don't pay much attention (to social media), but this time it was too much. Since it's our job, we have to post a lot. And I felt that if these people can't stop just because I lost a match, I'd rather not give them the opportunity to comment," replied the current Australian Open champion at a press conference in Berlin.
Despite being the clear favourite, Rybakina lost at Queen's to the Brit Katie Boulter (ranked 56th) by two sets to one. Right after the match, the Kazakh started receiving hate from frustrated and rude bettors on her Instagram.
"I don't want to spend the whole day cleaning up my Instagram. I have people helping me, but they're not on it all the time. I thought it would be better to stay away from social media," said Rybakina.
"For me, it's fine to stay away from social media."
When asked if her decision is permanent, she replied that she still doesn't know. "It was something in the moment," she added.
Rybakina will debut at the WTA 500 in Berlin this week against the winner of the match between the Croatian Donna Vekic (33rd) and the Filipino Alexandra Eala (35th).