We are just eight days into the grass court season, and we already have our first big controversy. Unsurprisingly, it involves the Italian star, Camila Giorgi. During her first-round encounter against the fan-favorite Venus Williams, Giorgi received a lot of backlash for her out-of-character gesture. After Williams registered a three-set win over the Italian, the two exchanged a cold handshake at the net.
The Italian’s unsporting conduct was on display during the match as well, as she screamed in jubilation after Venus Williams slipped in the middle of a rally and conceded a point. Giorgi was defending a game point on Williams’ serve at 4-3. The unwritten rule in any sport is to show respect towards the opponent during such moments, especially to a veteran like Williams. Thus, Giorgi’s demeanor did not please the fans.
Social media attacks Giorgi for her lack of empathy
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The clip started doing rounds on Twitter immediately after the incident. A fan account posted the clip and expressed their shock towards Giorgi’s reaction. The others swarmed the comments section instantly and stood by Williams amidst the controversy.
like HELLO???????????? https://t.co/0XTr98QgzX pic.twitter.com/g73o5i30VQ
— Marty (@Svitoflopina) June 19, 2023
A fan mocked Giorgi’s old statement where she had mentioned that she did not follow women’s tennis.
She doesnt follow tennis
Women tennis
And she doesnt follow tennis
Im sure she doesnt know who tf venus williams is 💀💀 https://t.co/jsD5tLY43R— allergic era (@obstrzal69) June 19, 2023
A certain Venus Williams fan was very pressed by the reaction.
oh now youre going to hell camila https://t.co/ltvld8roKK
— keeping up w krejcikova (@simasgarden) June 19, 2023
Fans were also shocked because they had never heard Giorgi celebrate in this manner before.
Never makes a decibel of sound on court, but decides to fire herself up when her opponent falls??😭 https://t.co/7de288i8Ew
— . (@Vee16Queen) June 19, 2023
While social media users were definitely not happy, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, called out the Italian for her actions. She announced it was “the lowest moment of her (Giorgi’s) career.”
Literally never heard her say Allez before and now she does it. ☠️ Peak trolling https://t.co/20vx9zsQIf
— dfk (@returnofserve) June 19, 2023
Apart from Stubbs, Martina Navratilova was also unhappy with Camila Giorgi’s reaction. She tweeted, “How disgusting of from Giorgi if that is how it happened.”
The Italian player was also called evil by certain fans.
What an evil woman https://t.co/gXeYkMhE4e
— K1ngs (@k1ngs93) June 19, 2023
The Italian was also mocked for not having the last laugh. Williams went on to win the first round of the WTA 250 event, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(6). Thus, the American welcomed her first Top 50 win in around four years.
And she still lost 🤭 https://t.co/FBVhvuTMQF
— hater first (@dhlfastestlap) June 19, 2023
A particular user was not surprised by this act.
Is anyone surprised by her attitude anymore? Unlikeable. https://t.co/mn2btCvK99
— Swetha (@shevarafa) June 19, 2023
“Zero class, zero sportsmanship,” summed up the fans’ sentiment.
Zero class, zero sportsmanship, but my guess, she'll say she didn't "notice" 🙄 https://t.co/vVkxPrzJcM
— NoFirstName Grasscourtdalovic (@samstennnis) June 19, 2023
The lack of empathy towards the 43-year-old legend was called out.
losing to a 43 year old who barely played tennis in the past year and yelling come on when she fell.. she has no shame https://t.co/IJdRrcxLJX
— Rachel | Grass Court HATER (@RAFACHARLIGA) June 19, 2023
The talking point of the match soon shifted to Venus Williams’ emphatic win over the Italian, which involved a final set tie-break. Williams also seemed really happy with her level.
Venus Williams is happy about her incredible triumph
The seven-time major champion seemed pleased by the way she fought. After all, it was her second-longest match, as per records maintained. She said, “I hit some servers at 120 mph today so I was like ‘Oh my god. There it is. I’ve missed you.” Williams was happy to find her serve back, which has always been a key weapon for her on grass courts.
Venus Williams: “I hadn’t played her in so long..I think she loves this surface… She’s dangerous out here.”
Interviewer: “So are you”
Venus: “Oh, thank you! And I hit some servers at 120 mph today so I was like ‘Oh my god. There it is. I’ve missed you!’” 😂
Always charming 🥰 pic.twitter.com/wf6jOMGcaZ
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 19, 2023
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Williams is now scheduled to play the winner of Linda Noskova and Jelena Ostapenko in her next round. She would like to rest on her day off before her next clash would be equally exhausting for the 43-year-old.
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Can Venus Williams notch up more wins here in Birmingham and regain some confidence before Wimbledon? Do let us know in the comments.