Rennae Stubbs, who used to coach Serena Williams, and Martina Navratilova both expressed disapproval towards Camila Giorgi’s behavior while playing against Venus Williams at the Birmingham Classic.
After Beijing 2019, Williams finally clinched a victory against a top-50 contender by defeating Giorgi in an intense match that lasted three hours and 17 minutes. She emerged victorious with scores of 7-6(5),4-6, and 7-6(6) to move on to the next round in the WTA 250 event.
At the score of 4-3 and facing a break point at 30-40, Venus Williams slipped on court after hitting a forehand shot and fell. Prior to this, she had been wearing a knee brace. The incident was marked by controversy as Camila Giorgi continued with the play and even celebrated winning the point.
On social media, Rennae Stubbs voiced her disapproval of Giorgi’s enthusiastic celebration despite the former World No. 1’s loss and shared a video highlighting how determined the American appeared once she resumed serving. She emphasized that no player would like to see such an expression coming from their opponent across the court.
Stubbs tweeted, “When @Venuseswilliams fell over and screamed, Camilla Giorgi shouted ‘Si!’ This could possibly be the lowest moment of her career. You definitely don’t want to face Venus now!” C’mon Vee!
In response to Stubbs’ post, Martina Navratilova expressed that Giorgi’s behavior was “disgusting” and Venus Williams’ ultimate victory was a just outcome.
Stubbs asserted that she had reviewed the moment again in order to confirm that it was Giorgi who cheered.
Stubbs replied, “Oh yes, it certainly did. I had to rewind the scene just to make sure that it was really her. It was quite unpleasant!”
According to Navratilova, the Italian’s behavior was more serious than what occurred between Marie Bouzkova and Sara Sorribes Tormo during the recently finished French Open.
During their doubles match at Roland Garros, Bouzkova and Sorribes Tormo sparked a dispute by calling for Miyu Kato to be disqualified after she accidentally hit a ball girl while returning the ball.
Navratilova added that the behavior was “even more unacceptable than what Bouzkova and Sorribes did at RG. It is truly shameful.”
Navratilova tweeted, “If that is how it occurred, Giorgi’s behavior is revolting. However, Venus still emerged victorious- she deserves the win.”