Camila Giorgi slammed for ‘disgusting’ act after Venus Williams fall – ‘Venus kicked her butt anyway’

Shahida Jacobs
Venus Williams tumbles
Venus Williams on the ground

Camila Giorgi has come under fire for her reaction after Venus Williams fell during their match at the Rothesay Classic.

The duo met in the first round of the WTA 250 event on Monday and it was 43-year-old Williams who dominated the early exchanges as she raced into a 3-0 lead before Giorgi fought back.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Williams, whose right knee was already heavily strapped, slipped and took a nasty fall while she was serving at 4-3 (40-30) in the opening set. There was a yelp from the tennis great as she hit the ground with spectators and commentators showing great concern.

Giorgi at the other end of the court shouted to celebrate after winning the point and it was accompanied by a fist pump.

Williams picked herself up, dusted herself off and after taking a few seconds to regain her composure, she continued to play.

However, Giorgi’s behaviour did not sit well with former player and current commentator Rennae Stubbs as she described the incident as the “lowest moment” of the Italian’s career.

“Camilla Giorgi just yelled Si when @Venuseswilliams just fell over and screamed! I mean wtf !!! I honestly think that could be the lowest moment of her career!!!! And you NEVER want to see this face coming at you now! Come on Vee!” she tweeted.

Fellow great Martina Navritalova chimed in after the match as she replied: “@rennaestubbs @DonLew87 @Venuseswilliams Serves her right- Venus kicked her butt anyway!!! How disgusting from Giorgi if that is how it happened.”

Williams did have the last laugh as the veteran won the match 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 7-6 (8-6) in three hours and 17 minutes.

“I thought I played really well today, and she played incredible,” Williams said after her win. “I’m so surprised she’s not No.1 in the world.

“There were so many moments where I thought, ‘This match is over,’ then she would hit a shot from out of nowhere. She pushed me to be better than what I thought I could be, and it’s great for me. I haven’t played a lot of matches, and it’s great to come through.”

READ MORE: Venus Williams – aged 43 and ranked No 697 – wins three-hour marathon

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