Italian tennis player Camila Giorgi has had a solid career so far, with three singles titles and over 400 match victories on tour. However, the No. 66 in the world is now embroiled in a fake vaccine certificate scandal that could imperil her professional career.
According to Yahoo! Sports, Daniela Grillone, a doctor for Giorgi’s family, alleged in an interview with Italian media that Camila received a fake COVID-19 vaccine certificate and that no other family members have received the shot as well.
Grillone was arrested in February 2022 over fake vaccines and providing fake documentation to patients.
“The Giorgi family has been under treatment with me for a long time. Camila Giorgi suffered from the so-called tennis elbow,” Grillone told Italian publication Corriere del Veneto recently. “Shortly before the beginning of summer, she had come asking for the possibility of obtaining false proof of all the mandatory vaccines, as well as the Covid vaccine. I can confirm with absolute certainty that none of the vaccines against the Giorgi family have actually been administered.
“I have not received any payment in that case. I am deeply upset and sorry for my action.”
Giorgi did play in the Australian Open in 2022 where proof of vaccination was required, something that got men’s tennis star Novak Djokovic infamously deported. The 31-year-old also played at the US Open last year when foreign visitors were still required to provide documentation of vaccination.
A WTA spokesperson told News.com.au that it was monitoring the investigation.
“We are aware of the allegations and are currently monitoring the situation and any investigations that may be brought forward,” the spokesperson said.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.