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Meet the former tennis star who quit to become a lingerie model

Published 3 weeks ago on Feb 17, 2025

Camila Giorgi, the former tennis star known for her powerful game and unconventional choices, has never been one to follow a predictable path.

From posing in lingerie to facing accusations of tax evasion, Giorgi's career has been marked by surprises, and her latest move is no exception: she's transitioned from player to reporter.

Giorgi, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 26 in the world in 2018 before retiring last May, has consistently defied expectations. Her 2021 season exemplified this. It began with a series of lingerie photos posted on her Instagram account, sparking speculation about her focus and future career. Giorgi responded in the best way possible, winning the prestigious Canadian Open later that year, defeating former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova. This victory, the most significant of her career, seemed to signal a turning point. However, Giorgi remained candid about her passions. "I like sports a lot, but I like fashion more," she stated, acknowledging her mother Claudia Fullone's influence as a designer. She clarified that her revealing social media posts were taken during rare downtime, leaving the public to wonder how she truly saw herself: athlete, fashionista, or both?

This ambiguity has been a constant throughout Giorgi's career. Her talent on the court was undeniable, but her off-court persona often overshadowed her athletic achievements. This week, she resurfaced at the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, not as a player, but as a reporter. Footage on her Instagram account shows her interviewing Argentinian players Sebastian Baez and Guido Pella, leaving many surprised by this career shift.

Giorgi's retirement last year was itself shrouded in controversy. It came without a formal announcement, amidst accusations of tax evasion and unpaid rent in Italy. The owner of a villa in Calenzano claimed that Giorgi and her family left abruptly, owing six months' rent and removing furniture. Giorgi refuted these claims on the Italian chat show Verissimo last October, calling them "laughable." "The house had no furniture and we always paid the rent," she said. She also denied fleeing to the US, stating that she moved permanently with her parents and that her retirement coincided with an investigation by the Guardia di Finanza. Giorgi attributed alleged tax discrepancies to a former lawyer, claiming her family was unaware of the issues.

The circumstances surrounding Giorgi's retirement, coupled with the accusations, undoubtedly affected her public image. Even the WTA struggled to confirm her retirement after her name appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency's list of retired players. Giorgi defended her actions, citing exhaustion and an inability to travel as reasons for her retirement. She also stated that a planned retirement announcement was preempted by the ITIA's publication of the list.

Giorgi's career, which began at age five, has been marked by both brilliance and controversy. Long-time followers of the Italian player have become accustomed to her unpredictable nature. Even early in her career, she faced accusations from private sponsors who claimed they invested in her with the expectation of repayment through future earnings. Giorgi and her father, Sergio, denied these allegations. There have been disputes with the Italian federation, claims of a fake Covid vaccination certificate, and wardrobe controversies, including a disagreement over a sponsor logo at the French Open.

Despite the off-court drama, the focus often returned to Giorgi's potential on the court. Her powerful, high-risk style was capable of brilliance, but ultimately lacked the consistency needed for sustained success at the highest level. Her quarter-final finish at Wimbledon in 2018 was her best Grand Slam result.

As Camila Giorgi embarks on this new chapter in her career, she will always be remembered for her unique blend of talent, unpredictability, and resilience. While her on-court achievements may not have reached their full potential, her victory at the Canadian Open, a moment of pure triumph, will forever be a testament to her abilities. It was a culmination of "all the work we've been putting together through all these years," as she said to her father after the win. And as she transitions from player to reporter, the world waits to see what surprise Camila has in store next.

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