A female Italian tennis star is reportedly being probed after allegedly using false Covid vaccination paperwork. It comes ahead of the Australian Open, which was overshadowed by Novak Djokovic's Covid status and visa debacle last year.
The build-up could be marred once again with Camila Giorgi, a quarter-finalist at Wimbledon in 2018, allegedly using false paperwork. Daniela Grillone, the doctor for the family of the 31-year-old, was arrested in February last year and has since been charged for administering fake serums and paperwork to high-profile Italians.
Last month, Italian publication La Repubblica named Giorgi as being investigated by police for using a false Covid vaccination certificate.
And now Grillone, in a bombshell development, conducted an interview with Italian newspaper outlet Corriere del Veneto, alleging the tennis star never received the vaccine. “The Giorgi family has been under treatment with me for a long time.
“Camila Giorgi suffered from the so-called tennis elbow. Shortly before the beginning of summer, she had come asking for the possibility of obtaining false attestations 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 actions.”
“We are aware of the allegations and are currently monitoring the situation and any investigations that may be brought forward,” a WTA spokesperson told News Corp.
Giorgi played at last year's Australian Open which required a Covid vaccine, while she also competed in three tournaments in the United States, where proof of a vaccination is still needed for non-US citizens to enter the country.
The Covid rules in Australia have been relaxed this year and Giorgi began her 2023 campaign at the Adelaide International 2 on Saturday, losing in the qualifiers. However, she will be in the main draw for the Melbourne Park Grand Slam starring next week.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs in Australia declined to confirm whether officials were investigating Giorgi's situation, due to privacy obligations.
"All allegations of fraudulent or falsified information relating to a visa application are assessed to determine the veracity of the claims," the spokesperson said. "If a document submitted in support of a visa application is found to be fraudulent, the visa may be refused or cancelled."
Meanwhile, Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley also remained tight-lipped about the allegations when asked on Sunday morning.
"I think there's still a lot to be uncovered on that and I think that's going to be ultimately up to their family and the relevant authorities including the tour," he said. “I don't really know any further detail."
Mirror Sport has contacted Giorgi's representatives for comment.
Last year’s saga surrounding Novak Djokovic and the decision to deport him following his unvaccinated status will still be on Tiley's mind.
The Serbian challenged the decision and his visa was re-instated, but the then immigration minister Alex Hawke withdrew his visa for a second time. Although he again appealed the decision, it was upheld and he was forced to leave Australia and miss the tournament, which Rafael Nadal went on to win in remarkable fashion.
The Spaniard will be the top seed at the Australian Open this year following the withdrawal of world number one and compatriot Carlos Alcaraz due to injury. But Djokovic looks favourite to clinch a tenth Aussie Open crown following his victory in the Adelaide Open final this morning.
It marked the 92nd title win of his career, equalling Nadal's haul. He also extended his impressive win streak Down Under to 34 matches, dating back to 2019.
