Venus Williams won a marathon match against Italy’s Camila Giorgi on Monday. But apart from the 43-year-old American’s epic performance, who lasted 3h17a streak that occurred early in the first round encounter caught the attention of the tennis world.
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Leading 4-3 in the first set, the legend of seven Grand Slam titles fell on the Birmingham lawn as she attempted to hit back a ball from Giorgi, who was 12 years her junior.
As the crowd held their breath, waiting to see if Venus had injured herself in the fall, the Italian celebrated the point with a very audible “Ja!” (“Yes!”) (see below).
And in tennis, a sport where it’s also frowned upon to swing your fist at an opponent’s double fault, you don’t do that.
Venus Williams slips and falls against Camila Giorgi.
That could have been a lot worse. She is already playing with an injured knee. Luckily she’s fine 🙏🏼
The crowd cheered her as she stood up again ❤️ pic.twitter.com/U93EeolUvz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 19, 2023
As former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs noted, when Williams stood up, let’s just say there was fire in her eyes.
Camilla Giorgi just yelled Si when @Venuseswilliams I just fell over and screamed! I mean wtf!!! I honestly think this might be the lowest moment of her career!!!! And you NEVER want to see that face coming your way now! Come on Vee! pic.twitter.com/q9QvZ2N8de
— Rennae Stubbs 🟦👍🏼 (@rennaestubbs) June 19, 2023
The eldest of the Williams sisters eventually got her revenge in the best way possible: by signing a first win at the expense of a player who has since ranked in the WTA top 50 (2021 National Bank Open champion Giorgi is 48th). . 2019
After a rather cold handshake at the net, Venus then praised her opponent on the pitch. “I think I played so well today. But she’s also had amazing performances, she said. I’m really surprised she’s not number 1 in the world.
Was it irony… or a class lesson?