Italian tennis star Camila Giorgi is being investigated over allegations she used a fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate to play in tournaments around the world in 2022.
The 31-year-old allegedly entered Australia last year with false documents in order to play in the Australian Open in Melbourne.
It comes as she is currently in the country after losing her qualifying match for the Adelaide International
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Fox Sports reports that the Italian’s personal doctor Daniel Grillone made the accusations that the world No. 66 was never actually vaccinated and had sought out a fake certificate.
Grillone was charged by police last February for vaccinating hundreds with fake serums.
The publication reports that the Italian newspaper la Repubblica broke the news that Giorgi was currently being investigated by Italian police.
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She later confirmed that she had never administered a Covid-19 vaccination to the player in an interview with Italian media.
Grillone told the Italian daily Corriere del Veneto, via Fox Sports: “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.
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“I am deeply upset and sorry for my action.”
Dr Grillone has been cooperating with investigators, as hundreds of medical personnel have been caught up in the scandal.
Giorgi made it to the third round of the Australian Open last year before losing to eventual champion Ash Barty.
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The Italian also played in three tournaments in the United States, including the US Open, with the nation also requiring mandatory vaccination to enter the country.
The 2021 Olympic Games quarter-finalist caused a stir at the French Open last year after officials asked her to change her choice of dress due to an issue with the advertising logo.
Her father and coach Sergio also made headlines at Roland Garros after he was caught attempting to hide his vaping in the stands.
She is scheduled to take part in the Australian Open in Melbourne in a week’s time.
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SPORTbible reached out to Camila Giorgi and the WTA for comment.
Topics: Tennis, Australia, Australian Open
Jayden Collins