Giorgi appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s list of retired players last week, meaning she is no longer part of the anti-doping system required to play professional tennis. The 32-year-old played her last match in Miami and was not on the list for the upcoming French Open.
Questions started to be raised as Giorgi herself did not confirm her retirement for several days, and it emerged that the WTA were reportedly unable to contact the Italian or her immediate family. The Italian media later claimed that Giorgi fled to the USA with authorities in her homeland looking to question her regarding gaps in her tax returns.
The four-time title winner finally broke her silence on Saturday to confirm her retirement. And Giorgi’s lawyers have now released a statement, addressing her hasty retirement and decision to flee Italy.
“Camila will return to Italy soon,” her lawyers Federico Marini and Cristian Carmelo Nicotra said. Addressing the financial authorities’ investigation, they claimed that Giorgi did not leave her home country to avoid questioning.
Her lawyers continued: “The removal from the Calenzano residence is temporary and due to a divergence of views within the family, and the desire to take a break pause for reflection to decide how to plan one’s life after abandoning competitive activity. No intention of escaping investigations or responsibilities, indeed there has always been maximum transparency and collaboration when required.”
Giorgi’s legal representatives also said that her retirement was not linked to the £400k she owed in unpaid tax, instead explaining that she was already planning to end her career. “It is actually a decision that has been made for several months, since Covid Camila was thinking of gradually slowing down, she had difficulty coping with the stress of competitive activity,” her lawyers added.
“In any case Camila will soon return to Italy and will be able to give all the necessary explanations, also through her lawyers, in the competent offices.” It comes after Giorgi took to Instagram to address her sudden retirement.
“Please trust this Instagram for truthful information. To my lovely fans, I am happy to formally announce retirement from my tennis career. I am so grateful for your wonderful love and support for so many years,” the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist wrote.
“I cherish all the beautiful memories. There have been many inaccurate rumours about my future plans, so I look forward to providing more information about exciting opportunities ahead. It is a joy to share my life with you, and let’s continue this journey together. With much love, Camila.”