We are just eight days into the grass court season, and we already have our first big controversy. Unsurprisingly, it involves the Italian star, Camila Giorgi. During her first-round encounter against the fan-favorite Venus Williams, Giorgi received a lot of backlash for her out-of-character gesture. After Williams registered a three-set win over the Italian, the two exchanged a cold handshake at the net.

The Italian’s unsporting conduct was on display during the match as well, as she screamed in jubilation after Venus Williams slipped in the middle of a rally and conceded a point. Giorgi was defending a game point on Williams’ serve at 4-3. The unwritten rule in any sport is to show respect towards the opponent during such moments, especially to a veteran like Williams. Thus, Giorgi’s demeanor did not please the fans.

Social media attacks Giorgi for her lack of empathy

The clip started doing rounds on Twitter immediately after the incident. A fan account posted the clip and expressed their shock towards Giorgi’s reaction. The others swarmed the comments section instantly and stood by Williams amidst the controversy.

A fan mocked Giorgi’s old statement where she had mentioned that she did not follow women’s tennis.

A certain Venus Williams fan was very pressed by the reaction.

Fans were also shocked because they had never heard Giorgi celebrate in this manner before.

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While social media users were definitely not happy, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, called out the Italian for her actions. She announced it was “the lowest moment of her (Giorgi’s) career.”

Apart from Stubbs, Martina Navratilova was also unhappy with Camila Giorgi’s reaction. She tweeted, “How disgusting of from Giorgi if that is how it happened.”

The Italian player was also called evil by certain fans.

The Italian was also mocked for not having the last laugh. Williams went on to win the first round of the WTA 250 event, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(6). Thus, the American welcomed her first Top 50 win in around four years.

A particular user was not surprised by this act.

“Zero class, zero sportsmanship,” summed up the fans’ sentiment.

The lack of empathy towards the 43-year-old legend was called out.

The talking point of the match soon shifted to Venus Williams’ emphatic win over the Italian, which involved a final set tie-break. Williams also seemed really happy with her level.

Venus Williams is happy about her incredible triumph

The seven-time major champion seemed pleased by the way she fought. After all, it was her second-longest match, as per records maintained. She said, “I hit some servers at 120 mph today so I was like ‘Oh my god. There it is. I’ve missed you.” Williams was happy to find her serve back, which has always been a key weapon for her on grass courts.

Williams is now scheduled to play the winner of Linda Noskova and Jelena Ostapenko in her next round. She would like to rest on her day off before her next clash would be equally exhausting for the 43-year-old.

READ MORE: On the Back of Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s ‘Winning’ Photo With Olympia, Venus Williams Comes Out With Her Own Unique Take on Triumph

Can Venus Williams notch up more wins here in Birmingham and regain some confidence before Wimbledon? Do let us know in the comments.

Watch Story: ‘Can’t Go Any Higher’ – 42-Year-Old Venus Williams Disappoints Fans as She Pays Stirring Tribute to Serena Williams With an Unfortunate Update on Her Tennis Future