Tennis parents have a reputation. On Monday, things got a little too uncomfortable for the chair umpire, who called for protection from Camila Giorgi’s dad during the Italian Open.
Giorgi’s father, Sergio, who is also her coach, was animated throughout her 7-6, 6-7, 7-5 loss to Sara Sorribes Tormo in the opening round.
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He was sitting in the stands close to the umpire and kept disturbing her. At one point, the chair umpire picked up the radio and asked for protection.
Omg, the umpire asked for someone to be around her because she's afraid of Giorgi's father because he's mad. This is insane! pic.twitter.com/LbDun41xB1
— LorenaPopa 🕵️♀️🎾 (@popalorena) May 10, 2021
“It’s possible for you to stay around?” the umpire asked. “Because Giorgi’s father is very mad and I would like to have someone (nearby).”
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The voice on the other end of the radio replied: “You got it.”
American sports presenter Jill Martin tweeted during the match, “Camila Giorgi’s dad keeps inserting himself into the conversation with the chair umpire. This is uncomfortable to watch, honestly.”
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Through the years, tennis has seen its share of overbearing parents.
Some of the well-known names include Mary Pierce’s father, Jim, against whom the French player had filed a restraining order, Jennifer Capriati’s father, Stefano and Jelena Dokic’s father, Damir. More recently, Bernard Tomic’s father abusive behavior brought him a ban from the ATP.
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