Camila Giorgi, an Italian Jewish player, lost in her upset bid to reach Wimbledon’s quarterfinals.
Giorgi, 20, who coming into the prestigious tournament was ranked 145th in the world, was beaten by Poland’s third-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-2, 6-3, on Monday in London.
Giorgi had won six matches to reach the round of 16, including a 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) victory over 20th-seeded Nadia Petrova of Russia and an upset of 16th-seeded Flavia Pennetta, also of Italy.
Meanwhile, the Jewish Chronicle reported that the Israeli Tennis Federation may offer Giorgi $100,000 to immigrate to Israel in return for 30 percent of her prize money during the next few years. Her father, Sergio, reportedly is negotiating the terms of the deal with the federation.
For Italian Jewish sports fans, it was another setback after Italy’s loss the previous day in the Euro 12 soccer championship game. Mario Balotelli, the foster son of an Italian Jewish mother, was shut down in the 4-0 loss to Spain after scoring both of Italy’s goals in a 2-1 upset over Germany in the semifinals.
