In recent years, several of tennis’s biggest names have stepped away from the sport, sparking hope among fans that some might one day reverse their retirement decisions. After Roger Federer ended his legendary career in 2022, Rafael Nadal followed suit in 2024, playing his final match at the Davis Cup Finals. Andy Murray and Dominic Thiem also bowed out after ongoing injury struggles.
Camila Giorgi was among the notable retirements that year. The former Italian star played her last professional match at the 2024 Miami Open, where she was beaten by world number one Iga Swiatek in the second round. That loss appeared to mark the end of Giorgi’s 18-year career on the WTA Tour.
Now, however, Giorgi has hinted that her time away from the game may not be permanent. Speaking in a recent interview, the 33-year-old suggested she has not completely closed the door on a return.
“You feel these emotions and think, why not leave a door open?” Giorgi said. “Maybe I’d approach things differently, with a lighter mindset. I’ve done many things during this period and, above all, I’ve lived my life. A possible return? You never know. In my opinion, it’s always important to leave doors open.”
Still relatively young by modern tennis standards, Giorgi would have time to compete again at a high level if she chose to resume her career. Known for her explosive and aggressive style, she was one of the most entertaining players on tour, collecting four titles and reaching ten WTA finals. Her biggest triumph came in 2021, when she won the Canadian Open, a WTA 1000 event, by defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final.
Giorgi also enjoyed success at Grand Slam level, reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 2018 before losing to Serena Williams. However, her all-or-nothing approach often led to inconsistency. Her powerful game brought winners in abundance but also errors, particularly on serve. In 2015, she set an unwanted record by hitting 458 double faults in a single season.
If she does return, there is speculation that Giorgi may adopt a more measured style of play.
Beyond her own career, Giorgi has also reflected on the rise of Italian tennis. Alongside players such as Fabio Fognini, Flavia Pennetta and Roberta Vinci, she helped raise the sport’s profile in Italy. Today, that progress is highlighted by Jannik Sinner, who sits atop the men’s rankings.
Praising the world number one, Giorgi described Sinner as a “phenomenon,” noting that he has achieved results no Italian player ever had before.
WTA champion hints she could come out of retirement and make a return to tennis
