Giorgi banned by Italian tennis federation

Rome - Camila Giorgi has been banned for nine months by the Italian Tennis Federation for refusing a Fed Cup call-up.

The 74th-ranked Giorgi was also fined €30 000 for turning down a request to take part in Italy's tie against Spain in April.

The ban prevents Giorgi from Fed Cup play, training at federation facilities, and from receiving a wildcard for the Italian Open in May.

Giorgi already sat out last year's Italian Open due to the dispute.

Giorgi's father and coach, Sergio, said she asked the federation for a break from national team play so she could compete in qualifying for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany.

Giorgi is the third highest ranked Italian after No. 21 Roberta Vinci and No. 47 Sara Errani.

She has played five ties since her Fed Cup debut in 2014, and won the only point in the quarter-final loss to France last year.