Controversy-stricken Ilie Nastase has pledged to walk away from tennis if he is punished by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for his behaviour in the Fed Cup.
The 70-year-old Romanian Fed Cup captain has been given a provision suspension following his antics last week. During Great Britain’s clash with Romania, he was removed from the court. During a heated confrontation with British captain Anne Keothavong and Jo Konta, Nastase called them “F******* bitches” numerous times. The incident occurred a day after he made a controversial remark regarding Serena Williams’ unborn baby, speculating the child will be ‘dark chocolate with white.’
“The last few days have been difficult for me. My words during the Fed Cup have rightfully caused controversy and upset the audience, the press and, most painfully for me, the tennis world. I will not attempt to defend my words, but I can assure you they only stemmed from my genuine desire to defend the Romanian team and Romanian tennis.” Nastase said in a Statement on Friday.
Despite the apology, the former world No.1 remains defiant. Last Sunday he returned to the venue to have lunch with friends a day after having his credentials removed. He eventually left the premises following a media frenzy.
In a telephone interview with the BBC, he has threatened to quit tennis if the ITF formally punishes him for his behaviour. Shortly after the incident, the Romanian tennis federation sent a ‘memorandum’ to the ITF in Nastase’s defence.
“If I am not allowed to go and sit in that chair, I’m not going to go. I’ve got other things,” Nastase told the BBC.
“I’ve a lot of businesses. I just said the same to the [Romanian] federation because the girls, they want me in the chair.
“I’m 71 years old. I was number one in the world – I want to see how many number ones go to watch a girls’ match. I want to see that person. I don’t get money, I don’t get anything.
“How many players would do that? And they want to suspend me.”
During his career Nastase has won over 100 ATP titles, including two grand slams. He was introduced into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991.
