Former Wimbledon winner Ilie Nastase will not given an invitation to the Royal Box at Wimbledon this year after the Romanian made a number of controversial and insulting remarks in the press in recent months.
The former World No.1 made remarks about Serena Williams unborn child, insulted Great Britain’s Fed Cup Captain Anne Keothavong, and reduced Johanna Konta to tears during the Fed Cup tie in Romania last month. These are just the latest in a string of incidents surrounding the controversial Romanian dating back to his playing days.
All England Club chairman Phillip Brook confirmed the decision “His actions were not very good and we condemn them. In terms of an invitation to the Royal Box, he is not going to receive an invitation this year.”
Wimbledon traditionally invites retired winners and stars to sit in the Royal Box at Wimbledon during the tournament. Stefan Edberg and Bjorn Borg are regular invitees, and Pete Sampras has also been seen in the Royal Box.
Nastase was never a Wimbledon winner, reaching the final on two occasions in 1972 and 1976, losing to Stan Smith and Bjorn Borg respectively. Nastase did attain the No.1 ranking in 1973, having won the US Open and Roland Garros inside twelve months. He had been a guest in the Royal Box on previous occasions.
There has been talk that Nastase may even be refused entry to the grounds should he attempt to buy a ticket through normal channels though this has not yet been confirmed.
