Ilie Nastase investigated over ‘racial slur’ on Serena Williams’ pregnancy | Tennis News - Hindustan Times
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Ilie Nastase investigated over ‘racial slur’ on Serena Williams’ pregnancy

London | ByAgence France-Presse
Apr 22, 2017 06:52 PM IST

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has launched an investigation into Romania’s Fed Cup captain Ilie Nastase after the former world No 1 allegedly made a derogatory comment about Serena Williams’ unborn child

Romanian tennis great Ilie Nastase is subject of an investigation by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) over an alleged racist remark about Serena Williams’ pregnancy.

Serena Williams revealed on Wednesday that she is expecting her first baby but intends to return to the WTA circuit in 2018. She is due to give birth in September, the same month she turns 36.(AP)
Serena Williams revealed on Wednesday that she is expecting her first baby but intends to return to the WTA circuit in 2018. She is due to give birth in September, the same month she turns 36.(AP)

Nastase, who is Romania’s Fed Cup captain, was heard to say to a member of the team at Friday’s press conference ahead of a tie with Britain: “Let’s see what colour it (the baby) has. Chocolate with milk?”

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“The ITF does not tolerate discriminatory and offensive language and behaviour of any kind,” the governing body for tennis said in a statement.

Former World No 1 Ilie Nastase, who is Romania’s Fed Cup captain, was heard to say to a member of the team at Friday’s press conference: “Let’s see what colour it (the baby) has. Chocolate with milk?” (Getty Images)
Former World No 1 Ilie Nastase, who is Romania’s Fed Cup captain, was heard to say to a member of the team at Friday’s press conference: “Let’s see what colour it (the baby) has. Chocolate with milk?” (Getty Images)

“We are aware of alleged comments made by Romanian captain Ilie Nastase and have begun an immediate investigation so that we have the full facts of the situation before taking further and appropriate action.”

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The reporting of the remark prompted the 70-year-old former world number one on Saturday to burst into the press centre at Constanta and lambast the Press Association’s tennis correspondent for she said two to three minutes.

“Why did you write that? You’re stupid, you’re stupid,” he said to her.

Britain’s Press Association said his tirade has also been passed on to the ITF.

Nastase, who won two Grand Slam titles with the 1972 US Open and 1973 French Open, has previous history with Williams.

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In late March he made unsubstantiated allegations about her doping record.

Nastase, who had a reputation as a playboy during and after his playing career, also made a number of inappropriate remarks to Britain captain Anne Keothavong ahead of the weekend tie between the two countries.

He asked for her room number during the official dinner on Thursday and then repeated the request when the captains posed together for photographs following Friday’s draw while putting his arm tightly around Keothavong’s shoulder.

Williams, one of the greatest players of all time, revealed Wednesday she is expecting her first baby but intends to return to the WTA circuit in 2018.

Williams is due to give birth in September, the same month she turns 36.

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