Romanian tennis legend Ilie Nastase has apologized in a Facebook post for the recent negative reactions at the Fed Cup match, and for the comments about Serena Williams and her unborn child, which some deemed as racist.

He also explained the events from his point of view. Nastase said that what happened at the Romania – Great Britain Fed Cup match in Constanta was “exaggerated by all,” and that he respects Serena and his comments were just the result of a spontaneous reaction.

“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,” Ilie Nastase wrote on Facebook.

He then continued by explaining what happened on court: “What happened in Constanta has been exaggerated by all. Joanna Konta had no right to speak to the umpire, the team captain is the only one who can do this. I asked the umpire for some explanations in a civilized manner, but he sent me to the stand. In the stand, they withdrew my status as Capitan of the Romanian Team and I became a simple spectator. After this, the referee suspended the match. I do not understand why he did it and based on what point from the regulation?”

Referring to the scandal caused by his comments about Serena Williams and her unborn child, Nastase said that he respects the American tennis player, and that his reaction was spontaneous, as it was the first time when he’d heard about her pregnancy.

“I really respect Serena. She is one of the greatest tennis players of all times and I know how much work is behind these results. At that press conference, I was asked about Serena’s pregnancy. That was the first time I had heard about her pregnancy, and my reaction was spontaneous.”

Nastase ended his post by apologizing for his recent reactions. “I am fully aware that nothing can truly excuse my statements – not the tension of a high-stakes game, not my traditionally irreverent attitude, not the unfortunate escalation of the situation. My life remains dedicated to tennis and its audiences, so please accept my apologies, for whatever they may be worth right now.”

The Romanian tennis legend made local and international headlines last week, after he was heard making a derogatory comment about Serena Williams’ unborn child. During a press conference at last week’s Fed Cup draw in Constanta, referring to William’s unborn child, Ilie Nastase was heard saying to one of his team members, in Romanian: “Let’s see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?”. A few days later, Serena responded to the comments on her Instagram account, calling them “racist.”

However, the bad days continued for Ilie Nastase. He was present at last week’s Fed Cup match between Romania and Great Britain, as he was the Romanian team’s captain. During Saturday’s match, the former Romanian tennis star insulted both British captain Anne Keothavong and player Johanna Konta on court. Following his reactions, ITF Referee Andreas Egli asked Nastase to leave the court.

Ilie Nastase also insulted British journalist Eleanor Crooks twice, calling her “stupid.” All these reactions triggered many negative comments about Ilie Nastase, especially in the British media.

Romania beats Great Britain in Fed Cup tie

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com