Romanian Tennis Legend, Ilie Nastase has tendered a public apology for his racist comments on Serena Williams and his outburst during a Fed Cup match that saw him suspended by the International Tennis Federation. The apology comes days after the 70-year-old legend was suspended for speculating about the skin color of the baby, Serena Williams is expecting with her fiance, Alexis Ohanian, who is white. On his second controversy, he threw shade at Britain’s Johanna Konta, who was reduced to tears during last weekend’s Fed Cup competition in Romania.
Taking to his Facebook page on Friday, an apologetic Nastase, wrote:
'I was five when I first picked up a racket. Since then, tennis has been more than a sport or a profession for me. Tennis has been, and is, my life, and for tennis, I have sacrificed almost everything, personal or professional. Unfortunately, now, in my 70s, I have somehow managed to do something I have never wanted or even imagined: to feel tennis moving further away from me.
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.
I’m 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.' he said.
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