Romania’s tennis idol Ilie Nastase has caused another stir with two escapades. The 71-year-old former world number one was arrested twice in Bucharest within a few hours.
First, Nastase was stopped by the police at 4:45 a.m. According to the police, he was apparently drunk, so he had to take a breath test. The two-time Grand Slam winner refused and was then taken away in handcuffs.
After he finally passed a test, he was fined 215 euros due to the positive result and his driving licence was suspended for three months. In addition, further investigations have been initiated against him.
The following way to a hospital, where Nastase wanted to have alleged injuries certified by the police, he travelled on a scooter. On leaving the hospital, Nastase was arrested again for driving without a driver’s license.
Last year, Nastase, in his role as captain of the Romanian women’s team during the Fed Cup home game against Great Britain, was abusive. A journalist had heard the two-time major champion say about the then unborn baby of pregnant top player Serena Williams (USA): “Let’s see what color it has: chocolate with milk?”
One day later, during the match between his player Sorana Cirstea and Briton Johanna Konta, Nastase offended the guests (“fucking bitches”) and then the referee.
The ITF ultimately suspended Nastase from all official functions until April 23, 2020, but ATP, WTA and Grand Slam tournaments are not affected. In addition, Nastase was fined 20,000 US dollars (approximately 17,000 euros).