There was so much expectation about this Fed Cup tie between Team GB and Romania. Two top10 players were meant to have a fantastic fight during the weekend (Johanna Konta and Simona Halep), and Sorana Cirstea from Romania was expected to stage an important comeback for her career.
What happened
Eventually, tennis (disgraced) legend Ilie Nastase, the captain of Romania, decided to steal the show. The Romanian couldn’t contain his frustration to enter the court during the match between Konta and Cirstea saying to the umpire “What’s your f***** problem?” Then he also called Anne Keothavong and Johanna Konta, “f***** bitches.”
Simona Halep tried to appeal for calm explaining to the crowd what has happened. Jo Konta was visibly upset to immediately drop her serve and then the players left the court on a 6-2 1-3 score-line for the Brit. After 20 minutes, they came back, and Jo conquered the following five games to win the match 6-2 6-3.
And Nastase?
The Romanian was escorted out from the Arena in full disgrace. The day before Nastase hit the headlines for the wrong reason after he released a racist comment about Serena Williams’ baby. Saying “Let’s see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?”
Probably the guy needs a chamomile.
My second run-in with Ilie Nastase. He then called me ugly off camera, just for good measure pic.twitter.com/pt2begOpTx
— Eleanor Crooks (@EleanorcrooksPA) April 22, 2017
Very admirable of Anne Keothavong being so strong in condemning Nastase’s behaviour both today and yesterday. Could easily have shirked q’s.
— Martha Kelner (@marthakelner) April 22, 2017
ITF investigating Nastase’s behavior. It should find that he’s racist and abusive. Anything short of a ban is too little. #goawayforever
— Chris McKendry (@ChrisMcKendry) April 22, 2017
My snap report on events in Constanta over last 90mins or so. Think Nastase would have assaulted us but for security https://t.co/oxgvl5XMP8
— Simon Briggs (@simonrbriggs) April 22, 2017
Nastase has also let his team down. They don’t deserve this crap. Meanwhile, across the net is someone leading with strength and decency.
— DavidLaw (@DavidLawTennis) April 22, 2017
So yeah, maybe the ATP shouldn’t name one of their groups at the World Tour Finals after Nastase anymore.
— René Denfeld (@Renestance) April 22, 2017
No one deserves this crap from Ilie Nastase, and no one deserves it less than @EleanorCrooksPA. Awesome reporter, mom, person. Fix it, ITF. https://t.co/jQgifu1B8E
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) April 22, 2017
My already immense respect for @JoKonta91 has just gone stratospheric. Impressed with @annekeothavong too. Odious Ilie Nastase, less so.
— Catherine Whitaker (@CWhitakerSport) April 22, 2017
I feel really bad for the the Romanian players. They’re just trying to represent their country and play and Nastase has hijacked it all.
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) April 22, 2017
