Becker defends Ilie Nastase as ITF probe continues

By Nina Pantic May 19, 2017
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Becker defends Ilie Nastase as ITF probe continues

Another chapter in the "Nasty" saga unfolds after he was provisio

ByNina Pantic

Published May 19, 2017

Ilie Nastase's found a way to be in the news every week despite retiring from the game in 1985. It all started with the former No. 1's inappropriate behavior at a Fed Cup tie last month. The 70-year-old directed poorly chosen words toward Serena Williams, British captain Anne Keothovang and Johanna Konta.

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Williams' reaction to Nastase's comments about her unborn baby (he was overhead saying: "Let's see what color it has—chocolate with milk?") was swift:

Nastase, nicknamed "Nasty" in his playing days, was ejected from the Fed Cup tie (which Romania would win), provisionally suspended by the ITF, and barred from attending Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

Last week, the two-time Grand Slam champion was present at the Madrid women's final to present the trophy to fellow Romanian Simona Halep.

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WTA CEO Steve Simon released a statement voicing his displeasure at Nastase's invitation:

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"The only shadow cast on the day was Mr. Nastase’s invitation to participate in today’s award ceremony," Simon said. "He had no place on court today."

Madrid tournament director Ion Tiriac (who is also Nastase's former doubles partner) responded with an open letter that said Simon should apologize for calling Nastase's presence "irresponsible and unacceptable."

Tiriac has vocally defended his friend's character.

On Thursday, Nastase said he has written to apologize to "people who may have been affected or upset" and for "the way they were interpreted," adding that he never intended to "affect anyone's well-being."

Boris Becker added his two cents to the mix, in Nastase's defense, on Friday:

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The 70-year-old Nastase is still being investigated by the ITF.