Ilie Nastase has issued an apology for his conduct during Romania's fiery Fed Cup tie against Great Britain last weekend
Ilie Nastase
ADVERTISEMENT
Ilie Nastase has issued an apology for his conduct during Romania's fiery Fed Cup tie against Great Britain last weekend.
The 70-year-old former World No. 1 has been provisionally suspended by the International Tennis Federation after a series of incidents in Constanta.
In a statement on his facebook page, Nastase said: "In the last few days, my name and the unfortunate situation at the Romania vs Great Britain Fed Cup match were present in both the national and international press. I do not wish to deny the negative reactions I've received, but I would like to add a few words of my own to this matter now, after a period of reflection," he wrote
"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 aware that nothing can 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 accept my apologies, for whatever they may be worth right now," he added.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
