LONDON — Serena Williams on Monday called the alleged comments about her unborn child made by former world No. 1 Ilie Nastase "racist" and applauded the International Tennis Federation for launching a probe into the remarks.
Former Tennis bad boy Nastase, who won two grand slam titles in the 1970s, was quoted by Romanian and some British media as saying in response to William's pregnancy announcement: "Let's see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?"
"It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers," the women's world No. 1 wrote on her Instagram account.
"I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words ... you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air I will rise."
It would not be the first time Williams has been stung by racism as player.
The world No. 1 boycotted the Indian Wells tournament for 14 years after she and sister Venus and her family claimed they were victims of racial taunts while Serena played in the 2001 final.
Nastase, 70, has been provisionally banned from all International Tennis Federation (ITF) events following his verbal abuse of British players last weekend in his role as Romanian Fed Cup captain.
Williams thanked the ITF and said they would have her full support as they investigated the matter.
"(The investigation) is ongoing. At this point, one of the principles that is important is that we want a rigorous process that is fair," ITF President David Haggerty said on Monday.
"We will also hear Nastase’s side of the argument. It will be a thorough process conducted in an efficient manner. I do not think you will be hearing any final decisions in the next two weeks."
British captain Anne Keothavong, who said she was made to feel "uncomfortable" by comments made by Nastase at the official pre-match dinner, said the abuse during play had been unacceptable.
"We expected a patriotic crowd for the Romanian team but we don't expect abusive language to be used ... what he said directed to both Johanna (Konta) and myself is ... language that is not appropriate for anyone to speak to any other human,” she said. Konta was reduced to tears at one stage
Nastase later said he would be considered the "bad boy" if he says anything more about Serena Williams.
When asked Tuesday about Williams' response, Nastase told The Associated Press: "Anything I say, I am the bad boy."
Nastase also questioned the legitimacy of writing about his initial comments ahead of the Fed Cup series against Britain.
"Why write a news story like this? Just to have a scandal? There are many more important things going on," Nastase said in a telephone interview from Budapest, Hungary.
Nastase earned the nickname "Nasty" for his on-court outbursts and gamesmanship in his playing heyday in the 1970s. But it also described his game, which earned him two Grand Slam singles titles and more than 100 ATP titles. He's a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Simona Halep, a member of Romania's Fed Cup team, said she could not defend the things Nastase has said. "What he did was wrong," Halep said Tuesday in Stuttgart at the Porsche Grand Prix. "I don't know if he will be able anymore to be captain. I don't know if he will be our captain even if he is not banned.
"I liked how he was with me on the court the first match. He was very positive and he supported me. But the way he talked, I didn't like and I cannot accept that."
On Monday, George Cosac, the chairman of the Romanian Tennis Federation, defended Nastase by suggesting he was picked on by the British officials. Ion Tiriac, a businessman and Nastase's old doubles partner, also stood by him, criticizing Konta for walking off the court.
However, many Romanians were critical of Nastase on social media, saying he embarrassed himself and Romania. Nastase, also a former Davis Cup captain, suggested he was no longer a relevant figure in Tennis. "I am 71 years old" - though he does not turn that age until July - "I am no longer a sportsman," he said. — Agencies
