German tennis legend Boris Becker backed controversial Romanian former tennis great Ilie Nastase in a series of tweets on Friday, a month after Nastase was in the middle of a nasty scandal where he directed racist remarks towards Serena Wiliams’ unborn baby.
Word about Ilie Nastase : I know him since 1984 , played singles against him and on many occasions doubles ,spent many dinners together!
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) May 19, 2017
The six-time Grand Slam winner went on to defend Nastase but called on him to apologise to Serena Williams and be fined by the International Tennis Federation and the Women’s Tennis Association with the money going to the charities. He then added that the Romanian legend should not be banned by the tennis community.
Ilie is NOT a racist !!! He makes jokes about everybody ( unfortunately not very funny sometimes) and should apologise in person to Serena W
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) May 19, 2017
And Jo K ! He should be fined by the ITF/WTA and monies should go to their charities but shouldn't be banned by the tennis community!
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) May 19, 2017
Ilie is part of our tennis history and responsible with so many other legends in the game ,that today's players can make proper living...
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) May 19, 2017
At the Federation Cup tie between Great Britain and Romania in April, Nastase caused a furore when he made offensive remarks about Williams’ unborn child, while also making sexist remarks towards British captain Anne Keothavong.
He was finally expelled from the tie due to “serious misconduct” after a rant at the umpire.