SERENA Williams told Ilie Nastase she would rise above his insults as the world No 1 backed the tennis authorities in taking action against the Romanian.
The American responded publicly for the first time to the controversy which has erupted over the Romania Fed Cup team captain’s astonishing behaviour at his side’s match with Great Britain last weekend by accusing him of racist and sexist abuse.
Nastase was overheard at Friday’s press conference saying about Williams’ unborn baby, “Let’s see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?’’ He had already asked British team captain Anne Keothavong for her room number, while, when play got under way in Constanta on Saturday, Nastase was heard to call Keothavong and British number one Johanna Konta ‘’f****** bitches’’ in a rant which has led to his provisional suspension by the International Tennis Federation.
Writing on Instagram, Williams said: “It disappoints me to know we live in a society which people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers.
“I have said it once and I’ll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go. Yes, we have broken down so many barriers – however there are a plethora more to go. This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what’s right.
“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 rise.
“I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support.”
Williams announced last week that she was expecting a baby in the autumn.
Nastase has remained unrepentant about his conduct, despite the All England Club threatening a Royal Box ban.
Romanian website ProSport quoted the 70-year-old on Monday evening responding to a question about whether he contacted any British team members in the aftermath of his outburst.
It quoted Nastase answering: ‘’No, I did not try (to contact them). Well, what do I do with them? One (Keothavong) is pregnant with her second child and the other (Konta) is busy. I have nothing to do with them.’’
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