Saturday, the match between Johanna Konta (United Kingdom) and Sorana Cirstea (Romania) was interrupted by the Romanian captain, Ilie Nastase, who aggressively offended the Australian player and her captain, Anne Keothavong. The match took place in Constanta, Romania, and it was the second match of the day. At the moment, Konta was leading Sorana Cirstea 6-2 1-3.
Konta and Keothavong were complaining about the attitude of the Romanian supporters and the former world number one, Ilie Nastase, lost his temper.
He used highly unacceptable words, called them names and swore at the two women. Nastase e was asked to leave the court immediately after he received two official warnings.
Simona Halep speaks to fans
After the incident, Simona Halep spoke to the fans and managed to calm them down. The game resumed and Konta won five games in the row, games that led to a straight-sets victory. Sorana Cirstea states that Konta’s reaction of leaving the court, that caused a 10 minutes delay, was exaggerated and it was based on the differences between Romania and United Kingdom, “We treated you guys so nice. I don't feel it's right that you put all this on us because we're a lower country than England.”
Her opponent, Konta, proved more diplomacy, by saying that she enjoys the game and she must focus on playing quality matches the next day.
However, it’s inappropriate for a captain to promote unsportsmanlike conduct to the supporters since the court is not the right place for certain behaviors.
Not at the first incident of this type
The Nastase situation is not the first incident of this kind. Earlier this week he made a controversial remark regarding Serena William's pregnancy. In an interview he was heard asking a member of his team "Let's see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?".
His question can be easily taken as a racist offense and, unfortunately, his inadequate remarks didn't stop there. Nastase saw the British corespondent Eleanor Crooks writing down his comment and approached her,"Why did you write that? You're stupid, you're stupid."
"He repeatedly called me stupid, asked me why what he said was racist," said Crooks.
What actions will be taken against his misconduct?
His future as the captain of the Romanian team might be affected by the decision of him being banned from any part in the rest of the tie. The International Tennis Federation will investigate Nastase's recent behavioral issues and will decide if there are any further measures to be taken.