Ilie Nastase

Controversy’s favorite child. A genius on court. A mercurial attitude that polarized fans' opinions all over the world. These are some of the ways one can describe the Tennis and life of Romania’s Ille Nastase. At his peak, he would challenge the best in the business. But, off the court, he had a life plagued with so many instances. “I am a little crazy, but I try to be a good boy”, that is how Nastase often used to state about himself. He even tried to get into politics by running for mayor of Bucharest. But, if one has to keep aside his shenanigans, there is no doubting the fact that Nastase was instrumental in putting Romania on the world Tennis map. His career began in the amateur era but it coincided with the development of the Open Era in Tennis. His records are commendable, but whether Tennis purists will remember Nastase for his controversy or for his play, is very much debatable. 

Born on July 19, 1946, in Bucharest, Romania, Nastase was an all-round player. He could effectively play brilliantly from the baseline and also employ the serve-and-volley factor to his advantage. His court coverage was brilliant but Nastase was also the fastest runner on the court. The lob used to be his favorite shot, ensuring that other serve-and-volley players would be deterred.

Nastase, at first, was a doubles player along with his compatriot Ion Tiriac. They participated in the Davis Cup where they were the runners-up on three separate occasions in 1969, 1971, and 1972. When the Open Era began in 1968, Nastase established himself as one of the best players in the 70s. He was on an elite list, pitting him against Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, John Newcombe, Tony Roche, and Arthur Ashe. 

His initial foray into Grand Slams was not so successful, but he had immense success in the season-ending tour finals. Nastase won it four times, including a hat-trick from 1971 to 1973. He won it again in 1975. Nastase, in fact, was in a very peculiar situation. He participated in both the WCT and Masters Grand Prix finals. 

But, when one talks about the Open Era, his success from 1972 till 1975 was simply stunning. He had plenty of heartbreaks along the way. Nastase lost in five epic sets to Stan Smith in the 1972 Wimbledon final. Some years ago, Smith had denied Romania the chance to win the Davis Cup as he overcame Nastase in another crucial match. But, Nastase ended the year on the ultimate high by beating Arthur Ashe in five sets at the US Open.

Clay was Nastase’s favorite surface and it came as no surprise when he won the French Open in 1973. He won it without dropping a set. Nastase also won the Rome and Queen’s Club tournaments on different surfaces. 1973 was the year in which he won 17 tournaments and was the undisputed No.1.

As the years wore on, Nastase’s returns faded. He failed to win any Grand Slams nor did he enter the finals of any major tournament after his 1976 Wimbledon loss to Bjorn Borg. However, Nastase was an unknown contributor in getting etiquette in Tennis. Ironic for an individual known for his mercurial temperament. During the 1977 Wimbledon quarterfinal against Borg, chair umpire Jeremy Shales ordered Nastase to go to the advantage court and also to pick up a piece of paper on the court. Irritated, Nastase shouted, “You call me Mr. Nastase.” Since that time, umpires always use a courtesy title.

After retirement, Nastase captained the Romanian Tennis team and also became president of the federation. His career was marred by fines, disqualifications, and suspensions but he was good-natured, likeable, and friendly off-court. His comments against Serena Williams recently did not put him in good light. Plus, further reports of abuse against some players have dimmed his status as one of the pioneers of Romanian Tennis.

Grand Slam record

Australian Open: 1R (1981)

French Open: W (1973)

Wimbledon: F (1972, 1976)

US Open: W (1972)