With his remarkable speed, unpredictable shots, and strategic play, Ilie Nastase achieved two Grand Slam titles, winning the 1972 US Open and the 1973 French Open. However, his favorite tournament was the year-end Masters, which he won four times in a span of five years from 1971 to 1975. Despite his impressive tennis accomplishments, Nastase is often remembered more for his on-court antics and behavior, earning him nicknames like “Nasty” or “the Bucharest Buffoon.”
Nastase: The US Open and French Open champion
Ilie Nastase began his international tennis career in 1966, competing in doubles with Ion Tiriac. He rose to prominence in singles in 1969, defeating top players like Tony Roche and Stan Smith. His peak years were between 1971 and 1976.
During this time, Nastase reached the final of the Roland-Garros in 1971, followed by a loss at Wimbledon in 1972. He clinched his first Grand Slam title at Forest Hills later that year, triumphing over Arthur Ashe. In 1973, he won the French Open and became the first player to hold the world No. 1 ranking on the ATP list. Nastase excelled at the Masters tournament, winning it four times. In 1976, he reached the Wimbledon final and the US Open semi-final before gradually declining and retiring in 1985.
Nastase: “Nasty”, the unpredictable showman
Known for his entertaining style of play, Nastase’s unpredictable behavior often drew controversy among his peers. While fans appreciated his antics, some opponents found them disrespectful. Nastase’s on-court behavior led to various incidents, from arguments with officials to taunting opponents and even using controversial equipment like the “spaghetti racquet.”
Nastase in retirement: Politician, Davis Cup captain
After retiring in 1985, Nastase remained active in the public eye, venturing into politics and serving in various leadership positions within the Romanian Tennis Federation. Despite his tennis achievements, Nastase’s controversial remarks and behavior later in his career led to a ban from ITF events until 2021.
