age
78 years
19/07/1946
born at
Bucarest (Roumania)
PRO CAREER
1969 - 1988
19 years
Main hand
right
One-handed backhand
age
78 years
19/07/1946
born at
Bucarest (Roumania)
PRO CAREER
1969 - 1988
19 years
Main hand
right
One-handed backhand
The Romanian is a legend. He won two Grand Slam titles – the U.S. Open in 1972 and Roland-Garros in 1973 – and played in three other major finals. He will always have the distinction of having been the very first player to hold the top spot in the ATP ranking. With his spectacular game, his epic lobs and his speed on the court, Nastase was also known for his showy behaviour and his on-court mischief. He has done it all. Release a black cat on the court against the superstitious Adriano Panatta? Done! Paint his face black to resemble his doubles partner Arthur Ashe because the umpire had told him the day before that their outfits must match? Done. The exploits of Ilie Nastase are legion. He was adored by tennis watchers, but exasperated many of his opponents, forcing some of them to come to blows. Rumour has it that he is the reason why the tennis code of conduct was written. Ilie Nastase is involved in tennis in Romania and continues to court controversy. At nearly 75 years, he has no intention of changing!
Former chairman of the Romanian tennis federation
Titles
64
Finals
40
Higher ranking
1
ATP Singles, 23/08/1973