Roumanie

Ilie NASTASE

aka NastyThe Bucharest Buffoon

Nastase the unpredictable.

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!

Current projects

Former chairman of the Romanian tennis federation
 

 


 

palmares

Titles

64

Finals

40

Higher ranking

1

ATP Singles, 23/08/1973

grand slam

victories

  • Roland-Garros (1): 1973
  • U.S. Open (1): 1972

finals

  • Roland-Garros (1): 1971
  • Wimbledon (2): 1972, 1976

others

victories

  • Masters (4): 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975

finals

  • Davis Cup (3): 1969, 1971, 1972
  • Masters (1): 1974