TENNIS ace Serena Williams has launched a stinging attack on Ilie Nastase, accusing the Romanian of racially abusing her and her unborn baby and hurling sexist abuse at fellow female players.
The US legend has responded publicly for the first time to the controversy which erupted over the Romania Fed Cup team captain’s astonishing behaviour during his side’s match with Great Britain last weekend.
Williams is expecting her first child with fiance and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
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Nastase had already asked British team captain Anne Keothavong for her room number.
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Then, when play got under way in Constanta on Saturday, Nastase was heard to call Keothavong and British number one Johanna Konta ”f****** bitches” in a rant which has led to his provisional suspension by the International Tennis Federation.
Writing on Instagram, Williams, 35, said: “I disappoints me to know we live in a society which people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers.
“I have said it once and I’ll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go.
“Yes, we have broken down so many barriers – however there are a plethora more to go.
“This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what’s right.
“I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support.”
The four-time Olympic gold medallist then included passages from the poem Still I Rise by American civil rights activist Maya Angelou.
She added: “I am not afraid like you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom?
“You may shoot me with your words… you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like the air, I rise.”
Earlier today, SunSport reported how Serena gave a massive hint that she will return to the tennis circuit with another posting on social media.
Alongside a photo of her on what appears to be a beach towel, the sporting legend wrote: “I can’t wait for you to join the players box next year.”
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