Ilie Nastase caught making ‘racist remark’ about Serena Williams’ unborn child
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ByEurosport
Updated 22/04/2017 at 10:51 GMT
Controversial former world number one Ilie Nastase could face censure from tennis’ authorities after apparently being overheard making a racist remark about Serena Williams’ unborn child.
Ilie Nastase and Anne Keothavong pose for photos
Image credit: Getty Images
At a press conference ahead of Romania’s Fed Cup play-off against Great Britain, the 70-year-old reportedly said of Williams’ pregnancy: "Let's see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?"
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has said it will launch an investigation.
"The ITF does not tolerate discriminatory and offensive language and behaviour of any kind," read an ITF statement.
"We are aware of alleged comments made by Romanian captain Ilie Nastase and have begun an immediate investigation so that we have the full facts of the situation before taking further and appropriate action."
Nastase’s comment was made to other team-mates in Romanian, and not directly to reporters, as world number five Simona Halep fielded a question on Williams.
Williams’ pregnancy was confirmed on Wednesday – hours after she posted a Snapchat, swiftly deleted, saying '20 weeks' – and is expecting her first child with fiancé Alexis Ohanian in autumn.
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Serena Williams of the United States poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup after winning the 2017 Women's Singles Australian Open Championship at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia
Image credit: Getty Images
Nastase also put his arm around GB captain Anne Keothavong and asked for her room number at the draw ceremony.
GB and Romania’s World Group play-off tie begins on Saturday.
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