The head of women’s tennis has condemned Mutua Madrid Open organizers for allowing controversial Romanian Fed Cup captain Ilie Nastase to take part in the trophy presentation ceremony following Saturday’s final.
The 70-year-old is under investigation by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) following last month’s Fed Cup tie with Britain, where he swore at members of the opposing team and made a derogatory remark about Serena Williams’ fetus.
However, the former world No. 1 shared the stage with Madrid champion and compatriot Simona Halep, who defended her title with a 7-5, 6-7, (5), 6-2 victory over Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic.
Photo: AFP
“It was an exciting final match and I heartily congratulate Simona and Kristina for their outstanding display of tennis,” Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) chief executive Steve Simon said in a statement on the governing body’s Web site.
“The only shadow cast on the day was Mr Nastase’s invitation to participate in today’s award ceremony. He had no place on court today,” Simon added. “He is currently under a provisional suspension by the ITF for his prior offensive actions and we revoked his credential privileges at WTA events while the investigation is being completed.”
Following the incidents at the World Group playoff tie in Constanta, Romania, the French Open announced that Nastase would not be given accreditation to this year’s tournament, while Wimbledon organizers have also moved to deny him entry to their event.
Photo: Reuters
Simon expressed his disappointment that the Madrid Open had adopted a more relaxed approach toward the Romanian.
“It was both irresponsible and unacceptable of the Madrid Open to bestow him an official role,” he added. “The Madrid tournament is a premier-level event and held to the highest standards of professional tennis and leadership which were not reflected today.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely