Williams responds to 'racist' diatribe, supports ITF investigation of incident

Serena Williams on Monday called alleged comments about her unborn child made by former world No 1 Ilie Nastase "racist" and applauded the International Tennis Federation for launching a probe into the remarks.

Nastase, the volatile Romanian who won two Grand Slam titles in the 1970s, was quoted by Romanian and British media as saying in response to Williams' pregnancy announcement: "Let's see what color it has. Chocolate with milk?"

Williams wasted no time in responding.

"I am not afraid, unlike 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 air I will rise."

It would not be the first time Williams has been stung by racism as player.

She boycotted the Indian Wells tournament for 14 years after she and sister Venus claimed they were victims of racial taunts while Serena played in the 2001 final.

Nastase, 70, has been provisionally banned from all International Tennis Federation (ITF) events following his verbal abuse of British players last weekend in his role as Romanian Fed Cup captain.

Williams thanked the ITF and said it would have her full support in the investigation.

"At this point, one of the principles that is important is that we want a rigorous process that is fair," ITF president David Haggerty said on Monday.

"We will also hear Nastase's side of the argument. It will be a thorough process conducted in an efficient manner. I do not think you will be hearing any final decisions in the next two weeks."

British captain Anne Keothavong, who said she was made to feel "uncomfortable" by comments made by Nastase at the official pre-match dinner, said his abuse during play was unacceptable.

"We expected a patriotic crowd for the Romanian team but we don't expect abusive language to be used ... what he said directed to both Johanna (Konta) and myself is ... language that is not appropriate for anyone to speak to any other human," she said.

Konta was reduced to tears at one stage.

Comaneci blast

Meanwhile, Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci blasted Nastase for what she called his "racist", "sexist" and "offensive" comments.

Nastase and Comaneci are Romania's two greatest sporting icons.

Besides the alleged slur over Williams' unborn baby, Nastase also reportedly propositioned the married and pregnant Keothavong.

He was kicked out of the tie after swearing at the umpire, Keothavong and Konta - calling the latter two "f*****g bitches".

"Ilie has been my friend for many years, but I cannot condone or defend his recent ugly and very offensive remarks," Comaneci, a five-time Olympic gold medalist, wrote on Twitter.

Comaneci was reacting to criticism she received from earlier comments she made at the European Gymnastics Championships, held in Cluj, Romania, over the weekend.

Various media reported her as having said Nastase "says things that he doesn't really mean", adding that "everybody in Romania loves Ilie because he is Ilie".

Despite being kicked out of the Fed Cup tie, Nastase blatantly ignored the ban on Sunday and walked into the VIP area at the venue in Constanta and ordered a drink before being asked to leave by the Romanian Tennis Federation president.

His bizarre behavior did not stop there, though, as Keothavong revealed Nastase had sent her flowers in a peace-making gesture.

Reuters - AFP