Ilie Nastase

Ilie Nastase was a Romanian tennis player known for his on-court histrionics and outstanding Davis Cup play. He was the first European to surpass $1 million in career prize money and was ranked number one in the world in 1973.

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Profession :

Tennis Player

Birthday :

July 19, 1946

Star Sign :

Cancer

Age :

78

Birthplace :

Bucharest, Romania

Ilie Nastase, a retired Romanian tennis player, was formerly ranked world No. 1 in both singles and doubles. He gained fame for his on-court antics and exceptional Davis Cup performances. Nastase secured two Grand Slam singles titles at the US Open and the French Open, along with four Grand Slam doubles titles. As a key member of Romania’s 1972 Davis Cup-winning team, he was known for his vibrant and controversial personality, earning him the nickname “Bucharest Buffoon.” In 1973, Nastase became the first European player to exceed $1 million in career prize money and held the world’s top ranking. Among his most famous antics was pretending to forfeit a match against Ken Rosewall in 1975, only to continue and win the match. Nastase also briefly served as Romania’s Minister of Sport.