Ilie Nastase

Ilie Năstase was the World no. 1 tennis player between 1973 (August 23) and 1974 (June 2). He is one of the five players in history to win more than 100 ATP professional titles (57 singles and 45 in doubles). He was inducted into the international tennis hall of fame in Năstase won seven Grand Slam titles: two in singles, three in men's doubles, and two in mixed doubles. He also won four ATP world tour finals championships. In 2005, Tennis magazine ranked him as the 28th-best player of the preceding forty years. Ilie Năstase was the World no. 1 tennis player between 1973 (August 23) and 1974 (June 2). He is one of the five players in history to win more than 100 ATP professional titles (57 singles and 45 in doubles). He was inducted into the international tennis hall of fame in Năstase won seven Grand Slam titles: two in singles, three in men's doubles, and two in mixed doubles. He also won four ATP world tour finals championships. In 2005, Tennis magazine ranked him as the 28th-best player of the preceding forty years.

Career At the beginning of his career in 1966 Năstase travelled around the world competing with his good friend Ion Tiriac. Together, they represented Romania in the Davis Cup competition, being three times runners up: in 1969, 1971and 1972.

In 1971, Năstase was the runner-up at the French Open. where he lost the final in four sets to Jan Kodes. In December, Năstase won his first ATP world tour finals. In 1973 he was in sensational form. By winning 17 tournaments, including the French Open, a doubles title at Wimbledon, a third ATP world tour finals, Năstase was the undisputed World no. 1 that year.

Considered one of the most gifted tennis players in history, Ilie Nastase was noted both for his sorcery with the racket and his ability to entertain, amusing spectators with his antics and mimicry. Even during a crucial phase of a match, he was likely to do something bizarre that would entertain the crowd. Nicknamed the Bucharest Buffoon, Nastase could master all the shots, playing either baseline or serve-and- volley. One of the fastest players, he is remembered for his magnificent lobs and retrieves. Nastase could apply a discomforting spin to his shots, being an expert at putting the ball just beyond an opponent’s reach. His greatest weakness was a fragile nervous system and erratic temperament, but when he maintained his concentration during a match, he could conjure up the most devastating tennis, being regarded as a tennis magician or an artist creating with great originality and panache.

Presentation made by Andrei Cosma (7th grade) Coordinating teacher: Luminiţa Trandafir

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