Hatred and jealousy often trickle their way into the weave of every sport. A display of such emotions takes place from time to time in tennis as well, both among fans and athletes. People usually target players who are at the top. Something similar happened with Serena Williams in 2017.

The 23 times Grand Slam champion has been through her share of hardships and harsh comments. However, the one that came from the former Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase brought out a stern reaction from Serena.

Serena Williams’ response to Nastase’s allegations

In the year 2017, when Williams was expecting her first child with the co-founder of Reddit Alexis Ohanian, Nastase made a series of allegations against her. He first accused her of doping and then targeted her unborn child. “Let’s see what color it is. Chocolate with milk?” Nastase remarked. To this, Williams responded by saying, “I’m like, dude, are you serious? Classless.”

Thereafter, she added, “Don’t come for me and don’t come for my baby. And then the drug rant! I’m tested all the time. I’m not putting poison in this body. If I can’t beat you, I’m not going to cheat to win. End of story.”

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‘Women Are Not Supported Enough’ – When Serena Williams Delivered a Poignant Statement Despite Achieving GOAT Status

Williams has faced a plethora of baseless and unpalatable criticism over the years. She has even been mocked and criticized for her muscular build. Both fans and fellow players accused her of foul play, as she was bulkier than her petite and ‘quintessentially feminine’ opponents. Though she stayed strong and her mindset changed, she did the talking on the court, winning an incredible 23 major titles, an Open Era record. 

Ilie Nastase apologized to Serena Williams

The Romanian Fed Cup Captain later issued an unconditional apology to Serena Williams.

“At the press conference I was asked what opinion I had about Serena being pregnant. I then found out for the first time (she was pregnant) and my reaction was spontaneous,” Nastase wrote on Facebook, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com).

“I know that nothing can really excuse my words, nor a high-level match, not the nonconformist attitude I am now known for, not the unfortunate amplification of the situation,” he added.

“My life remains dedicated to tennis and its public and I ask you to accept, as much as is possible, my apologies.”

Serena’s illustrious career

Serena Williams turned pro in the year 1995 and claimed the crown of world no.1 for the first time in the year 2002. She now has a record of spending over 300 weeks on the pinnacle of the WTA rankings. Further, Williams has touched the milestone of 100 victories on the hard courts of the US Open and was just two matches away from doing so in the grass-courts of Wimbledon. 

Watch this story:  Rise of a superstar–Iga Swiatek’s victorious moments on the WTA tour

She has amassed 73 singles and 23 doubles titles during her 27-year-long career. Also, she has represented the United States in the Olympics and won four Olympic gold medals. Three in doubles alongside elder sister Venus and one in singles. Williams ended her illustrious career this season and left behind these marvelous records that will keep her name intact forever in the books of history.