Serena Williams slams racist slur, posts heartfelt baby message
She had been subjected to abuse from Romania's Fed Cup coach but keeps her head high as she returns to the No 1 ranking.
Serena Williams. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.
Pregnant star Serena Williams blasted tennis legend Ilie Nastase for making “racist”, “sexist” and “offensive” comments during the Fed Cup tie between Romania and Britain at the weekend.
Romanian Fed Cup captain Nastase has been suspended by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) over his foul-mouthed and abusive behaviour during the tie, from which he was ejected.
Also read: WATCH: Nasty coach has Jo Konta in tears, insults Serena’s baby
On Friday, he had made a controversial racial slur over Williams’ unborn baby while also reportedly propositioning the married and pregnant British captain Anne Keothavong.
“It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers,” said the 23-time Grand Slam winner.
Nastase was overheard by a journalist commenting on Williams’ unborn child on Friday, saying: “Let’s see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?”
On Saturday, the 70-year-old former world number one and two-time Grand Slam winner was kicked out of the tie after swearing at the umpire, Keothavong and British number one player Johanna Konta – calling the latter two “f**king bitches”.
“You may shoot me with your words… you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air, I rise,” continued the 35-year-old Williams, a four-time Olympic gold medallist.
“I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support.”
Williams also marked her fiance’s birthday and her return to the world number one ranking by posting an emotional message to her unborn baby on Instagram.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian turned 34 on Monday, the day that Williams also recaptured the women’s top ranking.
Williams’ social media post showed the 35-year-old sitting on a beach lounger in a black two-piece swimsuit that revealed her growing baby bump.
“My Dearest Baby, You gave me the strength I didn’t know I had,” Williams wrote on her Instagram account, as she hinted that she expects to be back playing next year.
“You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace. I can’t wait to meet you. I can’t wait for you to join the players box next year. But most importantly, I am so happy to share being number one in the world with you…. once again today. On @alexisohanian bday… from the world’s oldest number one to the world’s youngest number one. -Your Mommy.”
Williams is due to give birth in September, the month she turns 36 years old.
In December, Williams announced her engagement to tech entrepreneur Ohanian and last week revealed she is expecting her first child and will not play again this year.
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