Nastase investigated for Fed Cup comments

The scene: a pre-tie media conference ahead of the Romania v Great Britain Fed Cup Play-off in Constanta, Romania.

The context: Simona Halep answering a question asked of her about Serena Williams’ pregnancy.

The incident: Romanian captain Ilie Nastase, speaking in Romanian, turning to the other members of the team and allegedly making a racist comment about Williams’ baby.

The remark: “Let’s see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?”

The International Tennis Federation has already launched an investigation.

It released a statement saying: “We are aware of alleged comments made by Romanian captain Ilie Nastase and have begun an immediate investigation so that we have the full facts of the situation before taking further and appropriate action.

“The ITF does not tolerate discriminatory and offensive language and behaviour of any kind.”

This is the second incident involving Nastase in the lead-up to the Fed Cup tie in Costanta.

According to a BBC report, “during the draw ceremony on Friday, Nastase also put his arm tightly around British team captain Anne Keothavong and asked for her room number, in earshot of the watching media.”