Laureus World Sports Academy member Ilie Nastase at the Laureus Sports Awards on April 2, 2007 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images for Laureus)
Former ATP Tour player Ilie Nastase has resigned his position as head of Romania’s Tennis Federation.
The two-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 quit amid allegations that he spent too much money on Romania’s Davis Cup tie against France. Romania lost 5-0.
However, according to Realitatea TV, Nastase also said he was leaving his post because he failed to accomplish his major goals for Romania’s tennis program, including the building of a new academy. “I have been defeated by the justice system and the press in Romania,” said Nastase to the television station.
Romania’s highest ranked player on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour is Ioana Raluca Olaru, currently at No. 58 on the rankings. She reached the third round at the French Open in 2007 before losing to eventual finalist Ana Ivanovic.
