Serena Williams says Ilie Nastase’s current remarks in regards to her unborn youngster are “racist”and has given her support to a full examination.
Nastase, a previous world number one, was heard guessing whether Williams’ kid would be “chocolate with milk?”
“It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments,” Williams said in a statement.
Williams, 35, is due to give birth to her first child in the autumn.
“I have said it once and I’ll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go,” Williams added. “Yes, we have broken down so many barriers – however there are a plethora more to go.
“This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what’s right.”
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has propelled an examination concerning the remarks made by 70-year-old Nastase, Romania’s Fed Cup skipper, at a news gathering before their tie with Great Britain in Constanta a week ago.
“I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support,” added Williams, who announced her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in December.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion likewise included sections from the sonnet Still I Rise by American social liberties extremist Maya Angelou in her announcement.
“I am not afraid like you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? You may shoot me with your words… you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like the air, I rise.”
Williams, who won her record-breaking Grand Slam at the Australian Open while two months pregnant, said thanks to her unborn youngster as she recaptured the world number one positioning on Monday.
“You gave me the strength I didn’t know I had. You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace. I can’t wait to meet you,” Williams said in a separate statement.
“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.” Williams captioned the statement on Instagram “from the world’s oldest number one to the world’s youngest number one.”
