FEDERATION CUP 2017: Team GBR

[WimbledonWestie]

BT sports team were talking about it. And compared it to Andy in Ghent.

[patlowe]

BT sports team were talking about it. And compared it to Andy in Ghent.

I don't have BT sport. Still, strange that Mel South (BBC) didn't comment, nor did her co-commentator, forgotten his name!

[WimbledonWestie]

Prob just didn't notice amidst the end of match chat. Now reading that Nastase has appeared onsite even though he had his accreditation removed yesterday,

[patlowe]

1305

[exislander]

Well, at least GB won the doubles in a match tie break and it was good to see Laura enjoying playing again.

[Alis]

1305



VIP Lounge - does that mean Very Insulting Person in Romania then? :grrr:

[patlowe]

1306 1307

[Alis]

So, no handshake then - classy! It would have taken her what - five seconds? I hope if we ever host Romania at home, either in Davis or Fed Cup, that we show more respect for our visitors than they showed to us.

[JerryD]

Some vey odd happenings in this tie. It seemed to be in the news, and not for the tennis, everyday. Sadly the behaviour of some tainted it.

[Teresa]

The behaviour of the Romanian Captain, The Romanian supporters and the ITF in not defaulting Romania have tainted this tie and tennis as a whole.

Our girls including the captain were in their workplace. I can't think of any other working environment where it would have been acceptable for for somebody to suffer overt sexual harassment and verbal abuse.

I am still really angry about it.

If football supporters had behaved like that, the next match would have had to be played in an empty stadium,

[Hawkeye]

If football supporters had behaved like that, no-one would have batted an eyelid.

[patlowe]

And in football when someone is sent off, no-one can take his place!

[RosieBear]

There is no doubt that this was an unpleasant incident, and at a particularly difficult time for Jo as she had just learned from the inquest into his death that Juan Coto had taken his own life. Completely understandable that she felt overwhelmed and a shame for the tie to be marred. However, I would suggest that one of reasons people have been taken aback by events in Romania is because they are rare in tennis. The vast majority of tennis supporters, players and officials are very respectful. Tennis players are never in the papers for appalling behaviour; on the contrary they seem to be very decent people. The sport can be extremely proud of the fact that usually even the most important and partisan matches are friendly, safe, fun events where rival fans mix easily. Tennis is a wonderful sport and to suggest that anything that happened in Romania undermines the integrity of the sport in general is a pretty big overreaction, in my opinion.

[harriet]

article in the Guardian today on Nastase (https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/apr/23/ilie-nastase-outburst-federation-cup-johanna-konta-gb?utm_source=esp&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Morning+briefing&utm_term=222898&subid=256531&CMP=ema-2793)
nothing ever changes?

[Caro]

There is no doubt that this was an unpleasant incident, and at a particularly difficult time for Jo as she had just learned from the inquest into his death that Juan Coto had taken his own life. Completely understandable that she felt overwhelmed and a shame for the tie to be marred. However, I would suggest that one of reasons people have been taken aback by events in Romania is because they are rare in tennis. The vast majority of tennis supporters, players, officials are very respectful. Tennis players are never in papers for appalling behaviour; on the contrary they seem to be very decent people. The sport can be extremely proud of the fact that usually even in the most important and partisan matches are friendly, safe, fun events where rival fans mix easily. Tennis is a wonderful sport and to suggest that anything that happened in Romania undermines the integrity of the sport in general is a pretty big overreaction, in my opinion.

Very good points RB (as usual my friend :)) .... not as big an over reaction as the line call in Monte Carlo though ;)

[Teresa]

I have said my piece both here and on the Monte Carlo thread. Some people agree with me, some don't - such is life. I will leave both topics now.

[JAMES4578]

Certainly unpleasant incidents which can happen from time to time and need firm action on Nastase, however bit of a stretch to say the game is tarnished. Know some take different opinion but really wouldn't have wanted GB to be awarded the tie at that point though case for the rubber on Saturday. Events did have an effect but Halep may have been stronger than Jo on the clay anyway regardless, however it would in all likelihood been different sort of contest.

[Josephine]

There is no doubt that this was an unpleasant incident, and at a particularly difficult time for Jo as she had just learned from the inquest into his death that Juan Coto had taken his own life. Completely understandable that she felt overwhelmed and a shame for the tie to be marred. However, I would suggest that one of reasons people have been taken aback by events in Romania is because they are rare in tennis. The vast majority of tennis supporters, players and officials are very respectful. Tennis players are never in the papers for appalling behaviour; on the contrary they seem to be very decent people. The sport can be extremely proud of the fact that usually even the most important and partisan matches are friendly, safe, fun events where rival fans mix easily. Tennis is a wonderful sport and to suggest that anything that happened in Romania undermines the integrity of the sport in general is a pretty big overreaction, in my opinion.

Things have improved massively. Tennis players used to behave appallingly and got away with it - Nastase, Connors, McEnroe. (Nastase was banned from Davis Cup for a time as the article cited above explains). But the authorities clamped down and things have improved. Now men's tennis is led by 4 upstanding and (on the whole) honourable players and its popularity is thriving - no need for the so-called 'personalities' of the past.

Read Martin Amis's old article - it's on twitter

Nastase is a throwback to the old days. Longstanding sexist, racist out of control egomaniac who should never have been appointed as Fed Cup Captain.

[RosieBear]

Things have improved massively. Tennis players used to behave appallingly and got away with it - Nastase, Connors, McEnroe. (Nastase was banned from Davis Cup for a time as the article cited above explains). But the authorities clamped down and things have improved. Now men's tennis is led by 4 upstanding and (on the whole) honourable players and its popularity is thriving - no need for the so-called 'personalities' of the past.

Read Martin Amis's old article - it's on twitter

Nastase is a throwback to the old days. Longstanding sexist, racist out of control egomaniac who should never have been appointed as Fed Cup Captain.

My point entirely, Josephine. Mr Nasty is now an anomaly. Tennis is in a great place today and actions of one rather pathetic individual doesn't change that.:thumbup:

[jagmad]

My point entirely, Josephine. Mr Nasty is now an anomaly. Tennis is in a great place today and actions of one rather pathetic individual doesn't change that.:thumbup:

Should he be allowed back in just because he says he's sorry and sends some flowers?
Absolutely not imo.

Was there a note in with the flowers asking for their numbers?
Nothing would surprise me.

The mammary is not worth the effort/time/breath from any quarter. Fans, players, authorities, in fact tennis as a whole.

That includes Romania.

No, the best thing would be for all to just turn their backs on him.
I would'ave said send him to Coventry but that's far to close to me.

[angiebabez]

The real idiots are whoever thought it was a good idea to make him captain in the first place. Especially knowing his reputation.

[HoopGirl]

There is no doubt that this was an unpleasant incident, and at a particularly difficult time for Jo as she had just learned from the inquest into his death that Juan Coto had taken his own life. Completely understandable that she felt overwhelmed and a shame for the tie to be marred. However, I would suggest that one of reasons people have been taken aback by events in Romania is because they are rare in tennis. The vast majority of tennis supporters, players and officials are very respectful. Tennis players are never in the papers for appalling behaviour; on the contrary they seem to be very decent people. The sport can be extremely proud of the fact that usually even the most important and partisan matches are friendly, safe, fun events where rival fans mix easily. Tennis is a wonderful sport and to suggest that anything that happened in Romania undermines the integrity of the sport in general is a pretty big overreaction, in my opinion.

Poor Jo - that must have been really tough for her to learn about Juan Coto.
A tough weekend for her all around then!
A timely reminder for all of us that we are a complex mix of all sorts of things going on in our lives.
Our tennis players are human too and what might have been okay on one day may not be on another.

[Josephine]

Serena has her say:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTR9sj8BAmD/

Go girl!

[Stell]

Nastase has said he'll quit, if he gets punished over what he did.

[Teresa]

Nastase has said he'll quit, if he gets punished over what he did.

I think the British should make it known that they will withdrawn from the competition if he isn't. However the LTA are toothless and so he will get away with it.

[Alis]

Surely he can't get away with it - however toothless the ITF is? It would make a mockery of the whole competition.

[JAMES4578]

A few folk keep saying LTA instead of ITF, of course can't be sure but think likely some action will be taken with Nastase.

[Alis]

Of course - thanks for pointing it out - now corrected.

[Teresa]

A few folk keep saying LTA instead of ITF, of course can't be sure but think likely some action will be taken with Nastase.

I actually meant the LTA - I assume it's the ITF who will decide what, if any punishment Nastase gets. However if they decide not to call his bluff and don't punish him, then won't it be the LTA who decides how the British Fed Cup team responds - or am simply completely confused?

[JAMES4578]

I actually meant the LTA - I assume it's the ITF who will decide what, if any punishment Nastase gets. However if they decide not to call his bluff and don't punish him, then won't it be the LTA who decides how the British Fed Cup team responds - or am simply completely confused?

Oh right, yes LTA would decide on the response.

[glenys]

Nastase usually gets invited to Wimbledon - that wont happen this year

[Stell]

I read, earlier, about Nastase not being invited to Wimbledon because of what he said.

[Jan]

Decision made:
http://www.itftennis.com/news/265953.aspx

[Teresa]

I still think the Romanian team should have been disqualified, in addition to the sanctions on Nastase.

[Rosalind]

I still think the Romanian team should have been disqualified, in addition to the sanctions on Nastase.

Me too.

[suttontennis]

I'm amazed that he can defend his on court comments made to Jo & Anne, by saying that he made them when he was sat in the crowd and not when he was acting as captain. So that's all right then ! Does he think he's no longer Ilie Nastase when he's sat in the stands ? Completely lost all respect for the man and his achievements, and his autobiography will be going to the Charity Shop.

[david1610]

The most important thing is he is banned from being physically present at everything within ITF jurisdiction until 31 December 2020. (Hope an appeal does not reduce that). I see nothing to suggest he would hold himself in check and I do not want to see anyone else suffer the "Nastase" effect.
However, I will still retain my fond memories of him on court as I try separate the player, the writer, the musician and the film director from their respective professional work.

[goldfish]

I think Nastase can be physically present at ITF tournaments from 1 Jan 2019, can't he? Just not in an official capacity.

[david1610]

I think Nastase can be physically present at ITF tournaments from 1 Jan 2019, can't he? Just not in an official capacity.
You are right. My apologies for misreading the sentence.