Serena Williams has described Ilie Nastase’s recent comments about her unborn child as “racist” and has given her backing to a full investigation spearheaded by ITTF according to reports from the BBC.
Nastase who is a former world number one, was heard speculating whether Serena Williams’ child would be “chocolate with milk?”. A comment that has element of racism in it.
Williams who reacted to the comment said, “It disappoints me to know we live in a society where people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments.
The 35-year-old world number one is due to give birth to her first child in the autumn.
The BBC further reported Williams to say “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 launched an investigation into the comments made by 70-year-old Nastase, Romania’s Fed Cup captain, at a news conference before their tie with Great Britain in Constanta last week.
“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.
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