1 00:00:27,000 --> 00:00:37,000 ✰ www.MEOO.ro ✰ Your source for movies and series! 2 00:00:40,200 --> 00:00:42,520 We had never seen a player like him before. 3 00:00:46,479 --> 00:00:48,439 A refreshing young guy. 4 00:00:48,840 --> 00:00:51,399 Everyone was talking about Ilie Năstase. 5 00:00:56,240 --> 00:00:58,200 I don't know, I was born that way. 6 00:00:58,200 --> 00:01:02,399 I can't help it sometimes i try but i'm not me 7 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:09,239 Sometimes people want to more than tennis. 8 00:01:10,040 --> 00:01:13,760 When Elijah was in the field, something was always happening. 9 00:01:14,280 --> 00:01:16,319 I consider him an unfulfilled genius. 10 00:01:18,439 --> 00:01:20,879 What fascinated me the most about him 11 00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:23,560 how to return the balls. 12 00:01:24,280 --> 00:01:26,519 It was almost a dance. 13 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:32,439 That was the magic, you know he made you play as he wanted. 14 00:01:33,439 --> 00:01:36,200 He had a very tumultuous life in 1972. 15 00:01:36,719 --> 00:01:39,719 You were wondering: what will come next? 16 00:01:42,239 --> 00:01:44,920 You couldn't take your eyes off it from him on the field! 17 00:01:44,920 --> 00:01:48,840 Wimbledon final, US Open, the grand final of the Davis Cup in Bucharest, 18 00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:51,680 1972 was Nastase's big year. 19 00:01:51,680 --> 00:01:54,519 You looked at him like in the theater. 20 00:01:54,519 --> 00:01:56,840 It always seemed to me that Elijah... 21 00:01:57,640 --> 00:02:01,319 ...he wanted to be loved by everyone. And we really loved him. 22 00:02:01,879 --> 00:02:06,760 I think Nastase is one from the great geniuses of our sport, 23 00:02:06,760 --> 00:02:09,240 one of the first stars in tennis. 24 00:02:09,240 --> 00:02:12,599 Ilie and Jimmy made tennis cool. 25 00:02:13,039 --> 00:02:16,199 Yes, I was... two rebels. 26 00:02:16,759 --> 00:02:18,479 That's how I was. And we loved it! 27 00:02:18,479 --> 00:02:21,560 Back then, the rules were not so strict 28 00:02:21,560 --> 00:02:24,919 he could afford to do much more than now. 29 00:02:24,919 --> 00:02:26,439 That was then. 30 00:02:26,439 --> 00:02:31,560 I think his personality attracted them millions of fans around the world. 31 00:02:31,560 --> 00:02:35,960 He didn't prepare anything, it was something natural. 32 00:02:36,280 --> 00:02:39,719 He told them whatever came to his mind, and line judges, 33 00:02:40,120 --> 00:02:42,360 and the opponent, whoever. 34 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:44,520 I think part of the problem was 35 00:02:44,879 --> 00:02:48,360 that tennis was not prepared for Năstase, 36 00:02:49,159 --> 00:02:51,719 when he started his circus on the field. 37 00:03:18,840 --> 00:03:21,960 NASTY MORE THAN TENNIS 38 00:04:08,280 --> 00:04:11,319 THE VOICE OF ION CYRIAC 39 00:04:22,680 --> 00:04:26,920 He came from a communist country, the world had not heard of him, 40 00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:32,120 they wondered: "Oh, where from did it appear What madness!" 41 00:04:34,279 --> 00:04:36,680 It was a curiosity because... 42 00:04:37,240 --> 00:04:39,959 At first, he won many tours in Europe, 43 00:04:39,959 --> 00:04:42,199 but in america we hadn't really heard of him. 44 00:04:42,600 --> 00:04:46,519 Nor by other athletes from beyond the Iron Curtain. 45 00:04:46,519 --> 00:04:51,240 Now I was seeing athletes Eastern Europeans to the extent of ours. 46 00:04:51,759 --> 00:04:55,399 Elijah, we must admit, opened our eyes. 47 00:04:57,279 --> 00:05:01,319 The Soviets and others they have produced many exceptional athletes. 48 00:05:01,319 --> 00:05:05,560 But back then, tennis was a kind of half brother. 49 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:10,959 I think many Americans they had no idea where Romania was. 50 00:05:10,959 --> 00:05:13,600 WELCOME TO ROMANIA! 51 00:05:30,040 --> 00:05:35,360 She had actually been the first big sensation from Eastern Europe. 52 00:05:36,839 --> 00:05:39,319 In 1969 came Nixon, 53 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:44,839 in 1972 Romania became member of the World Bank, 54 00:05:45,319 --> 00:05:51,720 try in many ways to escape from Soviet influence. 55 00:06:24,519 --> 00:06:29,000 I really understand Romanian humor, seriously. 56 00:06:29,399 --> 00:06:32,839 It's a completely different fish food, 57 00:06:32,839 --> 00:06:34,759 a completely different people, 58 00:06:34,759 --> 00:06:37,800 you either get his humor or you don't. 59 00:06:38,279 --> 00:06:42,160 I think Ion and Ilie didn't tell each other in their life a serious word, 60 00:06:42,160 --> 00:06:44,439 they can't even help themselves. 61 00:06:44,839 --> 00:06:47,399 They are brothers from another mother. 62 00:08:11,480 --> 00:08:13,600 Năstaste had begun to win often, 63 00:08:13,600 --> 00:08:16,680 and in the ranking on computer, first appeared, 64 00:08:16,680 --> 00:08:20,920 was no. 1 in the world, no one can take that away. 65 00:08:20,920 --> 00:08:25,000 It is the first no. 1 world in the ATP ranking. 66 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:31,399 We watched every Monday morning where we are and he was the first. 67 00:08:31,399 --> 00:08:34,919 He was physically fit, he was very fast, he jumped well, 68 00:08:34,919 --> 00:08:36,919 glide well on clay, 69 00:08:36,919 --> 00:08:40,200 but his main asset it was that he felt the ball. 70 00:08:40,519 --> 00:08:42,360 When he pays for expensive tickets, 71 00:08:42,360 --> 00:08:45,240 the world wants to be fascinated by the game. 72 00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:47,120 And Elijah was offering that. 73 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:11,679 They opened tennis, they introduced him to the world. 74 00:09:11,679 --> 00:09:15,480 In many ways, they made our way easier for us, 75 00:09:15,480 --> 00:09:17,600 today's players. 76 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:19,840 VOICE OF RAFAEL NADAL 77 00:09:21,600 --> 00:09:24,960 1972 LONDON 78 00:09:47,559 --> 00:09:49,639 One is character, another is charisma. 79 00:09:49,639 --> 00:09:52,159 Ilie Năstase, of a conquering charm, 80 00:09:53,159 --> 00:09:55,720 and Ion Țiriac, with the rough look of a Ruthenian bandit. 81 00:09:56,600 --> 00:09:58,840 But Năstase is the one who steals hearts. 82 00:09:58,840 --> 00:10:00,360 Wimbledon has started! 83 00:10:02,840 --> 00:10:06,279 On your first match, this is probably where you'll start. 84 00:10:06,720 --> 00:10:10,120 It's something to play on secondary grounds at first. 85 00:10:10,120 --> 00:10:13,000 Many don't make it in the central arena no later. 86 00:10:13,320 --> 00:10:17,799 But if you're young and ambitious, here are the first matches. 87 00:10:18,120 --> 00:10:21,559 You look up there and see the scoreboard. 88 00:10:21,879 --> 00:10:25,159 What's going on in the center field... 89 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:30,399 You'll probably just be a spectator, you will watch from the sidelines. 90 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:38,039 The Romanian Ilie Năstase was playing with Stan Smith in the Wimbledon final. 91 00:10:38,559 --> 00:10:39,799 It was something colossal. 92 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:43,840 when i was there when I saw Elijah play... 93 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:47,720 i will never forget for me then something started. 94 00:10:48,200 --> 00:10:52,279 I dreamed of arriving one day on the central field. 95 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:56,120 Maybe not in a final, but... 96 00:10:56,600 --> 00:10:58,519 I wanted to get there. 97 00:10:58,519 --> 00:11:00,840 It was the highest honor. 98 00:11:01,240 --> 00:11:05,519 I was watching, I was happy and, normally, I was with Ilia. 99 00:11:20,679 --> 00:11:23,759 Nasty was excellent on any surface, especially slag, 100 00:11:23,759 --> 00:11:26,200 but he also became very good on grass, 101 00:11:26,519 --> 00:11:29,879 served more effectively on the lawn, he was moving very well, 102 00:11:29,879 --> 00:11:32,639 he got very good on the grass. 103 00:12:18,840 --> 00:12:23,080 This Sunday he takes a risk not to be too holy. 104 00:12:52,919 --> 00:12:54,679 This is where I started. 105 00:12:54,679 --> 00:12:56,600 If Năstase was a violinist, 106 00:12:56,600 --> 00:12:59,799 surely he would take the name of Stradivarius in the desert. 107 00:12:59,799 --> 00:13:03,000 But it is essential with which racket choose to serve now! 108 00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:15,159 Dan, here's what's going on... 109 00:13:15,159 --> 00:13:20,120 Năstase realized he had the rocket too rigid for such conditions. 110 00:13:34,919 --> 00:13:36,440 Advantage Smith! 111 00:13:43,080 --> 00:13:47,200 For the second consecutive year, Wimbledon will have a five-set final 112 00:13:47,720 --> 00:13:49,480 of Olympic proportions. 113 00:14:15,759 --> 00:14:17,320 Advantage Smith! 114 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:21,080 So, for the fourth time, Smith is one point away from victory. 115 00:14:34,120 --> 00:14:36,360 The last ball of Wimbledon '72 116 00:14:36,679 --> 00:14:40,360 crowns him Stanley Smith as the new champion. 117 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:44,200 But Ilie Năstase will not be a forgotten finalist. 118 00:14:44,639 --> 00:14:47,080 Brought to Wimbledon a volcanic temperament 119 00:14:47,080 --> 00:14:49,480 and revealed an unexpected talent. 120 00:14:49,480 --> 00:14:51,559 It was always exciting. 121 00:14:55,720 --> 00:14:59,879 He missed and momentarily I didn't realize it was over. 122 00:14:59,879 --> 00:15:03,159 Then I threw the rocket up 10 meters, I jumped the net... 123 00:15:03,159 --> 00:15:04,720 He was disappointed, naturally. 124 00:15:04,720 --> 00:15:08,039 People were asking me if it was hard to play with him. 125 00:15:08,039 --> 00:15:10,679 Nasty did a lot of controversial things. 126 00:15:10,679 --> 00:15:15,279 But not in the match with me then he only complained about the racket. 127 00:15:15,279 --> 00:15:18,360 If it didn't work out for him, I guess it was 128 00:15:18,679 --> 00:15:21,960 not only from lack of preparation, but also from emotions. 129 00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:26,120 He did not withstand the pressure when it got close to the end, 130 00:15:26,519 --> 00:15:29,080 his nerves couldn't hold him anymore. 131 00:16:16,679 --> 00:16:18,679 Nastes, come to my place, please? 132 00:16:23,039 --> 00:16:24,679 First of all... 133 00:16:25,080 --> 00:16:26,679 Don't call me Năstase! 134 00:16:26,679 --> 00:16:28,840 - You call me Mr. Năstase! - Mr. Năstase! 135 00:16:28,840 --> 00:16:30,120 Better! Yes! 136 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:31,720 - Mr. Nastase. - Yes, sir! 137 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:33,480 I am reporting you for the delay. 138 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:36,039 I report you to the supervisor that you call me Năstase. 139 00:16:36,039 --> 00:16:37,240 Call me "sir"! 140 00:18:10,960 --> 00:18:13,880 I lived in the tennis club. 141 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:16,519 My house was right in the tennis club. 142 00:18:16,839 --> 00:18:19,960 Always, when I was going to school 143 00:18:21,240 --> 00:18:25,000 or I was going back I was passing the tennis club. 144 00:18:43,319 --> 00:18:46,920 Like anyone in Europe, I was more attracted to football than tennis. 145 00:18:47,400 --> 00:18:50,039 Then why didn't you become a footballer? 146 00:18:50,680 --> 00:18:53,559 Well, around 13-14 years old, 147 00:18:53,559 --> 00:18:55,559 I won my first tennis tournament 148 00:18:55,559 --> 00:18:58,039 and i got a brand new rocket, 149 00:18:58,039 --> 00:19:01,480 something incredible for me at that age. 150 00:19:01,480 --> 00:19:04,039 I think it's just the racket 151 00:19:04,039 --> 00:19:06,839 he convinced me to pass completely from football to tennis. 152 00:19:23,599 --> 00:19:27,559 Clearly, because Tiriac he was a bit older 153 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:30,279 and he came from another sport, 154 00:19:31,079 --> 00:19:33,640 he was an excellent hockey player, 155 00:19:34,359 --> 00:19:39,079 knew all the insides, and Elijah definitely learned from him. 156 00:19:40,319 --> 00:19:43,799 THE VOICE OF ION CYRIAC 157 00:22:57,319 --> 00:23:01,240 Sunny afternoon at Roland-Garros, 2,000 spectators. 158 00:23:01,240 --> 00:23:04,119 Young Năstase proved himself the best of the four 159 00:23:04,119 --> 00:23:06,880 his partner, Țiriac, being the weakest. 160 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:10,839 Șiriac constantly made comments unpleasant things about his young partner, 161 00:23:10,839 --> 00:23:12,680 who however played much better. 162 00:23:13,960 --> 00:23:17,799 He played a lot with Ion, they were an extraordinary team. 163 00:23:18,519 --> 00:23:21,799 They were earning a lot. They were very, very strong. 164 00:23:21,799 --> 00:23:26,440 Ion played very seriously, smart and so on. 165 00:23:26,759 --> 00:23:29,400 He had been flying around, intercepting, 166 00:23:29,400 --> 00:23:31,000 always creative. 167 00:23:31,880 --> 00:23:34,279 He couldn't be stupid, because Ion... 168 00:23:36,200 --> 00:23:37,599 would have twisted his neck. 169 00:23:40,279 --> 00:23:42,920 It stands out for several aspects. 170 00:23:42,920 --> 00:23:44,759 He was almost a genius. 171 00:23:44,759 --> 00:23:47,960 He was hitting chariot shots no one was capable at that time. 172 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:52,279 Santana had introduced lapel lobe with topspin, 173 00:23:52,279 --> 00:23:54,440 he took it to another level. 174 00:23:54,440 --> 00:23:57,000 Tennis is in a... 175 00:23:57,720 --> 00:23:59,960 state of intense transition, 176 00:24:00,359 --> 00:24:03,799 at the time of Năstase's evolution. 177 00:24:04,759 --> 00:24:07,839 We must not forget that in 1968 178 00:24:07,839 --> 00:24:12,839 tennis has passed from the amateur level during the Open era, 179 00:24:13,160 --> 00:24:15,400 in which they played both amateurs and professionals. 180 00:24:15,880 --> 00:24:19,400 That introduced a new element besides money. 181 00:24:19,960 --> 00:24:23,400 Moreover, it made famous lesser known players. 182 00:24:23,720 --> 00:24:27,559 He emphasized other important things, 183 00:24:27,559 --> 00:24:29,799 because the game was open now, 184 00:24:29,799 --> 00:24:32,759 anyone could sign up. 185 00:24:32,759 --> 00:24:36,200 Tennis had been a sport of the elites, 186 00:24:36,200 --> 00:24:39,400 but with Năstase it became... 187 00:24:40,839 --> 00:24:43,079 more engaging for the common man. 188 00:24:43,079 --> 00:24:47,079 It created an emotion that anyone resonated with. 189 00:24:52,920 --> 00:24:57,000 The tennis of the old days I think it's more beautiful than the current one. 190 00:24:57,720 --> 00:24:59,880 The ball wasn't that fast, 191 00:25:00,200 --> 00:25:03,960 you had time to see the elegance of the strokes. 192 00:25:04,519 --> 00:25:06,599 He had played very artistically, 193 00:25:07,160 --> 00:25:09,480 very aesthetic. 194 00:25:09,480 --> 00:25:14,279 Before him, all the players they were very modest and serious, 195 00:25:14,599 --> 00:25:18,440 but Elijah combined everything: superb gameplay, attractive appearance, 196 00:25:18,759 --> 00:25:21,559 interaction with the public, he also spoke Italian... 197 00:25:22,119 --> 00:25:26,240 All these made him a rock star overnight. 198 00:25:26,240 --> 00:25:31,240 I don't remember it ever existing players to have so much fun 199 00:25:31,240 --> 00:25:33,559 and make as much trouble as Elijah. 200 00:25:33,559 --> 00:25:36,640 I don't know why, maybe it's something Romanian. 201 00:25:37,039 --> 00:25:39,640 There was, before him, Pancho Gonzáles. 202 00:25:40,119 --> 00:25:45,240 He was formidable, I think in some ways he was the first superstar 203 00:25:45,240 --> 00:25:47,720 before tennis as it is today. 204 00:25:48,039 --> 00:25:51,240 But he was definitely born he was the superstar of our sport. 205 00:25:51,240 --> 00:25:53,000 It transfigured him. 206 00:25:53,480 --> 00:25:56,759 The world knew about him, whether he was watching tennis or not. 207 00:26:00,680 --> 00:26:02,319 Insolent, elegant, 208 00:26:02,319 --> 00:26:04,359 angry, capricious, bon vivant, 209 00:26:04,680 --> 00:26:07,880 Ilie Năstase is not alone an excellent tennis player. 210 00:26:08,200 --> 00:26:11,480 Personality does from him the most courted champion 211 00:26:11,480 --> 00:26:12,920 of modern tennis. 212 00:26:13,240 --> 00:26:16,839 The success of an entire tournament it lives up to its name. 213 00:26:17,160 --> 00:26:19,960 The baby is tennis's only currency 214 00:26:19,960 --> 00:26:23,480 at parity with the US dollar of professional tennis. 215 00:26:25,319 --> 00:26:28,359 Bold on and off the field, 216 00:26:28,680 --> 00:26:31,319 he is loved by some, loathed by others. 217 00:26:31,799 --> 00:26:35,480 He certainly doesn't remember not at all by distinguished gentlemen 218 00:26:35,480 --> 00:26:37,640 who in 1920, at Wimbledon, 219 00:26:37,640 --> 00:26:41,960 between lapels, they bowed to the ladies in the audience. 220 00:26:42,839 --> 00:26:46,200 But Năstase is not the same nor with Pancho Gonzáles, 221 00:26:46,599 --> 00:26:50,359 sports expression of American consumer society. 222 00:26:51,319 --> 00:26:53,640 There is something new from the East, 223 00:26:53,640 --> 00:26:56,440 a bohemian rebel armed with a missile 224 00:26:56,440 --> 00:27:00,119 with which, when he feels injured, deals cruel blows. 225 00:27:04,279 --> 00:27:08,599 He served further, the ball was going the other way. 226 00:27:08,599 --> 00:27:12,920 I saw him, he walks behind, serves and flips the wrist, 227 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:16,279 it's almost impossible but the ball goes where it should. 228 00:27:16,680 --> 00:27:20,519 He has a fantastic wrist, perfectly controls the ball. 229 00:27:21,079 --> 00:27:24,839 He controls it better than himself, that is the problem. 230 00:27:24,839 --> 00:27:29,079 Because it was a lot before the evolution of tennis, 231 00:27:29,559 --> 00:27:33,720 many misunderstood them behavior on the field 232 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:38,440 and the officials, the line referees they were not ready to accept 233 00:27:38,759 --> 00:27:40,960 what Năstase was introducing into the game. 234 00:27:41,480 --> 00:27:46,200 I think the officials were not ready to help them understand 235 00:27:46,519 --> 00:27:49,240 these players and what they were doing. 236 00:27:49,920 --> 00:27:54,720 Baby, continue the game, please or you will be disqualified. 237 00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:25,359 REFEREE GEORGE AMSTRONG 238 00:28:33,440 --> 00:28:37,400 The world said "I don't watch tennis, I have no idea, 239 00:28:37,720 --> 00:28:40,480 but for Năstase I come to see the match." 240 00:28:48,680 --> 00:28:52,680 The match with Hans-Jürgen Pohmann made waves in the tennis world, 241 00:28:52,680 --> 00:28:54,920 in the first week of Forest Hills. 242 00:28:54,920 --> 00:28:58,200 Many considered him worst performance of his career. 243 00:28:58,200 --> 00:29:05,039 He was said to be losing control on the pitch, becomes...monster, although it's a hard word, 244 00:29:05,039 --> 00:29:08,000 that emerges from him a very dark side. 245 00:29:09,400 --> 00:29:11,960 First set, point 6, tie-break. 246 00:29:11,960 --> 00:29:13,559 This is where it started. 247 00:29:13,559 --> 00:29:16,759 Năstase's ball seemed to have touched the edge line. 248 00:29:16,759 --> 00:29:18,359 She was declared out. 249 00:29:18,359 --> 00:29:21,240 The ball was on the line! 250 00:29:23,240 --> 00:29:25,559 Nastase's rage continues... 251 00:29:25,559 --> 00:29:29,000 Here's a lapel on the line, declared in the field. 252 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,880 By far the most long delay in the match. 253 00:29:31,880 --> 00:29:34,599 The linesman comes to watch. 254 00:29:34,599 --> 00:29:39,480 You can see how Năstase was born shout at him, use insults. 255 00:29:40,279 --> 00:29:41,799 And shouts, provokes him. 256 00:29:42,279 --> 00:29:45,960 He even reaches out and touches his arm here. 257 00:29:45,960 --> 00:29:48,039 The linesman say "Stop, it was in the field." 258 00:29:48,039 --> 00:29:50,200 He was wrong twice, what the hell! 259 00:29:55,880 --> 00:29:58,960 Pohmann complains about the delay, 260 00:29:59,319 --> 00:30:03,000 now Elijah complains by the line referee's decision. 261 00:30:07,359 --> 00:30:09,960 With Năstase, you don't even have time to blink. 262 00:30:10,839 --> 00:30:13,480 No need to relax. 263 00:30:14,119 --> 00:30:16,559 It drew the crowd in style. 264 00:30:16,559 --> 00:30:19,960 Now serving Pohmann. This is where he fell the first time. 265 00:30:23,079 --> 00:30:24,440 He had leg cramps. 266 00:30:24,440 --> 00:30:26,119 Now! 267 00:30:26,119 --> 00:30:28,839 The chair umpire thought he was seriously injured, 268 00:30:28,839 --> 00:30:31,839 that he broke his leg the doctor is heard calling. 269 00:30:32,799 --> 00:30:35,880 Pohmann refuses, momentarily says "I'm OK", 270 00:30:36,920 --> 00:30:38,920 he hopes to recover on his own. 271 00:30:40,039 --> 00:30:42,640 Now causing Pohmann a delay. 272 00:30:42,640 --> 00:30:46,319 The rules say for cramps you do not receive medical assistance. 273 00:30:46,319 --> 00:30:49,640 If you can't continue, you are disqualified. 274 00:30:52,480 --> 00:30:55,319 How ugly, says "Come on, play, play!" 275 00:30:56,079 --> 00:30:58,079 Pohmann is in pain, but not giving up. 276 00:31:00,720 --> 00:31:03,720 It falls again! The second time. 277 00:31:05,960 --> 00:31:09,480 He knows exactly how to irritate people. 278 00:31:09,480 --> 00:31:13,640 I was a ball boy at Forest Hills when he played 279 00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:17,160 then, with Pohmann, when it was an absurd match. 280 00:31:17,480 --> 00:31:21,079 I was thinking "what a man, incredible!" 281 00:31:21,559 --> 00:31:24,759 Unbelievably crazy! But, somehow, he escaped unpunished. 282 00:31:25,079 --> 00:31:27,000 How many times can he be late? 283 00:31:27,000 --> 00:31:29,079 Do you know the rules? 284 00:31:29,079 --> 00:31:31,240 How many times can he stop the match? 285 00:31:31,240 --> 00:31:33,720 Twice he fell, the jerk. 286 00:31:34,200 --> 00:31:36,720 He fell twice! I waited five minutes! 287 00:31:39,960 --> 00:31:42,200 The public is angry with Năstase. 288 00:31:42,200 --> 00:31:48,039 A lady gives him the thumbs up turned down, he spits out orange juice. 289 00:32:09,960 --> 00:32:12,359 Nastase got very angry. 290 00:32:12,359 --> 00:32:16,519 Jack, if it were me the chair umpire, I would disqualify him. 291 00:32:19,160 --> 00:32:21,799 After the game, I think all the referees 292 00:32:21,799 --> 00:32:24,359 he's going to go have a drink. 293 00:32:24,359 --> 00:32:27,359 - Isn't that understandable? - I would drink two "somethings". 294 00:32:30,880 --> 00:32:32,759 Match point, winning volley. 295 00:32:32,759 --> 00:32:35,599 Here Năstase shouts, screams. 296 00:32:35,599 --> 00:32:40,119 Now spit at Pohmann, shout, throw the ball. 297 00:32:41,200 --> 00:32:45,160 Swear. He wants to shake hands with the chair umpire, who refuses. 298 00:32:50,119 --> 00:32:52,599 He comes back to harass Pohmann. 299 00:32:52,599 --> 00:32:56,119 "What legs, what cramps? You fell twice." 300 00:32:56,119 --> 00:32:58,200 And he swears. 301 00:32:58,200 --> 00:33:00,279 Now you see it. Another gesture. 302 00:33:00,279 --> 00:33:04,599 The doctor tells him to Năstase "Calm down." 303 00:33:04,920 --> 00:33:07,640 You will see him push the doctor. Here. 304 00:33:09,000 --> 00:33:10,680 She pushes him, swears at him. 305 00:33:10,680 --> 00:33:13,480 Twice he fell. Twice! 306 00:33:13,480 --> 00:33:15,240 That's how I was born. 307 00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:19,319 I can't help it sometimes i try but i'm not me 308 00:33:20,599 --> 00:33:23,240 I'm tired of trying something i don't like 309 00:33:23,640 --> 00:33:25,240 do you sleep well Do you sleep a lot? 310 00:33:25,240 --> 00:33:29,240 no i'm very excited i feel the need to touch things... 311 00:33:29,240 --> 00:33:32,839 And at interviews, or when I eat, I feel the need to talk to someone. 312 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:35,880 I have a lot of energy, I have to use it up. 313 00:33:36,680 --> 00:33:39,000 That's how I'll always be. 314 00:33:39,559 --> 00:33:43,720 Sometimes, on the field, I am so agitated 315 00:33:43,720 --> 00:33:47,079 that I have to talk with the world, to do something 316 00:33:47,720 --> 00:33:50,200 to get out of the state. 317 00:33:50,759 --> 00:33:52,839 I'm very tense. 318 00:34:09,280 --> 00:34:14,000 US OPEN, 1972 MEN'S FINAL 319 00:34:14,920 --> 00:34:16,679 There are two left. 320 00:34:17,480 --> 00:34:18,840 Ashe and Nastase. 321 00:34:19,320 --> 00:34:22,280 Ashe performed excellently, defeated Stan Smith in the quarters. 322 00:34:22,679 --> 00:34:27,000 It seemed that the title was his, as if earned. 323 00:34:27,320 --> 00:34:31,480 It was also hard to watch things in perspective 324 00:34:31,800 --> 00:34:36,840 because they happened so many unusual things 325 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:42,119 so you had to analyze if it's Nastase's creative side 326 00:34:42,840 --> 00:34:47,559 or if he does something so unusual, 327 00:34:47,559 --> 00:34:51,159 so no one understood him back then. 328 00:34:51,480 --> 00:34:52,760 15 - 0. 329 00:34:52,760 --> 00:34:53,880 Is that correct? 330 00:34:54,679 --> 00:34:57,239 Nastase asks chair umpire "Is that right?" 331 00:34:57,559 --> 00:35:01,079 I can't identify a particular act of Năstase, 332 00:35:01,079 --> 00:35:03,800 but there were many small outbursts. 333 00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:06,440 Ashe now has the advantage. 334 00:35:08,119 --> 00:35:11,960 Elijah suggests that the planes are too close 335 00:35:11,960 --> 00:35:13,760 and can't concentrate. 336 00:35:14,679 --> 00:35:16,679 They also have planes in Bucharest. 337 00:35:17,440 --> 00:35:21,760 Dominique Grazia, from Belgium, the fiancee of Ilie Năstase. 338 00:35:22,239 --> 00:35:25,079 They each won a set and Ashe on the third. 339 00:35:25,519 --> 00:35:28,679 the moment seemed to follow to change everything 340 00:35:28,679 --> 00:35:32,199 reached 3-1 in the fourth set, with a break point at 4-1, 341 00:35:32,199 --> 00:35:34,360 almost two breaks, he didn't succeed, 342 00:35:34,360 --> 00:35:36,199 it still came to 4-2, 343 00:35:36,199 --> 00:35:39,159 then Năstase recovered and won the match in a decisive set. 344 00:35:41,000 --> 00:35:43,719 He has the match at the tip of the racket. 345 00:35:44,079 --> 00:35:46,679 The Open depends on this match point. 346 00:35:50,599 --> 00:35:53,559 But he will have to serve one more time. 347 00:35:59,079 --> 00:36:01,800 What a blow, Ilie Năstase! 348 00:36:02,840 --> 00:36:04,840 After the ball hit the net! 349 00:36:06,519 --> 00:36:07,960 He is a champion! 350 00:36:09,360 --> 00:36:12,039 First big title for Năstase. 351 00:36:12,440 --> 00:36:15,039 The 1972 US Open belongs to him! 352 00:36:16,400 --> 00:36:21,079 Dominique says, "We're taking the $25,000 into $1 bills and we spread them out." 353 00:36:21,079 --> 00:36:25,239 I am convinced that Elijah he is overwhelmed by this success. 354 00:36:25,639 --> 00:36:28,920 Dominique Grazia can't believe it. 355 00:36:31,679 --> 00:36:33,079 Well done, Elijah! 356 00:36:38,199 --> 00:36:42,519 Yesterday I went and saw how Năstase defeated Gorman. 357 00:36:43,480 --> 00:36:45,320 Mr. Năstase. My apologies. 358 00:36:46,920 --> 00:36:50,440 After the match, Ashe said at the award ceremony 359 00:36:50,440 --> 00:36:52,599 "Ilia is a great player, 360 00:36:52,599 --> 00:36:56,679 but it will be even bigger when he learns to behave." 361 00:36:56,679 --> 00:37:00,440 She had given birth, in typical style, waved the prize check at him, 362 00:37:00,760 --> 00:37:03,639 as a joke on Ashe. 363 00:37:06,840 --> 00:37:11,239 He had the body of an adult, somewhat and mentally adult, 364 00:37:11,239 --> 00:37:16,280 but many times the behavior seemed to be... 365 00:37:16,840 --> 00:37:20,000 I don't mean it with malice, but of a spoiled brat. 366 00:37:21,079 --> 00:37:25,320 He was the master of clay. He won Monte Carlo, he won Rome. 367 00:37:25,320 --> 00:37:29,880 He won the US Open and Roland Garros. Back then, he was the best. 368 00:37:45,159 --> 00:37:49,800 Năstase wins Roland Garros and walk away with the $15,000 prize. 369 00:37:55,639 --> 00:37:59,079 It is the second big title for Ilia. 370 00:38:01,119 --> 00:38:02,800 Is Wimbledon coming up? 371 00:38:03,400 --> 00:38:09,239 Of course it was no. 1 worldwide. In 1973 and 1972 he won it all. 372 00:38:11,719 --> 00:38:15,320 I grew up with him on TV. I learned to count: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5... 373 00:38:15,320 --> 00:38:18,400 I knew to say that Elijah was Born won this and that. 374 00:38:18,400 --> 00:38:20,840 He won Masters tournaments very many times. 375 00:38:22,920 --> 00:38:26,360 I think he did what he liked 376 00:38:27,000 --> 00:38:31,559 and managed to be unique, representative through his lifestyle. 377 00:38:44,199 --> 00:38:45,239 NASTASE IS MOBILIZING AND WIN 378 00:38:46,760 --> 00:38:47,960 PROFESSIONAL TENNIS LOSES, NASTAS WINS 379 00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:51,920 He had incredible hand-eye coordination. 380 00:38:52,760 --> 00:38:55,320 He was a great athlete: relaxation, speed, everything. 381 00:38:55,639 --> 00:39:00,679 It was easier for him to play tennis rather than tying on shoelaces. 382 00:39:02,639 --> 00:39:04,079 NASTAS "UNTAMED" WINS 383 00:39:04,079 --> 00:39:05,320 NASTAS WAS WINNING IN THE GYM 384 00:39:18,760 --> 00:39:22,679 ...some excellent matches of Năstase, a remarkable show, 385 00:39:22,679 --> 00:39:25,480 with which he won the Masters four times in five years. 386 00:39:25,960 --> 00:39:29,559 He is the first player who accomplished this feat. 387 00:39:29,559 --> 00:39:31,719 FIRST WINNER A 4 MASTERS TITLES 388 00:39:52,719 --> 00:39:55,119 1975 DECEMBER 7 389 00:40:00,119 --> 00:40:02,719 1975 NOVEMBER 30 390 00:40:05,719 --> 00:40:08,280 In our time, mine, Elijah's, 391 00:40:08,280 --> 00:40:11,519 as if you were seeing multiple personalities, 392 00:40:12,679 --> 00:40:15,800 resonate differently with players, 393 00:40:16,679 --> 00:40:19,320 for example me, Ilie, Vilas... 394 00:40:19,639 --> 00:40:22,280 It was different from how it is today. 395 00:40:30,920 --> 00:40:32,599 The human aspect is missing. 396 00:40:32,599 --> 00:40:35,960 They were much more human, now there are more cars. 397 00:40:36,360 --> 00:40:39,559 It is also difficult for journalists to relate 398 00:40:40,039 --> 00:40:43,719 a friendship, a communication with the players. 399 00:40:44,119 --> 00:40:47,559 I saw him in a match unforgettable with Arthur Ashe. 400 00:40:47,559 --> 00:40:51,880 The only match in history in which both players lost. 401 00:40:52,280 --> 00:40:55,280 It didn't happen again neither before nor after. 402 00:41:07,239 --> 00:41:10,519 I was a supervisor at that tournament. 403 00:41:11,079 --> 00:41:13,320 Someone came and said to me: 404 00:41:13,719 --> 00:41:17,320 "Please go to the locker room, we have an incident. 405 00:41:18,199 --> 00:41:20,920 Elijah is trying to annoy Arthur." 406 00:41:20,920 --> 00:41:24,119 I went and saw... 407 00:41:25,079 --> 00:41:28,199 that Arthur Ashe was trying to comb his hair 408 00:41:28,599 --> 00:41:32,400 and Elijah immediately appeared beside him: 409 00:41:32,840 --> 00:41:37,239 "Negros, you don't have beautiful hair like mine! 410 00:41:37,639 --> 00:41:39,159 Get out of here!" 411 00:41:40,760 --> 00:41:43,079 Nasty, is anyone making a movie with you? 412 00:41:43,079 --> 00:41:46,360 No, it's for a local television station. 413 00:41:49,719 --> 00:41:53,559 Negroni is the best my friend from all over America! 414 00:41:53,559 --> 00:41:56,119 Well, if someone else isn't talking to you. 415 00:41:57,320 --> 00:42:01,480 Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe, the greatest players in history. 416 00:42:01,960 --> 00:42:04,440 Because they took tennis to another level. 417 00:42:05,159 --> 00:42:07,400 It's the truth. Besides them, there were others 418 00:42:07,400 --> 00:42:09,719 a few crazies along the way. 419 00:42:09,719 --> 00:42:14,039 Elijah is that kind of man very passionate, very involved, 420 00:42:14,039 --> 00:42:16,840 and when you're passionate, it still happens... 421 00:42:17,159 --> 00:42:19,320 You have nothing to do. 422 00:42:36,400 --> 00:42:40,280 He makes mistakes too. Why don't you give him a warning? 423 00:42:41,320 --> 00:42:43,880 If you give it to me, give it to him. 424 00:42:45,159 --> 00:42:47,800 You could be sure something was going to happen. 425 00:42:48,119 --> 00:42:51,400 Or explode, or does something to annoy you. 426 00:42:51,800 --> 00:42:53,559 Which I don't mind, 427 00:42:53,559 --> 00:42:57,000 I only mind if the referee... 428 00:42:58,920 --> 00:43:02,920 did not control the match, because sometimes the referees of that time 429 00:43:03,239 --> 00:43:06,039 they were a bit afraid of some players. 430 00:43:06,039 --> 00:43:08,840 I think they were also a little afraid of Elijah. 431 00:43:10,519 --> 00:43:11,559 15 - 40. 432 00:43:16,440 --> 00:43:17,679 First service. 433 00:43:19,480 --> 00:43:21,559 - First service. - Why? 434 00:43:22,280 --> 00:43:23,320 - Why? - Net. 435 00:43:23,719 --> 00:43:24,840 When? 436 00:43:24,840 --> 00:43:26,679 Arthur wasn't ready. 437 00:43:27,800 --> 00:43:28,840 Net? 438 00:43:29,320 --> 00:43:32,039 - Arthur wasn't ready. - It's not my fault, friend. 439 00:43:32,039 --> 00:43:36,920 Ashe was leading 4-1 in the final set, with 15-40 on Năstase's serve. 440 00:43:36,920 --> 00:43:38,599 so it was going to be 5-1. 441 00:43:38,599 --> 00:43:41,239 She had given birth, how many times was getting ready to serve 442 00:43:42,360 --> 00:43:46,400 he looked up and said "Are you ready Mr. Ashe? Are you ready?" 443 00:43:48,280 --> 00:43:51,239 Give him warning if it's not ready all the time. 444 00:43:53,880 --> 00:43:55,639 15-40. First service. 445 00:43:55,639 --> 00:43:57,880 - No. 30-40. - Come on! 446 00:43:58,280 --> 00:43:59,280 Mouth! 447 00:44:06,280 --> 00:44:08,440 It's not my fault that it is not ready all the time. 448 00:44:09,880 --> 00:44:11,480 Play. 449 00:44:11,480 --> 00:44:14,800 I'm kidding, but it's not my fault that he is not ready. 450 00:44:25,800 --> 00:44:27,719 I was like "Whoops." 451 00:44:28,239 --> 00:44:31,960 Back then, the rules weren't so clear. 452 00:44:32,599 --> 00:44:37,639 All the rules were contained in ten chapters, 453 00:44:38,199 --> 00:44:39,880 on three pages. 454 00:44:41,480 --> 00:44:42,519 Huh! 455 00:44:51,079 --> 00:44:52,519 Ready, Mr. Ashe? 456 00:44:58,440 --> 00:44:59,880 - One? - Play, play! 457 00:45:00,599 --> 00:45:01,840 Yes ma'am! 458 00:45:03,840 --> 00:45:06,280 Please be quiet. thank you 459 00:45:07,400 --> 00:45:08,840 15-40. First service. 460 00:45:09,159 --> 00:45:10,280 Yes, ma'am. 461 00:45:21,960 --> 00:45:24,760 had given birth you have already been warned. 462 00:45:26,039 --> 00:45:27,239 Play. 463 00:45:28,960 --> 00:45:31,639 And it happened three or four times. 464 00:45:32,360 --> 00:45:37,239 Unfortunately, the chair umpire did not intervene immediately. 465 00:45:37,719 --> 00:45:40,519 Only after the third time did he say: 466 00:45:40,840 --> 00:45:44,519 "Please continue, Mr. Năstase, the game must be continuous." 467 00:45:57,800 --> 00:45:58,920 Play! 468 00:46:00,920 --> 00:46:02,039 Yes, live! 469 00:46:02,039 --> 00:46:03,159 Incredible! 470 00:46:03,800 --> 00:46:06,199 Referee, talk to me! 471 00:46:07,400 --> 00:46:10,920 I gave in, I just couldn't take it anymore. 472 00:46:11,639 --> 00:46:15,719 I've been waiting was warned twice, 473 00:46:16,440 --> 00:46:19,559 until I said "I'm not taking this anymore. 474 00:46:20,920 --> 00:46:22,920 Okay, I'm leaving." 475 00:46:32,440 --> 00:46:36,119 The supervisor disqualified him immediately, but Ashe said: 476 00:46:36,119 --> 00:46:40,119 "I withdraw before, there is no way you can disqualify me." 477 00:46:40,440 --> 00:46:44,039 The supervisor disqualified him, She had given birth to the scream in one 478 00:46:44,039 --> 00:46:46,039 "Why is he allowed to do that?" 479 00:46:46,440 --> 00:46:49,400 So the supervisor he also disqualified Năstase. 480 00:46:49,719 --> 00:46:53,000 In two minutes, they were disqualify both, end. 481 00:46:53,559 --> 00:46:57,639 Funny thing was that 24 hours later they rehabilitated both of them, 482 00:46:57,639 --> 00:47:00,199 brought them back on tour, 483 00:47:00,199 --> 00:47:04,760 because they couldn't lose them both, they could no longer play with everyone. 484 00:47:08,360 --> 00:47:11,880 In such incidents, do you think you lack rules? 485 00:47:13,000 --> 00:47:18,039 Of course, we will have a meeting a Professional Council this week. 486 00:47:18,519 --> 00:47:23,320 An important item on the discussion agenda is a code of conduct for players. 487 00:47:23,320 --> 00:47:27,400 If a player seriously breaks the rules, 488 00:47:28,599 --> 00:47:31,800 but seriously, you can get him a set. 489 00:47:32,840 --> 00:47:37,079 Yesterday I would have preferred than to disqualify Năstase, 490 00:47:37,719 --> 00:47:40,440 when he served at 1-4, 15-40, 491 00:47:40,440 --> 00:47:43,079 just tell him "It's 1-5, 15-40." 492 00:47:43,639 --> 00:47:47,880 Arthur Ashe contributed when writing the code of conduct, 493 00:47:48,360 --> 00:47:50,840 wrote 500 pages, 494 00:47:50,840 --> 00:47:53,239 condensed later, 495 00:47:54,280 --> 00:47:57,400 but there were 500 pages of notes, 496 00:47:57,880 --> 00:48:00,920 because he had all kinds of experiences with Năstase! 497 00:48:01,400 --> 00:48:05,079 If he sees me in the locker room, he does... 498 00:48:05,719 --> 00:48:08,599 You can't believe it, but it's true Năstase. 499 00:48:08,599 --> 00:48:11,000 I don't consider him a man. 500 00:48:11,000 --> 00:48:13,519 I think he's 30 and going on 10. 501 00:48:13,960 --> 00:48:16,119 Action must be taken. 502 00:48:16,119 --> 00:48:19,000 Let a few jump over the net and threaten him. 503 00:48:19,000 --> 00:48:22,760 Listen, Elijah, I want a fair match, we go and play tennis 504 00:48:22,760 --> 00:48:26,920 but if you start with the messes that you have done with others, 505 00:48:26,920 --> 00:48:29,920 I'm not warning you, I'm just grafting you on. 506 00:48:29,920 --> 00:48:34,920 The advantage when playing with Năstase maybe you'll get lucky and disqualify him. 507 00:48:35,239 --> 00:48:38,679 You are motivated to persevere, who knows when she'll go crazy. 508 00:48:39,559 --> 00:48:42,119 Will you correct your behavior? 509 00:48:42,519 --> 00:48:43,960 Do you think I'm bad? 510 00:48:45,559 --> 00:48:47,960 We need a code of conduct to be clear 511 00:48:47,960 --> 00:48:51,800 what happens if you do one thing or another. 512 00:48:52,599 --> 00:48:56,199 That's all I say, if they want me to be perfect or professional, 513 00:48:56,199 --> 00:48:58,440 to also be the professional chair referee. 514 00:48:58,760 --> 00:49:00,280 That's all I ask. 515 00:49:19,639 --> 00:49:21,480 Do you feel different from others? 516 00:49:21,480 --> 00:49:24,840 No, I don't understand who i am and what i do. 517 00:49:25,159 --> 00:49:27,880 I'm involved in the game day in and day out and… 518 00:49:31,239 --> 00:49:35,159 The next morning, I see in the dining room of the Grand Hotel 519 00:49:35,480 --> 00:49:38,199 that Arthur was standing by the windows 520 00:49:38,199 --> 00:49:41,559 and suddenly I see a kind of... 521 00:49:42,599 --> 00:49:47,960 a ditamai the bouquet of flowers who advanced among the tables 522 00:49:48,599 --> 00:49:51,000 and behind the flowers was... 523 00:49:51,960 --> 00:49:53,400 Ilie Năstase. 524 00:49:54,360 --> 00:49:55,800 It went like this 525 00:49:56,519 --> 00:49:58,840 to Arthur's table, 526 00:49:59,239 --> 00:50:02,000 he gave her the flowers and said: 527 00:50:02,760 --> 00:50:04,679 "Mr. Ashe, I apologize." 528 00:50:05,280 --> 00:50:08,920 after last night when you left angry 529 00:50:08,920 --> 00:50:11,159 when did you talk to Năstase? 530 00:50:11,159 --> 00:50:14,519 Oh, we already talked in the locker room! 531 00:50:16,440 --> 00:50:20,519 No, between me and Năstase it also adjusts in five to ten... 532 00:50:21,159 --> 00:50:22,840 Five to ten days. 533 00:50:23,719 --> 00:50:25,480 That's how he is. 534 00:50:25,480 --> 00:50:28,280 I just wasn't willing to accept them on the field. 535 00:50:28,280 --> 00:50:30,280 Off the pitch it's different. 536 00:50:30,280 --> 00:50:32,599 I just greeted him five minutes ago. 537 00:50:32,920 --> 00:50:36,599 I can't be like Ashe, for example. Neither he like me. 538 00:50:36,599 --> 00:50:39,320 why do you want should I change now, at 30 years old? 539 00:50:40,679 --> 00:50:44,199 To be fair, he called Arthur "Negroni". 540 00:50:44,199 --> 00:50:47,840 If they did this today... would end up in prison. 541 00:50:51,719 --> 00:50:54,440 Tennis star Serena Williams takes a stand 542 00:50:54,440 --> 00:50:56,760 against another sports legend, 543 00:50:57,079 --> 00:51:01,199 who would have made a shocking remark about her unborn child. 544 00:51:02,280 --> 00:51:06,199 ITF press conference today was controversial. 545 00:51:06,760 --> 00:51:11,000 The captain of the Romanian team, Ilie Năstase, former no. 1 world in tennis, 546 00:51:11,320 --> 00:51:14,119 is harshly criticized after a comment 547 00:51:14,440 --> 00:51:16,760 devoid of racial diplomacy. 548 00:51:16,760 --> 00:51:21,000 This would have been "Let's see what color is it, milk chocolate?" 549 00:51:21,000 --> 00:51:23,480 It attracted a storm of criticism 550 00:51:23,480 --> 00:51:26,599 and many condemned them inappropriate comment. 551 00:51:26,920 --> 00:51:29,320 I think it's good for her... 552 00:51:29,800 --> 00:51:32,039 Let's see what color the baby comes out! 553 00:51:32,039 --> 00:51:35,639 I think it's nice to have a baby... 554 00:51:36,280 --> 00:51:40,119 Serena Williams, who had revealed her recently pregnant with a selfie, 555 00:51:40,440 --> 00:51:42,280 attacked Năstase on Instagram. 556 00:51:42,679 --> 00:51:44,920 He expressed himself eloquently: 557 00:51:44,920 --> 00:51:48,840 "I am disappointed that we have a society where people like Năstase 558 00:51:49,239 --> 00:51:52,760 can make such racist comments about me and an unborn child." 559 00:52:07,159 --> 00:52:09,400 ILIE NASTASE IS SUSPENDED FOUR YEARS FOR RACIST REMARKS 560 00:52:09,400 --> 00:52:13,400 I think it hurts that it was involved in a story like this, 561 00:52:13,400 --> 00:52:15,400 it's not in his character. 562 00:52:15,400 --> 00:52:20,440 times have changed, you can't say that anymore. 563 00:52:20,760 --> 00:52:24,039 You need to be more careful what you say 564 00:52:24,039 --> 00:52:26,199 and hopefully he learned his lesson. 565 00:52:26,519 --> 00:52:31,239 Unfortunately, he made a comment about which we used to say 566 00:52:32,119 --> 00:52:34,840 "That's the way he was, that's the way he is." 567 00:52:35,800 --> 00:52:38,760 But today you can't do that anymore. 568 00:52:39,719 --> 00:52:42,199 He was always making stupid comments, 569 00:52:42,599 --> 00:52:46,760 but I was saying "That's Nastase, ignore him, he's Nasty." 570 00:52:46,760 --> 00:52:50,679 But deep down I know he's a good man. 571 00:53:01,000 --> 00:53:02,239 "Hi Commie, how are you?" 572 00:53:21,239 --> 00:53:24,599 He had nicknames for all his rivals, he called Tom Okker "Omelet", 573 00:53:24,599 --> 00:53:26,280 like an omelette with cheese. 574 00:53:26,280 --> 00:53:28,440 He called Stan Smith "Godzilla", 575 00:53:28,440 --> 00:53:32,800 of Arthur Ashe, who was, of course, African American, "Negros". 576 00:53:32,800 --> 00:53:37,320 He used to baby Jimmy Connors, "do you want mommy to hold your hand?" 577 00:53:37,320 --> 00:53:38,679 It was funny. 578 00:53:38,679 --> 00:53:42,119 it drives me crazy clown, all kinds of things. 579 00:53:42,440 --> 00:53:44,119 What, am I offended? 580 00:53:44,119 --> 00:53:48,559 I called her Nasty, or sometimes Dad. "Hi, Dad!" 581 00:53:48,559 --> 00:53:51,039 I was making him a gypsy, he was making me Russian. 582 00:53:51,960 --> 00:53:54,679 Yes, he was like that. He had nicknames for everyone. 583 00:53:55,159 --> 00:53:58,880 He would come, he would tell them, no one would stir. 584 00:53:58,880 --> 00:54:02,440 But they all loved him anyway, 585 00:54:02,440 --> 00:54:05,000 because it was very friendly off the field. 586 00:54:07,000 --> 00:54:10,840 In the old days I had no money, we couldn't afford a coach, 587 00:54:11,559 --> 00:54:13,159 we help each other. 588 00:54:13,800 --> 00:54:16,400 We ate together, we only talked about tennis, 589 00:54:16,400 --> 00:54:19,400 we were very close, we all knew each other. 590 00:54:19,719 --> 00:54:23,480 Because I didn't have any around a team to isolate us. 591 00:54:23,800 --> 00:54:26,360 We were not isolated, there was no such thing. 592 00:54:26,360 --> 00:54:28,760 It was a trust like family. 593 00:54:29,559 --> 00:54:32,039 "The birth was too much for me." 594 00:54:35,079 --> 00:54:38,199 He was too fast, the way he played... 595 00:54:39,239 --> 00:54:42,599 - He played like... - I'm not fast! 596 00:54:45,239 --> 00:54:46,760 I think it is... 597 00:54:47,480 --> 00:54:49,800 - Have you ever beaten him? - Never. 598 00:54:49,800 --> 00:54:53,159 - That will happen too. - Yes, sure! 599 00:54:53,480 --> 00:54:57,000 I remember going at the cinema in Paris, for example 600 00:54:57,480 --> 00:55:00,119 I went to the shows on the Champs-Élysées, 601 00:55:00,519 --> 00:55:03,559 sometimes it is things happened, we helped each other. 602 00:55:03,559 --> 00:55:07,880 I was training with Orantes, with Ilia, we train on Mondays, 603 00:55:08,199 --> 00:55:10,320 then we were rivals in the semi-finals. 604 00:55:11,079 --> 00:55:13,559 Today it is not possible. 605 00:55:14,480 --> 00:55:17,000 Back then, everyone was pretty much the same, 606 00:55:17,000 --> 00:55:20,199 there were no special areas for serial heads, 607 00:55:20,199 --> 00:55:24,119 even in the locker room, the players still... 608 00:55:24,679 --> 00:55:29,199 they had their own locker room section, but they stayed together a lot. 609 00:55:29,960 --> 00:55:32,599 It was a friendlier atmosphere, 610 00:55:32,599 --> 00:55:35,559 everyone was treated pretty much the same and... 611 00:55:35,880 --> 00:55:38,039 I think it was funnier back then. 612 00:55:38,039 --> 00:55:42,519 I think something is missing from that general camaraderie. 613 00:56:16,039 --> 00:56:19,559 The two were from another planet. 614 00:56:20,599 --> 00:56:23,360 No others like them are made. Never. 615 00:56:23,960 --> 00:56:26,679 There can be no such thing now. 616 00:56:28,039 --> 00:56:31,239 They were traveling without a coach. 617 00:56:31,639 --> 00:56:34,920 You realize, they grew up without a coach, 618 00:56:34,920 --> 00:56:36,920 they trained each other. 619 00:56:36,920 --> 00:56:39,239 We depended on each other, you know. 620 00:56:39,639 --> 00:56:44,480 we were traveling together we were warming up, supporting each other. 621 00:56:44,480 --> 00:56:47,880 Yes, there was a close brotherhood, 622 00:56:48,440 --> 00:56:52,119 and continued into the mid-1970s, 623 00:56:52,440 --> 00:56:54,639 when tennis flourished. 624 00:56:54,639 --> 00:56:57,400 WIMBLEDON, 1971 MIXED DOUBLE SEMI-FINAL 625 00:56:57,400 --> 00:57:00,119 Mixed doubles was invented for a man of the show like Năstase. 626 00:57:07,199 --> 00:57:09,079 We all wanted to dress like him, 627 00:57:09,079 --> 00:57:11,880 he was the first to wear colors 628 00:57:11,880 --> 00:57:16,840 and those cuffs, sometimes with the flag of Romania, 629 00:57:17,400 --> 00:57:19,800 which resembled my rasta cuffs. 630 00:57:20,199 --> 00:57:24,599 It was elegant and yes, you could see it was genuine. 631 00:57:25,280 --> 00:57:27,159 Because he was telling the truth. 632 00:57:27,559 --> 00:57:30,599 Sometimes with bad words, which was great, we loved it. 633 00:57:30,599 --> 00:57:32,920 When you heard him, oh! 634 00:57:37,079 --> 00:57:39,880 There were many characters, it was a great era in tennis. 635 00:57:40,199 --> 00:57:42,039 Thanks to some like... 636 00:57:43,079 --> 00:57:47,079 Năstase was one of those who broadened the horizon. 637 00:57:48,440 --> 00:57:52,599 We are no longer in the elite club, here is something else. 638 00:57:58,039 --> 00:58:00,440 Năstasa could be very comical. 639 00:58:02,000 --> 00:58:06,599 Nasty had a sense born of the moment. 640 00:58:07,719 --> 00:58:10,679 A good clown must to have a sense of the moment. 641 00:58:20,679 --> 00:58:26,000 I have the opportunity to present maybe the best match 642 00:58:26,000 --> 00:58:27,400 from Forest Hills. 643 00:58:27,400 --> 00:58:31,519 First, from Romania, the great Ilia Năstase! 644 00:58:37,440 --> 00:58:40,280 Also from Rhode Island, 645 00:58:41,320 --> 00:58:45,559 one of the future big names of the game, Franklin Kelly! 646 00:59:08,119 --> 00:59:09,159 Car! 647 00:59:11,480 --> 00:59:12,920 15 - 15. 648 00:59:14,360 --> 00:59:16,920 Are you saying I'm monkeying around? 649 00:59:25,920 --> 00:59:29,239 Do you know what your problem is? You are too temperamental! 650 00:59:29,960 --> 00:59:31,559 Let's play seriously. 651 01:00:17,480 --> 01:00:19,159 Wimbledon, 1975. 652 01:00:19,480 --> 01:00:23,960 Nasty didn't like the decision to the referee and asked to be moved. 653 01:00:24,280 --> 01:00:28,199 It was accepted and politely, he took her chair. 654 01:00:29,559 --> 01:00:33,559 They were just his kind of jokes. It was like he was a child. 655 01:00:34,000 --> 01:00:37,559 That's two balls. That means one. 656 01:00:37,559 --> 01:00:39,400 You understand how you want. 657 01:00:45,719 --> 01:00:47,000 Hear? 658 01:00:47,639 --> 01:00:49,000 shut up 659 01:00:49,639 --> 01:00:51,079 If you want to film me, 660 01:00:52,199 --> 01:00:54,679 both you and the friend have to pay. 661 01:00:56,920 --> 01:00:58,039 How? 662 01:00:59,480 --> 01:01:02,119 I am very expensive. Too expensive. 663 01:01:13,719 --> 01:01:18,119 Once, I was at the Hilton, they gave us a room... 664 01:01:18,119 --> 01:01:22,679 Eddie Dibbs Day, is that why he said? With the cake? 665 01:01:23,239 --> 01:01:24,440 Mother, mother. 666 01:01:24,760 --> 01:01:26,519 We were children. 667 01:01:26,840 --> 01:01:28,320 I don't know if he told you. 668 01:01:28,320 --> 01:01:33,280 I think there were 30 people, my wife, eddie's girlfriend... 669 01:01:33,280 --> 01:01:36,199 There were also Nasty and Borg. 670 01:01:36,760 --> 01:01:40,719 I said, "Nasty, you have to let's organize something, let's get him a cake." 671 01:01:40,719 --> 01:01:43,559 They brought me a huge cake for my birthday. 672 01:01:43,960 --> 01:01:46,679 With two or three candles on it. 673 01:01:46,679 --> 01:01:50,679 I am on one side and I say: "Eddie, blow out the candles!" 674 01:01:50,679 --> 01:01:53,480 And I, like a fool, do not think, 675 01:01:53,800 --> 01:01:56,480 I bend down to blow out the candles and... 676 01:01:56,480 --> 01:01:58,679 I put his head in the cake. 677 01:01:59,079 --> 01:02:03,480 Bang! He stuffs my head into it completely! 678 01:02:04,280 --> 01:02:08,199 I lift my head, I couldn't even see anymore, I was full of cake. 679 01:02:08,199 --> 01:02:13,400 Then it got really hot food fight in my life. 680 01:02:13,760 --> 01:02:15,719 In five seconds, 681 01:02:16,440 --> 01:02:18,760 everything flew around the room. 682 01:02:19,159 --> 01:02:20,599 Across the room... 683 01:02:21,079 --> 01:02:25,840 You had to hide under the table, chairs were flying, everything was flying! 684 01:02:25,840 --> 01:02:28,840 It was a disaster in the room. What a disaster... 685 01:02:30,360 --> 01:02:33,079 Someone had to clean it up. That was me. 686 01:02:40,280 --> 01:02:44,440 Bad boys, yes, I like them a lot. Jimmy and Nastase are adorable together. 687 01:02:45,079 --> 01:02:49,559 The connection between Jimmy Connors and Ilie Năstase was formidable. 688 01:02:50,280 --> 01:02:52,679 Because sometimes the horse jumped. 689 01:02:53,480 --> 01:02:58,320 They understood each other perfectly. they complemented each other in many ways. 690 01:02:59,079 --> 01:03:02,519 They both became... not that i wanted to be like them 691 01:03:02,519 --> 01:03:05,559 but mainly for them I was watching tennis. 692 01:03:06,280 --> 01:03:10,119 Jimbo! Nasty Boys, that's what people called them. 693 01:03:10,519 --> 01:03:15,079 They dressed the same with those long socks... 694 01:03:16,119 --> 01:03:18,599 They also started playing doubles together. 695 01:03:18,599 --> 01:03:21,639 What's up, Elijah and Jimmy... 696 01:03:22,199 --> 01:03:24,599 they made tennis cool, 697 01:03:24,599 --> 01:03:30,920 it was no longer a white man's sport who didn't say a word. 698 01:03:31,239 --> 01:03:34,119 He had gotten a little rock 'n' roll. 699 01:03:34,119 --> 01:03:36,679 It was on the line! 700 01:03:38,840 --> 01:03:39,880 On the line! 701 01:03:43,239 --> 01:03:46,679 The ball was on the line, touched the touch. 702 01:03:47,159 --> 01:03:48,280 It was on the line! 703 01:03:48,599 --> 01:03:50,760 On the field, they were... 704 01:03:51,639 --> 01:03:53,960 Completely jump off the hook! 705 01:03:53,960 --> 01:03:56,360 I remember a match at the US Open... 706 01:03:56,360 --> 01:03:57,440 A nightmare! 707 01:03:58,119 --> 01:04:01,360 US OPEN, 1975 MEN'S DOUBLE FINAL 708 01:04:01,360 --> 01:04:04,280 In the doubles final, Tom Okker and Marty Riessen 709 01:04:04,280 --> 01:04:06,679 they lost to the duo eccentric Năstase-Connors 710 01:04:06,679 --> 01:04:09,440 in one of the most chaotic games of recent years. 711 01:04:21,480 --> 01:04:25,000 Jimmy Connors, a few words for Romanian Television, is it possible? 712 01:04:25,320 --> 01:04:28,519 - What can I say? - Just a few words. 713 01:04:28,920 --> 01:04:30,840 About future intentions. 714 01:04:31,159 --> 01:04:33,599 I'm going to play doubles with Năstase, 715 01:04:33,599 --> 01:04:36,920 i hope we win at wimbledon or at Forest Hills again. 716 01:04:52,360 --> 01:04:55,760 Oh yes, he was my mentor. Oh yes, it influenced me. 717 01:04:55,760 --> 01:04:59,559 And I say it with all my heart: both for better and for worse. 718 01:04:59,559 --> 01:05:02,199 But it was my choice. 719 01:05:02,679 --> 01:05:05,880 We became not only partners, but friends. 720 01:05:06,199 --> 01:05:07,400 Do you think I'm tired? 721 01:05:08,679 --> 01:05:09,599 Not. 722 01:05:10,440 --> 01:05:12,119 He is tired! 723 01:05:22,760 --> 01:05:25,880 - Come on, boy! - I'm coming, I'm coming. 724 01:05:36,440 --> 01:05:40,840 When it says I'm a part from his family, it's extraordinary. 725 01:05:41,159 --> 01:05:44,920 Because I passed through many together, not just... 726 01:05:45,400 --> 01:05:46,559 tennis. 727 01:05:55,159 --> 01:05:57,760 Yeah, Jimmy was the best at the US Open. 728 01:05:57,760 --> 01:06:02,039 But Năstase, being Romanian and from a not very big country, 729 01:06:02,360 --> 01:06:06,119 represent all players from outside the US or UK. 730 01:06:06,719 --> 01:06:09,079 If you are from a smaller country, 731 01:06:09,559 --> 01:06:11,320 you will probably stick with Năstase, 732 01:06:11,960 --> 01:06:15,079 you have the impression that the big ones are playing with the little ones. 733 01:06:15,480 --> 01:06:19,880 And Năstase gave a lot of momentum to our sport. 734 01:06:20,920 --> 01:06:24,039 I always liked it Jimmy Connors' comment: 735 01:06:24,360 --> 01:06:29,000 "I didn't know how he was going to hit the ball because he didn't know either." 736 01:06:29,559 --> 01:06:33,079 Ilie Năstase was the rock star of his time. 737 01:06:33,079 --> 01:06:36,760 Indisputably, Năstase helped our brand. 738 01:06:37,239 --> 01:06:39,920 It was important because it gave us 739 01:06:40,360 --> 01:06:42,760 credibility with elite athletes. 740 01:06:43,280 --> 01:06:45,679 It's hard to get, and we had it. 741 01:06:45,679 --> 01:06:49,639 We had launched for three months and we had tennis player no. 1 in the world. 742 01:06:50,000 --> 01:06:53,480 He had won the US Open, Roland Garros was extravagant. 743 01:06:54,199 --> 01:06:57,079 It set the tone for the whole thing our tennis business. 744 01:06:57,800 --> 01:07:01,480 Then I immediately signed with his doubles partner, Jimmy Connors. 745 01:07:01,800 --> 01:07:06,159 Back then it didn't have the prestige to Ilie, so I offered him $5000. 746 01:07:06,159 --> 01:07:09,320 But it brought us long term credibility. 747 01:07:09,960 --> 01:07:13,719 It led to McEnroe, Billie Jean King, Sampras and Agassi 748 01:07:14,159 --> 01:07:16,760 and Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz. 749 01:07:17,079 --> 01:07:19,800 It all started with Ilie Năstase. 750 01:07:20,840 --> 01:07:24,760 I think I was lucky that I became a tennis player. 751 01:07:25,159 --> 01:07:28,360 Especially during this period, you realize 752 01:07:29,000 --> 01:07:32,199 Players like Pancho Gonzáles and Segura, 753 01:07:32,199 --> 01:07:34,519 maybe they played better 754 01:07:34,519 --> 01:07:38,079 but they didn't make money, or not as much as we do. 755 01:07:38,079 --> 01:07:42,119 A few were traveling with their wives or girlfriends, 756 01:07:42,440 --> 01:07:46,039 but most they couldn't afford to take anyone with them, 757 01:07:46,039 --> 01:07:48,360 they were traveling alone. 758 01:07:48,360 --> 01:07:52,199 So they were interacting much more than today. 759 01:07:52,199 --> 01:07:54,840 For us Eastern Europeans, it was not possible 760 01:07:55,159 --> 01:07:59,079 let the parents come with me in Paris, or at Wimbledon, 761 01:07:59,079 --> 01:08:01,159 because they were not allowed. 762 01:08:01,480 --> 01:08:03,000 For example, 763 01:08:04,119 --> 01:08:08,840 when I went to Wimbledon or in France, my parents were not with me. 764 01:08:57,720 --> 01:08:59,399 Oh no! 765 01:09:17,840 --> 01:09:20,000 Look how cool this bandito is! 766 01:09:20,319 --> 01:09:21,479 Bandit? 767 01:09:22,560 --> 01:09:25,319 See how powerful this is? 768 01:09:29,640 --> 01:09:31,960 Now I woke up. I'm ok. 769 01:09:33,800 --> 01:09:35,600 Look, me, this one hits you. 770 01:09:36,920 --> 01:09:38,119 I woke up, sorry. 771 01:09:42,840 --> 01:09:45,000 Do you want me to take them down? Chris, do you want to? 772 01:09:48,439 --> 01:09:49,479 Just kidding. 773 01:09:52,359 --> 01:09:55,239 Elijah, as a man, was very sensitive. 774 01:09:55,960 --> 01:09:57,640 He had a big heart. 775 01:09:58,039 --> 01:10:01,239 It helped a lot of people, it really did. 776 01:10:01,960 --> 01:10:04,520 If you had problems, Iile was always there. 777 01:10:05,079 --> 01:10:09,720 Because of the revolution and of the war in Iran, I didn't play for 4 years, 778 01:10:09,720 --> 01:10:11,279 I didn't hit a ball. 779 01:10:11,279 --> 01:10:15,079 Then I came to France and I remember that I had nowhere to sleep. 780 01:10:15,399 --> 01:10:20,039 He was training with Guillermo Vilas on land no. 3. 781 01:10:20,520 --> 01:10:24,840 I waited until he finished, I didn't even know if he still remembered me. 782 01:10:25,159 --> 01:10:29,239 After training, he walked off the field 783 01:10:29,880 --> 01:10:32,279 and I stood up and said, "Hello, Elijah." 784 01:10:32,600 --> 01:10:36,520 He began: "God, Mansour, where have you been? 785 01:10:36,840 --> 01:10:40,199 I thought you died in the revolution or... 786 01:10:40,680 --> 01:10:42,560 I'm so glad to see you!" 787 01:10:42,560 --> 01:10:45,319 He asked me if he could help me with something 788 01:10:45,319 --> 01:10:49,880 he said "I'll help you", he was very kind and generous. 789 01:10:51,800 --> 01:10:57,319 I would describe it as straight completely crazy in a good way. 790 01:10:57,319 --> 01:11:00,840 In the sense that he'd give you the shirt off him too. 791 01:11:01,239 --> 01:11:04,239 I have seen this often, with people he didn't even know 792 01:11:04,239 --> 01:11:06,840 he was actually giving them his clothes. 793 01:11:10,520 --> 01:11:14,039 Back then, the players they felt freer to express themselves, 794 01:11:14,359 --> 01:11:17,560 the stakes weren't so high if they were wrong. 795 01:11:17,560 --> 01:11:20,439 And we have to think about two things. 796 01:11:20,760 --> 01:11:23,800 The rules were not as strict as they are today 797 01:11:24,119 --> 01:11:27,399 and neither do the chair umpires they weren't that good. 798 01:11:27,399 --> 01:11:30,840 Usually the organizer tournament, a friend asked: 799 01:11:31,239 --> 01:11:34,039 "Are you coming to referee the match tomorrow?" 800 01:11:39,920 --> 01:11:43,319 If the chair umpires make a mistake, I always protest. 801 01:11:43,319 --> 01:11:45,239 We play for money, you know? 802 01:11:45,239 --> 01:11:49,479 when i'm wrong I'm taking money out of your pocket. 803 01:11:49,479 --> 01:11:53,920 I think the chair umpires I'm not professional enough. 804 01:12:36,159 --> 01:12:38,600 US OPEN ROUND 2 805 01:12:46,840 --> 01:12:49,239 The chair umpire was Frank Hammond. 806 01:12:49,560 --> 01:12:53,239 He was a car guy, all the players loved him. 807 01:12:53,239 --> 01:12:56,520 He was very balanced, very calm. 808 01:12:56,520 --> 01:12:59,319 But they started Năstase and McEnroe with the show. 809 01:12:59,319 --> 01:13:03,159 Frank was the first chair umpire professional of the era. 810 01:13:03,720 --> 01:13:07,159 He wasn't ready to deal with it such a crisis. 811 01:13:08,119 --> 01:13:10,760 Elijah beat me a few times, but then I said: 812 01:13:11,159 --> 01:13:14,600 "OK, I've had enough, I don't accept to lose anymore." 813 01:13:14,920 --> 01:13:17,319 I was playing the best tennis of my life 814 01:13:17,319 --> 01:13:21,239 and I think Elijah saw it from the start that he can't win 815 01:13:21,239 --> 01:13:23,880 so he thought of doing circus. 816 01:13:23,880 --> 01:13:28,920 Frank Hammond kept up with the players. He loved them all. And Nastase. 817 01:13:30,920 --> 01:13:32,840 It made me cringe. 818 01:13:33,399 --> 01:13:36,439 At least tell him to call me "Mr. Jigodie"! 819 01:13:36,439 --> 01:13:38,119 - I didn't hear. - No? 820 01:13:38,439 --> 01:13:40,880 Maybe you read lips better than me. 821 01:13:40,880 --> 01:13:44,520 I am Romanian and I read their lips and you don't? 822 01:13:44,520 --> 01:13:47,239 It was one of the first nights of the US Open, 823 01:13:47,239 --> 01:13:50,199 there was such an energy, the world had drunk a little, 824 01:13:50,199 --> 01:13:52,840 and Elijah could feel the temperature of the crowd. 825 01:14:01,079 --> 01:14:03,720 Tell him not to talk with me during the point! 826 01:14:03,720 --> 01:14:05,920 If you are a good judge. 827 01:14:05,920 --> 01:14:09,319 Frank Hammond he was trying his best 828 01:14:09,800 --> 01:14:12,199 to make Năstase calm down, 829 01:14:12,199 --> 01:14:16,520 he whispered to them at the change of lands, "Please Elijah!" 830 01:14:18,680 --> 01:14:20,159 Ladies and gentlemen, please. 831 01:14:20,960 --> 01:14:23,960 If you calm down, we can continue the match. 832 01:14:23,960 --> 01:14:25,720 Otherwise no. 833 01:14:29,239 --> 01:14:32,520 Both players they manipulated the public, they performed a circus. 834 01:14:32,840 --> 01:14:34,680 It was a historical disaster. 835 01:14:43,319 --> 01:14:44,239 Elijah! 836 01:14:45,960 --> 01:14:47,800 Play or lose! 837 01:14:48,119 --> 01:14:49,039 I know, I know. 838 01:14:49,960 --> 01:14:51,399 I told you, serve. 839 01:14:51,399 --> 01:14:55,039 Come on, you bastard, are you telling me to play? How to play like this? 840 01:14:55,039 --> 01:14:59,079 I think it was the only time I said to myself: 841 01:14:59,079 --> 01:15:02,359 "Let me leave the master to unfold." 842 01:15:02,359 --> 01:15:04,840 It seemed to me that it was being laughed at. 843 01:15:05,199 --> 01:15:08,199 On the other hand, that's what the world wanted to see. 844 01:15:08,600 --> 01:15:11,720 In tennis, we play for those who watch us. 845 01:15:12,039 --> 01:15:15,399 They want to be captivated, to laugh, to smile, 846 01:15:15,399 --> 01:15:18,760 they want to get angry it's all part of the entertainment. 847 01:15:18,760 --> 01:15:22,079 Elijah was, I think, the strongest tennis entertainer. 848 01:15:22,079 --> 01:15:24,199 Frank Hammond had had enough. 849 01:15:24,560 --> 01:15:26,920 How come he didn't disqualify them I don't know both. 850 01:15:28,920 --> 01:15:31,239 Game, set, match, McEnroe! 851 01:15:33,800 --> 01:15:38,960 The crowd was going crazy. It was like a protest. 852 01:15:39,800 --> 01:15:42,239 It was crazy. I didn't want him to be eliminated. 853 01:15:42,840 --> 01:15:44,720 But it was worth it. 854 01:15:50,079 --> 01:15:54,760 They asked the referee to come down, it's the first time something like this has happened. 855 01:15:55,079 --> 01:15:58,840 The main referee climbed into the chair, and I said to myself: 856 01:15:58,840 --> 01:16:00,239 "God!" 857 01:16:01,039 --> 01:16:04,479 I just wanted to play I was sure I'd screw him up anyway. 858 01:16:13,079 --> 01:16:15,479 Game, set and match. 859 01:16:17,319 --> 01:16:19,640 He didn't want to make fun of Frank, 860 01:16:19,640 --> 01:16:23,640 but that kind of ruined his career to Frank Hammond in many ways. 861 01:16:23,640 --> 01:16:27,399 It wasn't right but they feared a riot in the stands. 862 01:16:27,399 --> 01:16:29,399 It was also a night game. 863 01:16:29,399 --> 01:16:31,279 I wasn't even happy about the victory. 864 01:16:31,279 --> 01:16:34,119 I enter the dressing room ready to say, "Put me in..." 865 01:16:35,239 --> 01:16:36,920 To which he: "Macaroni!" 866 01:16:36,920 --> 01:16:39,560 He is the only man in the world who calls me "Macaroni". 867 01:16:39,880 --> 01:16:42,680 Do: "Where are we going to eat? I have two girls here." 868 01:16:42,680 --> 01:16:44,279 To which I, uh... 869 01:16:45,640 --> 01:16:48,279 "Where do you want", what can I say. 870 01:16:48,600 --> 01:16:51,720 Out of the blue, I have dinner with him at 1 in the morning. 871 01:17:29,880 --> 01:17:31,840 MATCH BALL 872 01:18:19,279 --> 01:18:21,199 He had countless women. 873 01:18:21,199 --> 01:18:23,880 Catwalk beauties, of all. 874 01:18:23,880 --> 01:18:26,960 Năstase was at the top of the list to something like that. 875 01:18:29,039 --> 01:18:30,600 It makes the earth to... 876 01:18:31,159 --> 01:18:33,159 Like an earthquake, you know? 877 01:18:33,800 --> 01:18:36,760 A smaller earthquake, then a bigger earthquake. 878 01:18:46,760 --> 01:18:49,600 He was very aware of what he saw around him. 879 01:18:49,600 --> 01:18:53,880 When I was playing doubles, he knew where every woman in the stands was. 880 01:18:54,920 --> 01:18:57,880 I was good at mediation: "Go to her, 881 01:18:58,239 --> 01:19:00,439 ask her what she's doing tonight." 882 01:19:01,640 --> 01:19:05,399 We froze looking at each other. 883 01:19:05,720 --> 01:19:08,279 He told me: "You have eyes that call you to the bedroom!" 884 01:19:08,760 --> 01:19:11,079 He had the softest lips! 885 01:19:11,079 --> 01:19:17,079 I have never kissed such beautiful lips in my whole life! 886 01:19:17,960 --> 01:19:20,840 He knows very well how I felt 887 01:19:20,840 --> 01:19:24,359 and how I will always feel about him. 888 01:19:24,720 --> 01:19:26,680 He always will a place in my heart 889 01:19:26,680 --> 01:19:28,479 He was extremely seductive. 890 01:19:29,000 --> 01:19:33,119 he was married so we were just friends. 891 01:19:33,479 --> 01:19:38,640 We used to see each other, he used to come to me, or we used to go to Studio 54. 892 01:19:39,199 --> 01:19:41,079 We were living our lives! 893 01:19:41,479 --> 01:19:44,640 It was a place where no one judges you. 894 01:19:45,039 --> 01:19:50,880 In the basement were the mattresses everywhere, it was crazy! 895 01:20:13,319 --> 01:20:18,000 The world loved Elijah and because it's more Latin, 896 01:20:18,000 --> 01:20:20,960 in the attitude on the field, the way he talks 897 01:20:20,960 --> 01:20:24,520 including how they dress, there is always something special. 898 01:20:24,920 --> 01:20:27,239 And he was a handsome man. 899 01:21:02,399 --> 01:21:05,279 That much I know. But I like the song. 900 01:21:08,039 --> 01:21:14,720 1989 BUCHAREST 901 01:22:48,880 --> 01:22:52,640 This Air France flight is the first arrived from Bucharest this evening. 902 01:22:52,960 --> 01:22:56,199 The 30 passengers, enthusiastic but tired 903 01:22:56,199 --> 01:22:58,720 they were stuck on the runway for four hours. 904 01:22:58,720 --> 01:23:00,720 The first, Ilie Năstase. 905 01:23:01,439 --> 01:23:02,920 I saw tanks. 906 01:23:03,279 --> 01:23:06,119 But if the people win, it will be awesome. 907 01:23:07,439 --> 01:23:09,159 We're the first two out. 908 01:23:09,520 --> 01:23:11,000 It's over. 909 01:23:12,359 --> 01:23:15,199 After 25 years of Ceausist dictatorship, 910 01:23:16,000 --> 01:23:21,479 the people, everyone, even his close ones... 911 01:23:22,159 --> 01:23:24,000 No one supports him anymore. 912 01:23:51,319 --> 01:23:54,479 In the communist era, all Eastern European countries 913 01:23:54,479 --> 01:23:56,760 only the best athletes wanted 914 01:23:57,119 --> 01:24:00,279 because they wanted to to present himself in the superlative. 915 01:24:02,000 --> 01:24:05,640 THE VOICE OF ION CYRIAC 916 01:24:37,000 --> 01:24:40,640 Tennis had become colossal in Romania thanks to the two, 917 01:24:41,000 --> 01:24:43,960 first Șiriac then, of course, Năstase. 918 01:24:44,760 --> 01:24:49,119 When the Davis Cup came, they exhibited it at the mayor's office in Bucharest. 919 01:24:49,680 --> 01:24:52,560 There were queues all over the city 920 01:24:52,880 --> 01:24:54,640 to see it, to touch it. 921 01:24:55,079 --> 01:24:57,520 It was a formidable event. 922 01:25:43,680 --> 01:25:48,439 Emotionally, there was a lot of pressure on Năstase. 923 01:25:48,439 --> 01:25:50,880 He knew it was his big chance. 924 01:25:51,520 --> 01:25:54,760 The Romanians had lost a few Davis Cup finals in America 925 01:25:54,760 --> 01:25:56,000 before '72. 926 01:25:56,399 --> 01:25:59,159 Now Elijah had the opportunity to assert himself 927 01:25:59,960 --> 01:26:02,199 and I think that marked him for a long time. 928 01:26:34,000 --> 01:26:38,239 At the Olympic Games in Munich three Israeli athletes had been killed. 929 01:26:38,239 --> 01:26:40,840 We had two Jews in the team. 930 01:26:40,840 --> 01:26:46,680 I arrived in Bucharest concerned for our safety, 931 01:26:47,520 --> 01:26:49,920 i didn't know how safe it is 932 01:26:50,520 --> 01:26:53,039 we were very well guarded all the time. 933 01:26:53,600 --> 01:26:57,079 Ceaușescu said that, if something happens to someone, 934 01:26:57,680 --> 01:27:00,840 heads will fall and I think he meant it. 935 01:27:08,840 --> 01:27:10,560 I had heard all the stories, 936 01:27:10,560 --> 01:27:13,880 that the Americans were changing daily route to the fields. 937 01:27:14,279 --> 01:27:15,960 It was very dangerous. 938 01:27:16,319 --> 01:27:18,399 We had guards in the hotel rooms. 939 01:27:18,399 --> 01:27:23,359 I didn't go out much just to the stadium and back, 940 01:27:23,359 --> 01:27:26,000 with security services everywhere. 941 01:27:26,000 --> 01:27:29,119 Security guards or something, from the Romanian state. 942 01:27:29,439 --> 01:27:31,840 It was difficult to play in these conditions. 943 01:27:56,760 --> 01:28:00,680 We were playing on red clay, the first time beyond the Iron Curtain, 944 01:28:01,119 --> 01:28:02,560 it was a big deal. 945 01:28:03,079 --> 01:28:06,239 At Stan Smith's serve style, 946 01:28:06,239 --> 01:28:08,399 he was very, very fast on the grass. 947 01:28:08,399 --> 01:28:12,359 But on the slag... it was heavy slag, 948 01:28:12,359 --> 01:28:14,840 because Ion Țiriac was smart 949 01:28:15,479 --> 01:28:17,520 and he knew how to prepare the ground. 950 01:28:17,520 --> 01:28:20,239 He said, "We water the lands of the lion, 951 01:28:20,239 --> 01:28:23,199 to believe Godzilla Stan Smith that they play on the beach." 952 01:28:42,399 --> 01:28:45,560 He had won the US Open, now the Davis Cup was being played in Bucharest. 953 01:28:45,880 --> 01:28:49,000 The world said "That's it, the Americans don't stand a chance." 954 01:28:49,319 --> 01:28:54,159 And Năstase said "The world gives us chances 10 to one to beat the Americans." 955 01:28:54,720 --> 01:28:58,600 We used to joke that everyone the line referees are related to Țiriac, 956 01:28:58,960 --> 01:29:01,760 that he orchestrates everything. 957 01:29:02,079 --> 01:29:04,760 We had a chair referee neutral, from Argentina, 958 01:29:05,479 --> 01:29:09,359 a massive guy, but he was intimidated by the situation. It was hard. 959 01:29:21,199 --> 01:29:24,479 Very few countries that I have heard of so far 960 01:29:25,000 --> 01:29:28,920 I use colorful language of the Romanians when they get angry. 961 01:29:29,479 --> 01:29:33,640 Some decisions have been made very bad arbitration. 962 01:29:34,039 --> 01:29:38,319 Honestly, I think so the Romanians were intentionally favored. 963 01:29:38,760 --> 01:29:44,199 If in doubt, better we give the point to our compatriots, 964 01:29:44,199 --> 01:29:45,560 not to others. 965 01:29:45,960 --> 01:29:49,800 And not only in Romania, it was like that everywhere. 966 01:29:49,800 --> 01:29:52,159 Especially at the Davis Cup. 967 01:29:52,479 --> 01:29:58,079 Until the 90s there was no neutral arbitration. 968 01:29:58,079 --> 01:30:01,000 The chair umpire, the supervisor, they were all from there. 969 01:30:02,560 --> 01:30:05,920 I think it's something I can't play in Romania. 970 01:30:06,239 --> 01:30:08,840 But people don't understand, because... 971 01:30:09,199 --> 01:30:11,960 They want me to win, they don't want me to lose. 972 01:31:11,560 --> 01:31:14,920 I never play well in Romania, because the public... 973 01:31:16,520 --> 01:31:18,319 has high expectations 974 01:31:18,319 --> 01:31:20,239 it puts a lot of pressure on me. 975 01:31:38,920 --> 01:31:43,760 They were counting on Ilia to win the key match. 976 01:31:43,760 --> 01:31:46,560 He served in the first set, led 9-8, 977 01:31:46,560 --> 01:31:51,840 then everything turned upside down, Smith won in the minimum of sets. 978 01:31:51,840 --> 01:31:55,000 The next day, Năstase and Țiriac they kept arguing at doubles. 979 01:32:10,079 --> 01:32:14,640 They were not collaborating to their full potential. 980 01:32:14,640 --> 01:32:18,800 They really messed around a bit during the match. 981 01:32:19,640 --> 01:32:21,800 Do you realize... 982 01:32:22,439 --> 01:32:25,399 That suited us. 983 01:32:30,439 --> 01:32:33,319 He and Țiriac argued a lot in the doubles match. 984 01:32:33,720 --> 01:32:37,640 So Smith and Erik van Dillen they beat them easily. 985 01:32:37,960 --> 01:32:42,279 Smith took the decisive match from Țiriac on the last day, 6-0 in the 5th set. 986 01:32:42,279 --> 01:32:44,880 So Nastase's match with Tom Gorman it was useless. 987 01:33:13,039 --> 01:33:17,159 Even if it turned out differently in doubles, Romania still had chances of victory. 988 01:33:18,239 --> 01:33:22,560 In retrospect, it was sad for Năstase that he was not up to the task, 989 01:33:22,920 --> 01:33:27,000 on the surface that favored him, with the fans cheering him on. 990 01:33:27,359 --> 01:33:30,720 Because Tiriac defeated him on Gorman on the first day. 991 01:36:14,600 --> 01:36:17,680 You know, Ilie Nastase Ilie Năstase will remain. 992 01:36:18,359 --> 01:36:21,479 And if you see him today, just like 50 years ago 993 01:36:21,479 --> 01:36:24,199 I'm sure he has moments of regret. 994 01:36:24,560 --> 01:36:27,600 I am convinced that, with his talent, 995 01:36:27,600 --> 01:36:29,640 it was supposed to be no. 1 a long time, 996 01:36:29,640 --> 01:36:33,159 but couldn't help it he lacked discipline, 997 01:36:33,159 --> 01:36:35,119 he lacked concentration. 998 01:36:35,119 --> 01:36:37,880 I think it could have gone higher, 999 01:36:37,880 --> 01:36:41,119 but maybe then they wouldn't be so genuine 1000 01:36:41,640 --> 01:36:44,399 so it is both plus and minus. 1001 01:36:44,399 --> 01:36:45,960 i remember 1002 01:36:46,680 --> 01:36:49,760 that I was looking at him and I was like, "Yeah, he's playing." 1003 01:36:50,359 --> 01:36:51,960 The others were working. 1004 01:36:52,560 --> 01:36:56,479 He was the first to actually play the game. 1005 01:36:57,680 --> 01:37:00,600 When you are the best of the world and you're a little crazy, 1006 01:37:00,600 --> 01:37:03,000 you become an inspiration, but also something else. 1007 01:37:03,000 --> 01:37:06,079 Play tennis with simplicity, 1008 01:37:06,079 --> 01:37:09,520 he had incredible innate sense. 1009 01:37:12,159 --> 01:37:16,119 How many times he played the stands were full. 1010 01:37:16,119 --> 01:37:20,640 Because sometimes people they want more than tennis. 1011 01:37:22,000 --> 01:37:26,640 And Elijah succeeded to give them that something more. 1012 01:37:27,960 --> 01:37:30,680 It touches people's hearts and minds. 1013 01:37:31,159 --> 01:37:32,640 That's how he is. 1014 01:37:50,439 --> 01:37:54,039 You didn't know what he was thinking, what he was doing. 1015 01:37:54,039 --> 01:37:58,880 That's why Elijah was a very difficult opponent. 1016 01:37:59,199 --> 01:38:02,479 But he brought something new to the sport. 1017 01:38:02,479 --> 01:38:05,520 He brought something authentic to tennis. 1018 01:38:05,520 --> 01:38:07,079 He transformed tennis 1019 01:38:07,960 --> 01:38:09,760 in what it is today. 1020 01:38:13,760 --> 01:38:15,680 Let's leave the rankings. 1021 01:38:15,680 --> 01:38:18,960 He has his records, tournaments won, several Grand Slams. 1022 01:38:18,960 --> 01:38:20,800 All right, good. 1023 01:38:20,800 --> 01:38:24,279 But he contributed so much to the evolution of the game, 1024 01:38:24,880 --> 01:38:28,239 to create suspense, of energy, charisma, 1025 01:38:29,039 --> 01:38:31,720 to any other features of the game... 1026 01:38:48,479 --> 01:38:51,800 Do you ever fear old age or… 1027 01:38:51,800 --> 01:38:53,399 death? 1028 01:38:53,399 --> 01:38:56,319 Sometimes I think about death, but... 1029 01:38:57,399 --> 01:39:00,960 I don't see myself dead, you know? I don't see myself dying. 1030 01:39:00,960 --> 01:39:03,920 I imagine living forever. 1031 01:39:34,960 --> 01:39:38,600 He doesn't have a perfect style, but every stroke is an invention, 1032 01:39:38,600 --> 01:39:41,159 a boost that confuses the opponent. 1033 01:39:41,159 --> 01:39:43,680 Appears where logically it could not be, 1034 01:39:44,039 --> 01:39:47,640 send the ball where logically it shouldn't fly. 1035 01:39:48,119 --> 01:39:50,640 To have invented surreal tennis? 1036 01:39:54,199 --> 01:39:59,000 He is not a fool: he loves tennis too much to neglect. 1037 01:40:04,000 --> 01:40:14,000 ✰ www.MEOO.ro ✰ Your source for movies and series! 1038 01:40:19,000 --> 01:40:24,000 Translation and adaptation: Bărăgan Marius