Loading ...Retired tennis star Ilie Nastase has been made a Cavalier of the French Legion of Honour as a token of admiration and respect from the French people.
The award ceremony, marked by elegance and refinement, was held on Wednesday evening at the residence of the French ambassador Henri Paul in Bucharest. Nastase was accompanied by his wife Amalia, and the ceremony was attended by many sports personalities, politicians, cultural figures and diplomats.
The award ceremony, marked by elegance and refinement, was held on Wednesday evening at the residence of the French ambassador Henri Paul in Bucharest. Nastase was accompanied by his wife Amalia, and the ceremony was attended by many sports personalities, politicians, cultural figures and diplomats.
One of the biggest names of Romanian and world sports arrived at the ambassador's residence, including gymnast legend Nadia Comaneci, retired tennis star Ion Tiriac and retired star footballer Gica Hagi, as they wanted to share this special moment with Nastase. '
The Legion of Honour, according to its statutes, rewards people for their distinguished merits in the service of France, and, in the case of foreigners, exceptional people who by their deeds have honoured the French traditions and relations between France and its allies and friends,' ambassador Paul explained, mentioning that Ilie Nastase is certainly one of the favourite athletes of the French, who have special admiration and affection for Nastase.
'I was welcomed in France as a French,' said Nastase, thanking for the honour to receive this high distinction of the French Republic. 'Vive La France (Long live France!),' shouted Nastase to the applause of the guests. The ambassador reviewed the impressive career of Nastase, all the way back in 1966, with is debut at 20, and 1967, when he won the first grand slam tournament in Cannes, France.
'You started your international career in France, and it was in France that you also ended it , at the 1985 Toulouse tournament. The French public, thanks to your openness and your relaxed and funny relations with it, has adored you and continues to love you. This is also the reflection of the French-Romanian friendship that I often celebrate. Even today, your public have not forgotten you and is certainly glad to watch you play in friendly matches,' Henri Paul told Nastase.
In 1970, Nastase made it to the rankings of the world's best 20 players. The same year he won the Roland Garros doubles event with Ion Tiriac. In 1972 he became the world's second best player, and one year later, in 1973, he became the world's undisputable number one. Nastase was designated the best Romanian athletes of the years 1969, 1970, 1971 and 1973.
He was awarded the Golden Racket in 1973 in New York and is the only Romanian athlete whose name is inscribed in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. In 1990 he received the decade's prize at Roland Garros in 1990. During his career, Nastase won 87 single event ( 57 of which were ATP registered) and 55 doubles matches (47 of which were ATP registered).
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