Arguing with his fellow players and with the umpires.
McEnroe did, but not me, he says, without a hint of his trademark irony.
The tour of the 1970s was complicated by geopolitics and fractious finances, but it brought the players closer.
Ilie Năstase at a Cannes photocall.Christophe Simon/AFP/Getty
Then theyd retire to some cheap motel they were sharing and hit the town.
Nastases frequent outbursts and arguments had frustrated McEnroe into a rage.
Ive met these two girls…
Romania’s Ilie Năstase complains of racket tension during his Men’s Singles final at Wimbledon against American Stan Smith in 1972.PA Images via Getty
Such japes, but ifNastyrequests a let, its on the less friendly side of such a wild era.
he wonders, in an era in which he should know better.
Williams issued a justifiably incendiary statement at the time.
I know the essence of who he is, says King, and hes got a good heart.
Nastase himself, who was interviewed for the doc, doesnt comment.
All very noble endeavors, butNastywould rather celebrate them than interrogate the rougher side of the stars personality.
The players then, were much more human, says an Italian sports commentator in the movie.
The game is faster now, and more polished.
The athleticism is tuned to degrees that have become balletic.
