The head of the Romanian Tennis Federation has reignited his history of criticism of Serena Williams during a recent TV interview.
Ion Tiriac, who is a former world No.8 player and the current owner of the Madrid Open, took a swipe at the 39-year-old whilst speaking on ‘Network of Idols’. A TV programme which is broadcasted by Romanian public channel TVR. Speaking to journalist Irina Păcurariu, the 81-year-old sensationally said if Williams ‘had any decency’ she should retire from tennis.
“At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as he did 15 years ago,” Tiriac said.
“Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire! From all points of view.”
Williams is currently the third oldest player on the WTA Tour at the age of 39. Despite her age, the world No.11 has still managed to feature in four Grand Slam finals since Wimbledon 2018 and reached the semi-finals of the 2020 US Open. Although she has only won one title since giving birth which was at the ASB Classic almost 12 months ago.
Tiriac was challenged by Păcurariu over his comments of the former world No.1, which she described as ‘misogynistic.’ Although it failed to get a significant response from the 1970 French Open doubles champion.
It is not the first time Tiriac has hit out at the tennis star. In 2018 he said the sport needs new personalities in the sport other than Williams before making a reference to her weight.
“With all due respect, but Serena Williams is 36 and 90 pounds I would like to see something else, I would like to see a player like Steffi Graf.” He told a German newspaper.
Williams hit back at those comments by branding them as sexist during an interview with The New York Times. Tiriac is still involved in Tennis as a mentor of Simona Halep, who he has had close contact with since 2014. He has also previously managed Lucas Pouille.
“I always say people are entitled to their opinion,” said Williams. “Clearly there’s more to women’s tennis than me. There’s a lot more, but I’ll have words with him, believe me, I’ll have words with him. It’s an ignorant comment, and it’s a sexist comment, and maybe he’s an ignorant man.”
Tiriac is also a former ice hockey player who participated in the 1964 Olympic Games. Forbes Romania named him the third richest person in the country last year with an estimated wealth of EUR 1.23 billion.
