Former Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase (in picture), who was the first year-end leader of the ATP tennis ranking in 1973, chose to welcome his fellow top tennis players who attended a recent gala in New York in an unexpected manner. Nastase, who was called first on stage, warmly greeted the other top tennis players who joined him, and even knelt down in front of Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovici. Nastase's gesture was in line with the nickname he earned himself while playing tennis: the Buffoon of Bucharest. His colorful character, his volatile temper and his tantrums were well known on tennis courts back in his days.

“It was difficult for me, coming from a country where tennis was not that popular. When you enter the field as a ball boy as I have, you try hard, but you never know if you're going to become someone,” said Nastase at the New York celebration organized by ATP, 40 years after starting the world ranking. “All these known players already had attended junior tours, and I first went abroad when I was 20, having never played in an international tournament. It took me four-five years to catch up with the players of the time and to become number one,” said the former tennis player.

Ilie Nastase's name was mentioned by most of the tennis players from his generation during the celebration.

John McEnroe, the famous tennis players against which Nastase used all his temper tricks in famous matches that entertained the audience, said he wanted to thank Nastase and Jimmy Connors, “the only ones who were crazier than I was.”

Bjorn Borg, former number one in the early 80s, said Nastase is one of his best friends: “When I was very young, he took me under his protective wing,” said Borg.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovici, both currently top tennis players, also showed their admiration for the Romanian tennis player. “He had a big influence, was charismatic and opened roads for many of us, as he was the first number one tennis player, and I am happy to see him again – he is a special character,” said Federer.

Djokovici, the current number one ATP, said: “Ilie Nastase wrote history, dedicated his life to this sport and shows it from all his heart. I am very happy to be in the same hall with him and the other champions, tonight, it is an unique opportunity.”

The ATP gala gathered tennis champions of all time, including John Newcombe, Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Mats Wilander, Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, Marcelo Rios, Carlos Moya, Evgheni Kafelnikov, Gustavo Kuerten, Lleyton Hewitt, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovici. Out of the 25 ATP leaders, six however did not attend the ceremony: Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Patrick Raffter, Boris Becker, Marat Safin and Thomas Muster.

The ATP Heritage album launched during the evening describes Nastase as “one of the sport's most colourful and explosive personalities, a stunning natural talent from Romania.” Nastase became the first World No. 1 on 23 August 1973, a year when he won 14 titles. More about Nastase here.

The ATP Heritage programme honours the 25 players who have reached the pinnacle since the ranking system was introduced in 1973. As part of the celebration, the ATP has published a collectible book, entitled ‘No. 1’, providing unique insight into the emotions and mind-set of all the year-end ATP World Tour No. 1s.

editor@romania-insider.com