Ilie “Nasty” Năstase

There is a new documentary called Nasty, featuring Ilie Năstase, a famous Romanian tennis player who was on top of his game in the 70s, and at one point even the #1 ranking tennis player in the world.

Ilie Năstase’s tennis skills were a unique combination of athleticism, creativity, mental toughness, and strategic thinking. His ability to entertain and surprise and his technical prowess made him one of the most memorable and effective players in tennis history.

His controversial behavior which earned him the nickname Nasty was marked by his flamboyant and unpredictable on-court antics, including frequent outbursts and disputes with officials. Known for his sharp wit and sarcasm, he often taunted opponents and used deception to disrupt their focus.

His off-court actions, such as inappropriate comments and a volatile temper, also drew criticism. Notably, in 2017, as Romania’s Fed Cup captain, he made sexist and racist remarks that led to his suspension from the International Tennis Federation. Despite his talent, Năstase’s behavior frequently overshadowed his achievements, earning him a reputation as one of tennis’s most controversial figures.

Ilie Năstase, born as a Yang Wood Master Element, exhibited several chart features that explain his temperamental behavior.

The presence of Yin Wood at the top of his chart indicates a Competitor Talent, reflecting his high energy and strong drive to win. This trait also suggests he didn’t handle losing well, often reacting emotionally.

His chart shows a dominant Fire Element (Output Component) and a very weak Metal Element (Power Component), highlighting a rebellious nature and a lack of respect for authority.

He also has a strong Pioneer Talent, emphasizing his unpredictable and impatient behavior even more. In the documentary, Ilie talks about pent-up energy which he has to spend because it makes him nervous, and this is typical for Pioneers.

Năstase was also very entertaining and loved being the center of attention, a characteristic common among those born in the Fire Dog year. This trait is shared by other notable figures like Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Donald Trump. Fire Dogs are known for being self-centric and charismatic.

Additionally, Năstase’s chart features a strong dynamic between Wood (Body Component) and Earth (Wealth Component), indicating the Dominance Talent Bridge. This bridge is excellent for an athlete due to its emphasis on strong physicality, explaining how Năstase used his physical prowess to succeed in sports.


Also published on Medium.