Roland-Garros isn't the only game in town right now. Further south, the Cannes Film Festival is a place where new film projects also compete for attention in France. The film festival in the French Riviera recently wrapped up. One of the contenders, NASTY, about controversial tennis legend Ilie Năstase, created quite a buzz.

When I started playing tennis, Năstase was a hero of mine. A magician with the tennis racquet, Năstase possessed a sort of sorcery on-court. I was enchanted by the Romanian's smooth strokes — a fierce mix of fire and finesse. I can't lie... I'm hyped for this movie. What's it all about? The film's press kit sets the stage...

1972. Ilie Năstase wins his first US Open, while reaching both the Wimbledon and Davis Cup finals, and enters tennis history. NASTY explores his highs and lows, the controversies that surrounded the 1973 world number one ranked player, and the enduring impact he has had on the world of tennis.

Lovable, charming and generous, yet temperamental, arrogant and obscene – Nastase disrupted the sport’s antiquated etiquette with a great sense of showmanship on the court, and became its first rebel rock star.

The first number 1 in the history of the ATP rankings, Năstase held the top singles spot from 1973 to 1974. He is one of the 10 players in history who have won over 100 total ATP titles – including Davis Cup, Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Năstase was also the first pro sports figure to sign an endorsement contract with Nike.

An irresistible combination of talent, eccentricity and humor made Nasty (the nickname given to him by the press) a true showman admired by fans, commentators, and other athletes. After Nastase, tennis was never the same.

According to the film's Director Tudor Giurgiu, "Ilie Nastase on the court was fabulous. This young man from a communist country managed, in just a few years, to conquer the world with his talent and personality." 

Co-Producer Cosmin Hodor adds, "At times, [Ilie Nastase] was even more popular than tennis itself. That's what I'd like new generations to see in Nasty — an inspirational figure who shook the world."

NASTY is produced by Libra Films in co-production with HBO and The Romanian Television. The film features commentary from tennis legends like Rafael Nadal, Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, and Jimmy Connors. To get a preview of the documentary, check out the film's international trailer below...

International Trailer

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Written by Florida Tennis' Executive Editor and Publisher Matt Pressman. Top photo in header, video, and photos: Transylvania Film.