“The bad boy of sports,” “magnificent,” “charming,” “temperamental,” “arrogant”—these are just some of the words used by the international press over the years to describe Romanian tennis player Ilie Năstase. The life and career of the first-ever world number one in ATP history, the controversies surrounding him, and the impact he left on the world of tennis are the subjects of the documentary NASTY, which will be screened starting April 16 in cinemas across the country. Combining extraordinary archival footage and interviews with some of the world’s most famous athletes, including Rafael Nadal, Björn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Nadia Comăneci, and Boris Becker, NASTY tells the story of a unique character. Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, also speaks in an exclusive interview about his relationship with Năstase, who was the first professional athlete to sign a representation contract with the famous brand in 1972.
The documentary is directed by Tudor Giurgiu, Cristian Pascariu, and Tudor D. Popescu, and distributed by Transilvania Film. The producers of NASTY are Cosmin Hodor (HDR Evolution) and Tudor Giurgiu (Libra Films), with co-producer Hanka Kastelicová (Vice President & Executive Producer of Documentaries HBO EMEA – HBO Max).
The gala premiere of the film will take place on April 16 at Sala Palatului in Bucharest, in the presence of Ilie Năstase, the team, and special guests.
In 1972, Ilie Năstase won his first US Open and reached the finals of the Davis Cup and Wimbledon. 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 fellow athletes alike. After Năstase, tennis was never the same.
“Ilie Năstase on the court was fabulous. This young man from a communist country managed, in just a few years, to conquer the world through talent and personality. We have been working on this project for five years, during which we discovered impressive archives about Năstase’s career and life and had the chance to speak with sports superstars, people profoundly influenced by him. I believe that, in the end, our efforts will be reflected on the big screen—a portrait of a complex, always surprising character who made history for both Romania and tennis,” says Tudor Giurgiu, director and producer.
The first images from NASTY have been released on social media @nasty.themovie (Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok). The film poster features a portrait of the tennis player created by artist Roger Huyssen, illustrating an interview with Năstase that appeared in Playboy USA in June 1977.
“I have always been fascinated by Ilie Năstase’s ease on the court. I caught him quite late, only playing exhibition matches. I grew up in a family that revered his name. Many tennis experts, including Björn Borg, say that only two players in history have had a special gift: Năstase and Federer. When I read Ilie’s autobiography, I decided we had to make this film. Now that it’s ready, I realize that the superlatives used to describe him are not exaggerated at all. At times, he was even more popular than tennis itself. That’s what I want new generations to see in NASTY—a figure who inspired and shook the world,” says Cosmin Hodor, co-producer.
“I am very pleased that we are co-producers of this fascinating film about Ilie Năstase’s life—a tennis legend whose matches delighted my childhood and whose charisma on the court is still recognized today. The directors have skillfully portrayed the journey of this Eastern European athlete who transcended borders with his talent and personality, earning the nickname Nasty for his captivating and often controversial style. This film captures the essence of a true showman, reminding us of Năstase’s legacy and the impact he left on the world of tennis,” says Hanka Kastelicová (Vice President & Executive Producers Documentaries HBO EMEA – HBO Max).
NASTY is produced by Libra Films and HDR Evolution in co-production with HBO and Televiziunea Română. Presented by the Ion Țiriac Foundation, Banca Transilvania, Dedeman, Superbet, with the support of Mastercard. The film is made with the support of the Romanian Government, the National Cinema Center, LIDL, Vodafone, Henkel Romania, CEC Bank, Regina Maria, HelpNet, and Initiative Media. Distributed by Transilvania Film.
Media partners: KISS FM, MediaTRUST.