Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ilie Năstase’s Net Worth?
Ilie Năstase, the celebrated Romanian retired professional tennis player, boasts a net worth of $10 million. This financial standing reflects a career marked by significant earnings on the court, strategic endorsements, and astute investments over the years. His journey from an amateur player to a world-renowned tennis icon has been financially rewarding and has cemented his place in sports history.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ilie Năstase was born in Bucharest, Romania, on July 19, 1946. His amateur career began in 1966, marking the start of his ascent in the tennis world. In 1969, he transitioned to professional tennis, a move that would significantly shape his future financial prospects and global recognition. Early on, Nastase traveled the world with Ion Țiriac, competing in various tournaments. Together, they clinched the men’s doubles title at the French Open, a significant achievement early in his career.
Nastase’s first singles tournament victory occurred in Cannes in 1967. By 1970, he had established himself as one of the sport’s top players, with many experts ranking him among the top six globally. His successes at the Italian Open and the U.S. Indoor Open further solidified his reputation and laid the foundation for future earnings.
Athletic Achievements and Financial Milestones
Throughout his career, Ilie Năstase accumulated over $2 million in prize money, reflecting his success and longevity in professional tennis. He secured 58 career singles titles, positioning him tenth on the all-time list, an impressive achievement underscoring his dominance in the sport. His singles record of 779 wins and 305 losses highlights his consistent performance at the highest levels of competition. Năstase reached the pinnacle of his career in August 1973 when he was ranked the world’s number one tennis player.
Significant victories include winning the US Open in 1972 and the French Open in 1973. Additionally, he reached the finals at Wimbledon in both 1972 and 1976. Ilie Năstase is one of only five players to have won over 100 ATP professional titles, further showcasing his exceptional talent and endurance.
In doubles, Năstase won 45 titles and had a career record of 479-208. He reached the finals of the Davis Cup in 1969, 1971, and 1972, contributing to his overall earnings and recognition. He won three Grand Slam titles in men’s doubles and two in mixed doubles, adding to his financial success through prize money and endorsement opportunities.
Năstase also distinguished himself by winning four Masters Grand Prix year-end championship titles and seven Championship Series titles. In 2005, Tennis Magazine ranked him as the 28th best player of the preceding 40 years, further cementing his legacy and potential for future earnings through endorsements and appearances. His induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1991 recognized his significant contributions to the sport and enhanced his marketability.
Notably, Năstase was the first athlete to sign an endorsement deal with Nike, opening up new avenues for financial gain through brand partnerships. His winning percentage of 88% in the year-end showstopper (now the ATP World Tour Finals) underscores his dominance and appeal to sponsors. His knighthood from France in 2009 for his achievements in tennis further elevated his status and potential earnings from public appearances and endorsements.
On his 70th birthday in 2016, Năstase was honored with the Star of Romania, the nation’s top civilian award, adding to his prestige and potential for income through public recognition.
Beyond the Court: Other Ventures
Beyond his tennis career, Ilie Năstase has ventured into writing, publishing two novels and an autobiography. While specific sales figures for these books are not publicly available, they contribute to his overall income and brand. His novels include “Tie-Break,” also published as “Break Point” in 1985, and “The Net” (Le filet), released in 1986. His autobiography, “Mr. Nastase: The Autobiography,” was released in 2004 and likely generated income through sales and publicity.
Năstase holds the rank of major general in the Romanian military. While this role may not directly contribute to his net worth, it reflects his status and influence in Romanian society. His entry into Romanian politics in the 1990s, including a run for mayor of Bucharest in 1996 and his election to the Romanian Senate for a Bucharest seat in 2012, indicate his broader interests and potential for additional income streams through public service.
Maxim magazine listed Năstase as #6 on its Living Sex Legends list, a controversial distinction that, while not directly contributing to his net worth, reflects his public image and notoriety. It has been said that Nastase has been with more than 2,500 women.
Personal Life
Năstase’s personal life has included multiple marriages, each potentially impacting his financial situation through divorce settlements and shared assets. His first marriage was to Dominique Grazia, a Belgian fashion model, when he was 26. They were together for a decade and have a daughter named Nathalie. His second marriage was to American actress Alexandra King in 1984, with whom he adopted two children, Nicholas and Charlotte. In 2004, he married Romanian fashion model Amalia Teodosescu, and they have two children together, Alessia and Emma Alexandra. After their separation in 2010, he married Romanian fashion model Brigitte Sfăt in 2013, but their marriage ended in 2018. His most recent marriage was in 2019 to Ioana Simion.
