'How dare he': Billionaire launches scathing tirade at Serena Williams
Serena Williams’ husband has hit back at billionaire and former tennis pro Ion Tiriac after he launched a stunning tirade at the tennis legend.
Tiriac, the 81-year-old tournament director of the Madrid Open, blasted Williams in an interview on Romanian television after calling for her to show ‘decency’ and call time on her career.
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“At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as he did 15 years ago,” Tiriac said.
“Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire! From all points of view.”
The comments prompted Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, responded on social media.
“Safe to say no one gives a damn what Ion Tiriac thinks,” he wrote.
Fans also slammed Tiriac’s unprovoked criticism as Twitter user ‘Loy Rab’ called Tiriac a ‘disgusting person’ for his second tirade at Williams.
Safe to say no one gives a damn what Ion Țiriac thinks.
— Alexis Ohanian Sr. 7️⃣7️⃣6️⃣ (@alexisohanian) January 4, 2021
How dare Ion Tiriac suggest that @serenawilliams retire what gives him the right to pass judgement @alexisohanian Serena is legend and the Greatest Of All Time.
— Adam Dawson (@AdamDawson01) January 4, 2021
No Top 100 tennis player should be told they are not moving well. In 2020, Serena Williams won a title right after coming back from maternity leave. She was seeded 8th in AO, 3rd at US Open and 6th at the French Open. Ion Tiriac must think everyone who's not No.1 should retire.
— Curatorous (@Curatorous) January 4, 2021
Williams the third oldest player on the WTA tour, at 39, and is ranked World No.11.
Since 2018, Williams has reached four Grand Slam finals.
Williams slams Tiriac’s weight criticism
Tiriac has mixed words with Williams before.
Tiriac was slammed back in 2018 for his comments on Williams’ weight with the 23-time Grand Slam champ calling him out.
“I always say people are entitled to their opinion,” Williams said.
“Clearly there’s more to women’s tennis than me. There’s a lot more, but I’ll have words with him, believe me, I’ll have words with him.
“It’s an ignorant comment, and it’s a sexist comment, and maybe he’s an ignorant man.”
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