Banned from tennis, Nastase starts new career as diplomat

PRAGUE (AP) — Ilie Nastase is taking on a new role as a diplomat for the Czech Republic.

The Romanian tennis great has been banned by the International Tennis Federation for two years because of his foul-mouthed comments and bad behavior as Romania's Fed Cup captain.

But after a meeting on Friday, Czech Foreign Minister Lubomir Zaoralek said Nastase agreed to become the Czech Republic's new honorary consul in Romania. He will be based in the Black Sea port of Constanta.

"It's a great honor," Nastase said. "My country didn't give me this chance but you gave me this chance and I appreciate it."

Nastase will have time to focus on his new job.