Romania team captain Nastase, 70, was ejected from the match in Constanta following a foul-mouthed tirade directed at his British counterpart Anne Keothavong and British No1 Johanna Konta – one of a series of incidents for which he is awaiting sanction by the International Tennis Federation.
The All England Club indicated last week that it would block the two-time finalist’s customary invitation to the Royal Box, and this was confirmed by chairman Philip Brook at the Wimbledon spring press conference on Wednesday.
Brook also announced the winners of this year’s singles titles will receive £2.2m – a rise of £200,000 on last year’s prizefund.
“We are proud of the important leadership role that Wimbledon plays locally, nationally, and internationally, and are committed to continuing to invest to secure the future of The Championships, and of our sport, for the years to come,” Brook said.
Brook said the club had “taken into account” exchange rates, but that the “Brexit effect” had not been instrumental in their calculations.
“Exchange rates go up and go down over time,” he said. “In my time with the club I think all four grand slam tournaments have led on prize money, and now the US dollar is particularly strong.”
MORE HERE: Ilie Nastase banned from Wimbledon’s royal box after Fed Cup row | Sport | The Guardian
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