Serena Williams has launched a stinging attack on Ilie Nastase, accusing the Romanian of racially abusing her and her unborn baby and hurling sexist abuse at her fellow female tennis players.
The American has responded publicly for the first time to the controversy which has erupted over the Romania Fed Cup team captain's astonishing behaviour at his side's match with Great Britain last weekend.
Nastase was overheard at Friday's press conference saying about Williams' unborn baby, "Let's see what colour it has. Chocolate with milk?"
He had already asked British team captain Anne Keothavong for her room number, while, when play got under way in Constanta on Saturday, Nastase was heard to call Keothavong and British number one Johanna Konta "f****** bitches" in a rant which has led to his provisional suspension by the International Tennis Federation.
Writing on Instagram, Williams said: "I disappoints me to know we live in a society which people like Ilie Nastase can make such racist comments towards myself and unborn child, and sexist comments against my peers."
Williams, who returned to the world number one spot on Monday, despite not having played since cruising to the Australian Open title nearly three months ago, announced last week that she was expecting a baby in the autumn.
She added in her post: "I have said it once and I'll say it again, this world has come so far but yet we have so much further to go. Yes, we have broken down so many barriers - however there are a plethora more to go.
This or anything else will not stop me from pouring love, light and positivity into everything that I do. I will continue to take a lead and stand up for what's right.
"I am not afraid unlike you. You see, I am no coward. Does my sassiness upset you. Why are you beset with gloom?
"You may shoot me with your words... you may try to kill me with your hatefulness, but still like air, I rise.
"I humbly thank the ITF for any consideration given to all the facts in this case. They will have my full support."
Nastase has remained unrepentant about his conduct, despite the All England Club threatening a Royal Box ban and fellow Romanian sports hero Nadia Comaneci branding his comments "ugly".
Romanian website ProSport quoted the 70-year-old on Monday evening responding to a question from a local journalist about whether he contacted any British team members in the aftermath of his outburst.
It quoted Nastase answering: "No, I did not try (to contact them). Well, what do I do with them? One (Keothavong) is pregnant with her second child and the other (Konta) is busy. I have nothing to do with them."
The All England Club is now set to block the two-time finalist's customary invitation to the Royal Box, saying in a statement that a "range of factors" would be taken into account, "including any suspensions".
Nastase was expelled midway through the World Group II play-off match after swearing at officials as well as the British pair. He also directed an aggressive rant at a Press Association journalist.
Afterwards, Konta's opponent Sorana Cirstea instead accused the Briton of "exaggerating" the incident by briefly walking off the court.
Despite his outburst, Nastase has received broad support in his homeland, although his long-time friend, gymnastics great Nadia Comaneci, said his latest comments had gone too far.
She is the first significant public figure in Romania to openly question Nastase's outburst.
Despite awaiting punishment by the ITF, Nastase has remained defiant about his expulsion and insisted he does not care what punishment he is given.
He told the Daily Mirror: "I don't regret it and they can send me to prison if they want - I don't care.
"'I don't need this b*******. I'm 70 years old. I don't even get paid for being team captain. I don't give a s*** if they fine me or don't let me sit in the captain's chair."
Earlier on Monday, Williams hinted that she is already plotting a return to tennis next year once she has given birth, saying she "can't wait" to introduce her first child to the players' box.
A by-product of the 35-year-old announcing she was 20 weeks pregnant last week was that she claimed an Open-era record 23rd grand slam title, without dropping a set, in the early stages of gestation.
Williams, who became engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in December, will miss the rest of the year but is relishing her comeback in 2018 with a newborn baby in tow.
Alongside a selfie, Williams wrote on Instagram: "My Dearest Baby, You gave me the strength I didn't know I had. You taught me the true meaning of serenity and peace. I can't wait to meet you. I can't wait for you to join the players box next year.
"But most importantly, I am so happy to share being number one in the world with you.... once again today. On @alexisohanian bday. from the world's oldest number one to the world's youngest number one. -Your Mommy."
