Ion Tiriac is a Romanian businessman and former professional athlete, one of the richest and most influential figures in sports and business.
He first gained international recognition as a tennis player when he partnered with Ilie Năstase to win the men’s doubles title at the 1970 French Open.
Tiriac’s career extended far beyond the tennis court. He later became a successful coach, notably managing Boris Becker, who won several Grand Slam titles under his guidance.
File
- – Full name: Ion Tiriac
- – Date of birth: May 9, 1939
- – Age: 85 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Brașov, Romania
- – Nationality: Romanian
- – Occupation: Businessman, Former professional tennis player, Sports coach
- – Height: 1.85 m
- – Parents: None
- – Siblings: None
- – Wife/husband: None
- – Children: Ion Alexandru Țiriac
- – Relationship status: None
- – Religion: None
- – Nationality: Romanian
- – Net worth $2 billion
Early life and education
Ion Tiriac, now 85, was born on May 9, 1939, in Brașov, Romania, a city in the Transylvania region. From a young age, Tiriac faced many hardships; his father died when he was only nine years old, leaving him to become the “man” of the family.
Despite these early challenges, Tiriac’s competitive spirit began to take shape. He initially excelled in ice hockey, playing for Romania at the 1964 Winter Olympics.
His turn to tennis came later, almost by accident, when he picked up a tennis racket just before he turned 15. With limited resources, Tiriac and his friend Günther Bosch would travel to tournaments on an old Jawa motorbike across Romania, even in freezing weather.
Although not blessed with natural talent, Tiriac’s work ethic was undeniable. He represented Romania in the Davis Cup alongside Ilie Năstase, forming one of the most formidable doubles teams of the time. Tiriac’s determination, perseverance and unique approach to the game paved the way for his later success on and off the tennis court.
Personal life
Ion Tiriac has a known son, Ion Alexandru Țiriac jr, but details of his romantic relationships, marriages or possible divorce are not publicly available. Tiriac is known to have had relationships over the years, including a recent relationship with a 37-year-old former gymnast.
Despite being a public figure, Tiriac has kept much of his personal life out of the public eye, focusing instead on his business and charitable activities.
Career
Ion Tiriac’s career was a fascinating blend of sport and business. Tiriac’s most notable achievement as a professional tennis player was winning the 1970 French Open doubles title with Ilie Năstase. However, his impact on the sport extended far beyond his tennis days.
After retiring from professional tennis, Tiriac moved into coaching, where he managed the career of German tennis prodigy Boris Becker. Under Tiriac’s guidance, Becker won multiple Grand Slam titles, becoming one of the most successful players of his generation.
Tiriac’s savvy negotiating skills and creative approach to marketing made him a key figure in Becker’s career, securing lucrative endorsement deals and ensuring financial success for both.
Tiriac also became a major figure in sports management, promoting and managing tennis tournaments across Europe and the United States.
He played a key role in organising events such as the Eurocard Open, Austrian Open, Italian Open and Madrid Open. Tiriac’s business ventures spanned other sectors, including banking, insurance, real estate and aviation.
He founded the first private bank in post-communist Romania, Tiriac Bank, in 1990. It later merged with HVB to form HVB Tiriac Bank. He owns several companies under the Tiriac Holdings umbrella, including TiriacAIR, TiriacAuto and Allianz-Tiriac Insurance.
Prize
- – French Open Doubles (1970)
Net worth
Ion Tiriac’s net worth is estimated at $2 billion. His wealth comes primarily from his diverse business interests, which include holdings in banking, insurance, automobiles, and real estate.
Argumentative
Ion Tiriac has never been a stranger to controversy. One of the most controversial aspects of his life has been his annual wild boar hunt in Balc, Romania.
The event, which has been attended by celebrities such as Boris Becker, Wolfgang Porsche and other business tycoons, has drawn significant criticism from animal rights activists around the world. The hunt is often seen as a symbol of excess, with hundreds of wild boars being hunted for sport and the meat donated to local orphanages.
Tiriac has defended the event, claiming it has a charitable component, but this justification has failed to appease his critics. The practice has led to international outcry, with protesters calling it cruel.
In addition to his controversial hunting activities, Tiriac’s business dealings have also come under scrutiny. His rapid accumulation of wealth following the fall of communism in Romania has raised questions about his business practices and his ties to the political elite.
Critics argue that Tiriac benefited from insider trading and favorable regulations during the chaotic transition from a communist to a capitalist economy. However, there is no substantial evidence of any illegal activity on his part.
Social media
- – Instagram: None
- – Twitter: None
