The Mutua Madrid Open is a prestigious tennis tournament that takes place annually in Madrid, Spain. The tournament has been a part of the ATP World Tour and the WTA Tour since 2009 and has quickly become one of the most exciting events on the tennis calendar. But who exactly owns the Mutua Madrid Open?
Background:
The Mutua Madrid Open was first held in 2002 and was initially played on indoor hard courts. In 2009, the event moved to its current location at the Caja Mágica tennis complex, which features clay courts. The tournament is now considered one of the most important clay-court events in the lead-up to the French Open.
Ownership:
The Mutua Madrid Open is owned by Ion Tiriac, a former Romanian professional tennis player turned businessman. Tiriac was once ranked as high as No.
8 in singles and No. 4 in doubles during his playing career and went on to have a successful career as a coach and manager for some of the top players in tennis history.
After retiring from coaching, Tiriac turned his attention to business and became involved in several industries, including banking, automotive, and aviation. In 2001, he purchased a controlling stake in the ATP tournament held in his hometown of Bucharest, which eventually led to his acquisition of the Madrid Masters (now known as the Mutua Madrid Open) in 2008.
Tiriac’s ownership of the event has brought about significant changes over the years, including its move to a new location with state-of-the-art facilities. He has also implemented new technologies such as electronic line-calling systems to improve player performance and fan experience.
Impact:
Tiriac’s ownership of the Mutua Madrid Open has had a significant impact on both players and fans alike. His investment into improving facilities has made it one of the most popular destinations on the tennis calendar. Additionally, the tournament’s location in Madrid has made it a popular destination for players and fans alike, with its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Mutua Madrid Open is owned by Ion Tiriac, a former tennis player turned businessman. His ownership of the event has brought about significant changes and improvements to the tournament, making it one of the most popular destinations on the tennis calendar. The Mutua Madrid Open’s location in Madrid has also contributed to its popularity among players and fans alike.