The Madrid Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, attracting top players from all over the globe. But who owns this renowned event?
The Ownership of Madrid Open:
The Madrid Open is owned by Ion Tiriac, a former Romanian tennis player who has since become a successful businessman and sports entrepreneur.
Tiriac’s Tennis Career:
Tiriac started playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose to become one of Romania’s top players. He won numerous national titles and represented his country in several Davis Cup matches.
Tiriac’s Business Ventures:
After retiring from tennis, Tiriac turned his attention to business. He started his own car dealership and quickly became one of Romania’s wealthiest men. He later expanded his business interests into banking, insurance, and real estate.
Tiriac’s Involvement with Tennis:
Despite his success in other industries, Tiriac never lost his love for tennis. He became a coach and manager for several top players, including Guillermo Vilas and Boris Becker. He also served as the captain of Romania’s Davis Cup team.
Tiriac Buys Madrid Open:
In 2001, Tiriac bought the Madrid Open (then known as the Mutua Madrileña Masters) from former Spanish tennis player Manolo Santana. Since then, he has invested millions of euros into upgrading the facilities and attracting top talent to the tournament.
The Future of Madrid Open:
Tiriac has said that he plans to continue running the Madrid Open for many years to come. He is constantly looking for ways to improve the tournament and make it even more attractive to players and fans alike.
- Conclusion
In conclusion, Ion Tiriac is the current owner of the Madrid Open. His background as a former tennis player and successful businessman has served him well in running one of the most prestigious events in the sport. With Tiriac at the helm, the future of the Madrid Open looks bright.