In the intersection of elite sports and global finance, few figures loom as large as Ion Țiriac. While names like Federer and Nadal dominate the modern conversation about tennis wealth, the 86-year-old Romanian—nicknamed the "Brașov Bulldozer" and "Count Dracula"—remains the sport's ultimate financial titan. Țiriac remains the first tennis player to have cracked the billion-dollar milestone, outstripping even the most successful active players in net worth through a masterclass in post-career investment.
From the clay courts of Roland Garros to the founding of post-Communist Romania's first private bank, Țiriac’s journey is a blueprint for the athlete-turned-tycoon.
Ion Țiriac: Net Worth and Business Empire (2026)
As of late February 2026, Ion Țiriac’s net worth is estimated at $2.3 billion, placing him among the top 1,800 richest individuals globally.
How did Ion Țiriac make his money?
Unlike modern athletes who earn through massive prize pots, Țiriac made less than £200,000 from his playing days. His fortune exploded after the fall of the Berlin Wall:
Banking & Insurance: In 1990, he founded Banca Țiriac, the first private bank in post-Communist Romania.
Tiriac Group: He expanded into a diversified conglomerate with interests in insurance, auto dealerships, real estate, and even a private airline (Țiriac Air).
Tournament Ownership: He formerly owned the Mutua Madrid Open (sold in 2021) and has held licenses for major ATP events for decades.
The Tiriac Collection: He is an avid car collector with over 400 models, including vehicles once owned by Al Capone and Elton John.
The Billionaire Former Tennis Player: Was he good?
While he is now a businessman, Țiriac was a legitimate force in professional sports, famously transitioning from ice hockey to tennis.
Tennis Ranking: He reached a career-high of World No. 8 in doubles (1979) and was a top 10 singles player in the late 1960s (ranking as high as No. 19 in the official ATP era).
Grand Slam Success: He won the 1970 French Open Men’s Doubles title alongside his longtime partner and friend, Ilie Năstase.
Davis Cup Legend: He led Romania to three Davis Cup finals (1969, 1971, 1972) and was known as one of the most resilient "clay court" specialists.
Ice Hockey: Before his tennis fame, he represented Romania as a defenseman in the 1964 Winter Olympics.
Personal Life and Family
Țiriac’s personal life is as legendary as his business deals, characterized by a preference for privacy mixed with occasional eccentricities.
| Feature | Detail |
| Age | 86 (Born May 9, 1939) |
| Religion | Christian (Eastern Orthodox) |
| Wife | He was married to Erika Braedt (1963–1965) but has remained single for decades. |
| Children | He has three recognized children: Ion Țiriac Jr., Karim Mihai, and Ioana Natalia. (Rumors of a much larger number of children remain part of his local lore). |
Note on Ioana Natalia: Țiriac’s daughter, Ioana, is often in the spotlight for her philanthropic work and involvement in the family's charitable foundations in Bucharest.
Mentorship and Influence
Beyond his own play, Țiriac is credited with "creating" modern tennis superstars. He served as the manager and coach for:
Boris Becker: Guided him to his first five Major titles.
Guillermo Vilas: Mentored the Argentine to World No. 2.
Marat Safin and Goran Ivanišević: Managed various stages of their careers.