Boris Becker encounters Ion Tiriac in Cannes.
Boris Becker's thriving career in sports wouldn't have been possible without the help of his manager, Ion Tiriac. Despite their paths parting decades ago, their bond remains strong. This was visible at a recent reunion in Cannes.
This gathering can be seen as a flashback to the 70s and 80s tennis world. On Thursday, several tennis legends gathered at the Cannes Film Festival for the debut of the film documentary "Nasty" about the unconventional Romanian tennis player Ilie Nastase.
Not only Ilie Nastase and his wife Ioana, but also French tennis player Henri Leconte and Iranian ball aficionado Mansour Bahrami were present on the red carpet on the Cote d'Azur. Boris Becker and his former discoverer and manager Ion Tiriac also made an appearance together, highlighting the remarkable connection between the two.
Becker - The Rock Star of Tennis
It's sad how Becker's name has been associated with financial mismanagement in recent years. But let's not forget that in the 1980s, he single-handedly brought color back to a somewhat dull sport. He sang, threw rackets, and even threw himself onto the grass at Wimbledon. He single-handedly pushed an entire nation forward with his iconic fist gesture.
Becker served as a role model and a partier, a modern-day rock star in shorts. These characters like Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe, and of course Ilie Nastase, made life on court as tough as possible for the Swedish quiet Bjorn Borg. They used to shout, swear, and bully umpires and opponents. The tennis court became a stage - the sport flourished.
Becker owes his inheritance of the legacy of the 70s heroes to two individuals - his former coach Gunter Bosch and his long-term manager Ion Tiriac. These two former colleagues and tennis pros discovered the young player from Leimen in 1984, believed in him, and paved the way for both successful and prosperous careers.
Tiriac, the Billionaire
Becker's star began to rise in 1985 with a spectacular victory at Wimbledon and he was a mainstay in the tennis world for a long time. In the same year, Nastase retired from professional tennis and ventured into politics. Tiriac then created and oversaw Becker's public image in a way that was novel in German individual sports. Both earned millions, but they managed their wealth vastly differently. While Tiriac flaunts an estimated fortune of almost two billion euros, Becker has been struggling to keep his businesses afloat.
Becker faced his share of tribulations in his professional and personal life. divorces, separations, financial issues, and even imprisonment. However, Becker's comeback at the Berlinale 2023, where he was accompanied by his new partner Lilian de Carvalho Monteiro, was a new start for him. In Berlin, he not only presented the documentary aptly titled "Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker." He also responded to a few probing questions afterward. For example, if he shouldn't have followed his ex-manager's advice. "Yes!" Becker responded with a one-word answer, leaving no room for debate.
Their professional partnership had ended in 1993. The three decades that passed have left no lasting damage on their relationship. In 2023, Becker described Tiriac as a "father figure" for him, and someone who he feels he can rely on. "He's been by my side like a father ever since we stopped working together. I lost my father in 1999. And although we were no longer professional partners, I always knew I could call him dad," Becker said.
Tiriac, who lost his father at the age of nine, understands what Becker is going through. On April 17, Becker posted a heartwarming picture alongside the now 85-year-old on Instagram, captioning it with "United with my Romanian family".
"A real showman"
Becker, fulfilling his role as a "surrogate son", and Tiriac, fulfilling his role as a "surrogate father", both paid homage to Ilie Nastase at the movie premiere. "Nastase was a character, a personality, a real showman," Becker said at the red carpet event. A warm reception awaited Nastase, as seen in a brief Instagram video showing him receiving a standing ovation. Becker would love to receive the same reception for his life's work from the German public. Both Becker and Nastase were adored heroes who left their hearts on the court. Off the court, they shared a love for women and life in general. It's no coincidence that Becker stands as a witness for Nastase's documentary. He understands what Nastase must have been thinking and feeling.
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Boris Becker and Ion Tiriac graced the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, showcasing their enduring bond. Their appearance was related to the debut of the film documentary "Nasty", honoring tennis legend Ilie Nastase.
Boris Becker, known as a "rock star" in the tennis world, and Ion Tiriac, the billionaire manager who played a significant role in his career, had an exciting time in Cannes, attending the Cannes Film Festival entertainment scene.
Source: www.ntv.de
