Former world no. 1 ATP player Marcelo Rios didn’t like to talk to the mainstream media during his career (1994-2003) and so he rarely spoke his true feelings about tennis.
This unfortunate reality of Rios distrusting the tennis media cost the sport to learn about what the Chilean grandmaster wizard really, deeply thought about the sport he so sensationally and unforgettably mastered.
But there are a few Rios quotes out there spoken off the record or to media he trusted or liked that reflect his unique perspective of tennis.
“In this job it’s like beasts of prey in a cage. It’s every man for himself.”
“I think that, more than dedicating myself to tennis or wanting to be a tennis player, it was an escape from school. I have always said that I was bored with school, I had a terrible time, I did badly and it was an escape. They gave me the chance to play tennis, I had to finish the fourth year of high school taking free exams, but it was an escape from going to school. They set me goals: I had to be in the rankings, otherwise I would go back to school. All of that helped me do what I liked, which was not going to school but playing tennis.”
“Nowadays tennis players travel with 10 people. I didn’t, I was alone. Times have changed. If I had had more professional people by my side, I would have lasted longer than I did.”
“My goal wasn’t to be number one or win tournaments either; my goal was to play. I remember once I asked my dad in the car what it means to be a millionaire. To have a million dollars… that easy? I didn’t have anyone around me to compare myself to. If there had been Garin, who was 20th and I was 1st, you would compare yourself. But I didn’t have anyone to compare myself to and say if it was good to be number one for two weeks, if it was good to beat Agassi.”
“I was never a character; I was who I was, with my virtues and my defects. I think there were more defects. I’m not saying I’m bad. I think that to become someone in life or to be a successful athlete you have to be different.”
“Being number one gave me everything I have today, perhaps economic stability, the things I’ve done, who I am in Chile or in the world or wherever… But there are more beautiful things in life.”
I’m telling you, I was too immature; I was too young; or it lasted too little; or it was a very short dream; or I didn’t know how to take advantage of it; or I didn’t take it at that moment. If I came from a country where there have been many number ones, you already know what you’re going for. I found myself in a drought in tennis and suddenly you find yourself number one in the world. You don’t land it, you don’t really value what it’s worth.
ATP · Chile · Marcelo Rios · Sarasota · Yonex
Richard · January 5, 2025 at 6:21 pm
Rios 100 percent right: He was too immature to win a Slam and take advantage of his great gifts. I again point to Hingis teaching young Rogi how to win at Hopman Cup or Don Budge, the first calendar Grand Slam champion, taking time out to hit with a young Pancho Gonzalez, encourage the young man, as examples of how right mentor at right time makes all difference. Case in point: Cilic does not win a Slam without Goran. Guga does not win a Slam without Larri Passos. Vilas helped Sabatini win her Slam, Tiger Tim courtside for every Emma Raducanu US Open win, etc. etc
Steve · January 6, 2025 at 9:18 am
I don’t think Rios didn’t win a slam because he was immature. His opponent was juiced to the gills.
Scoop Malinowski · January 6, 2025 at 2:38 pm
True. but I think Rios meant his career after no.1, he could have managed everything better.
Steve · January 7, 2025 at 8:18 am
Agreed