MIAMI – For Marcelo Ríos to be kind to you, you had to appeal to him. There was no other way, says one of his greatest rivals. Russian tennis legend Yevgeny Kafelnikov belonged to that limited circle: “We joked a lot.”
“If he liked the person, he was never arrogant and always wanted to chat, to talk. That’s how he was with me. Maybe because we played a lot, we joked a lot, we had mutual respect for each other’s game,” Kafelnikov said of the Chilean, who reached world No. 1 for six weeks in 1998. The comments came during a recent reflection on the personalities that shaped the game during their era.
“He wasn’t easy to deal with. Many people thought Marcelo acted in a strange way, and he did, but once you found the key to dealing with him, he was fine. My relationship with him was fantastic,” added Kafelnikov, who faced Ríos eight times as a professional, holding a 6-2 head-to-head advantage, and had known him since their junior days. Their rivalry unfolded across some of tennis’ most memorable tournaments.
Ríos, the 1998 Miami Masters champion, accumulated controversies with rivals, journalists, and spectators throughout his career. He acknowledges this controversial profile, recently clarifying his perspective in a television interview. The Chilean’s outspoken nature often drew attention, both positive and negative, during his time on the ATP Tour.
“Tennis has always had restrictions. If you swear, you get fined; if you throw your racquet, you get fined. In press conferences you couldn’t speak badly about anyone. Wimbledon, all dressed in white, it looks like whatever (nonsense)…,” Ríos explained, reflecting on the constraints placed upon players. “Tennis is boring, it’s like going to watch cricket. Then someone like Kyrgios comes along and messes things up. He fills the stadiums, it’s a spectacle. My way of being was likewise a little wrong. I attracted a lot of attention by throwing racquets, or with the ‘vieja culiá’ (in a match he insulted a lady who was bothering him). People found it entertaining,” he added.
Ríos is one of only seven men to have achieved the Sunshine Double – winning both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. His 1998 Miami title, secured with a victory over Andre Agassi in the final, propelled him to the top of the ATP rankings. The Sunshine Double is considered one of the most challenging feats in men’s tennis, requiring sustained excellence across two demanding tournaments.
Winning both Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back presents a significant physical challenge, demanding consistent performance across two events with differing conditions. The quick turnaround and contrasting court surfaces test a player’s adaptability and endurance.
“I don’t even know how I did it. Winning for three weeks, becoming number one, beating Agassi, taking the leadership from Sampras. I have memories, but I don’t live in the past. It’s not that I’m ungrateful or that I don’t care,” Ríos recalled.
Currently, Jannik Sinner, the recent Indian Wells champion, has the opportunity to join the exclusive list of Sunshine Double winners, alongside Ríos, Jim Courier, Michael Chang, Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. The Miami Open presents Sinner with a chance to etch his name into tennis history.
Kafelnikov’s praise offers a unique insight into the complex personality of Marcelo Ríos, a player who, despite never winning a Grand Slam title, reached the pinnacle of the sport. Ríos remains the only man to have been ranked world No. 1 without ever lifting a major singles trophy, a testament to his consistent excellence and dominance during his prime. He was also the first player to win all three clay court Masters tournaments (Monte Carlo, Rome, and Hamburg) since the format began in 1990.
The Chilean’s impact on the game extends beyond his ranking and titles. He brought a distinctive flair and unapologetic attitude to the court, captivating audiences and challenging the conventions of the sport. His willingness to express himself, even in controversial ways, resonated with fans and helped to broaden the appeal of tennis.
At 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches), Ríos was also the shortest man to hold the world No. 1 ranking, defying expectations and proving that success in tennis isn’t solely determined by physical stature. His agility, tactical intelligence, and relentless competitiveness allowed him to overcome larger opponents and establish himself as a force to be reckoned with.
As the current generation of players continues to push the boundaries of the sport, the legacy of Marcelo Ríos serves as a reminder that individuality, passion, and a willingness to challenge the status quo are essential ingredients for success. His story continues to inspire aspiring players and captivate tennis fans around the world.
The Miami Open continues this week, with Sinner and other top contenders vying for the title. Fans can follow the action live on the ATP Tour website and various sports broadcasters.
What are your thoughts on Marcelo Ríos’s career? Share your memories and opinions in the comments below.
