The only Chilean player ever to reach No. 1 in the world — and one of the most naturally gifted of all time.
Marcelo Ríos was born on 26 December 1975 in Santiago, Chile. He turned professional in 1994 and was regarded as perhaps the most naturally gifted player of his generation. In March 1998 he became the first South American to reach No. 1 in the world — the only Chilean ever to do so. Ríos was notorious for his cold, eccentric personality but his technical brilliance was undeniable. He won 18 ATP titles. Remarkably, he is the only player ever to have reached No. 1 in the world without winning a Grand Slam. He retired in 2004 due to a back injury.
Australian Open Finalist 1998
He is the only player in history to reach No. 1 in the world without ever winning a Grand Slam title.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- Australian Open Finalist 1998