Marcelo Rios has been disciplined by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after making derogatory remarks towards journalists during a recent Davis Cup clash.
The 42-year-old was caught on film telling journalists that they ‘suck’ when they approached him. It occurred in Santiago, where chile is playing Ecuador in the Americas Group I tie. Rios, who is the vice captain of the Chilean team, quoted former footballer Maradona as he refused to take questions from the media. The incident took place after a training session.
“As my personal friend Diego Maradona says, I never speak to reporters as you all suck,” he said.
Reporters continued to ask Rios questions in a second attempt. Only for him to reply ‘you can all keep sucking.’ A statement that baffled many journalists at the venue.
As a consequence of Rios’ remarks, the ITF has fined him $2,500 for his behaviour. In a press release, they said that the former player violated the Davis Cup’s code of conduct with his remarks.
“Video footage of the incident was reviewed by the tie referee who determined that Mr Rios’s comments were abusive and violated the Davis Cup code of conduct.” A statement reads.
“The ITF condemns all forms of offensive behaviour and is supportive of the work of the media.”
Repudiamos el accionar de @chinorios pic.twitter.com/IbkPFk4Bvv
— Ubitennis en Español (@ubitennisenesp) February 1, 2018
Rios, who became the first South American player to reach world No.1 in 1998, was prone to controversy throughout his entire career. He once said that women’s tennis was a ‘joke’ and made jibes about the Wimbledon tennis championships. Saying that ‘grass was for the cows.’ In 2003 he missed a flight to a Davis Cup tie after attending an all-night party.
Despite the controversy surrounding Rios, Chile managed to defeat Ecuador 3-1 in their tie this weekend. World No.95 Nicolas Jarry was instrumental in the triumph after winning both of his singles matches as well as the doubles alongside Hans Podlipnik Castillo.
Chile hasn’t featured in the final of the Davis Cup since 1976 when they lost 4-1 to Italy.
