Jurij Rodionov (born 16 May 1999) is an Austrian tennis player. Rodionov has a career high ATP singles ranking of 166 achieved on 16 March 2020. He represents Austria in Davis Cup tennis. Rodionov has won three ATP Challenger singles titles: the 2018 Almaty Challenger, the 2020 RBC Tennis Championship of Dallas and the 2020 Challenger at Cuernevaca, Mexico. Jurij sat with us for an exclusive interview at the 2020 Columbus Challenger.
Tennis Acumen: How's the family support been as you've gotten more serious about tennis?
Jurij Rodionov: Very good. Very good . My father is supporting me financially. You need that to get started, for sure. My whole life, my mom was always my biggest fan. She is always writing me, after every match, congratulating me, telling me what I should do better. I have two great supporters and I am very honored to have such parents.
Tennis Acumen: That's beautiful. Jurij, where would you see yourself a year from now? What would your goal be?
Jurij Rodionov: The dream for me here? I would see myself playing in the Next Gen Final this year, that's for sure. I really don't focus on points and rankings. I don't like to have ranking goals, because that just gives me unnecessary pressure. Right now, I'm number 160 in the world. I am not going to tell myself: “I need 200 points to be in the top one hundred, so I need to win two Challenger tournaments.” I just have to play one match at a time, with the attitude of: “ I don't care if I lose or win.” Well, of course I care if I win, but I just want to play. I care more about my game, developing that game and just step by step improving myself.
Tennis Acumen: Life after tennis. Have you ever thought of that?
Jurij Rodionov: No, not yet. I mean, I'm probably going to be a coach. But, actually, having enough money that I don't have to work anymore: That is an absolutely great thought.
Tennis Acumen: This has been really refreshing, Jurij. Thank you.
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