Grilli’s got game
By Daily Bruin Staff
April 23, 2002 9:00 p.m.
 MICHAEL CHIEN Junior Rodrigo Grilli has come a long way,
working his way up to become one of the top players in college
tennis.
By Gilbert Quiñonez
Daily Bruin Contributor
Many student-athletes get a lot of help and support when trying
to figure out which university to attend. They often have
recruiters, coaches and parents to guide them and help them along
the way.
Rodrigo Grilli had none of these luxuries. He had to learn a
completely new language, get used to a different culture, work long
hours, study extra hard, and make time for his hobby and possible
tool to help him in the future ““ tennis.
Grilli was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and lived there for most
of his life. He had a very successful tennis career there, being
the No. 1 ranked junior player and two-time national champion.
Still, Grilli had to start thinking about his future goals.
“I left Brazil 3-4 years ago, and tennis wasn’t that
big in Brazil back then,” Grilli said. “I wanted to get
an education and play tennis at the same time. Brazil doesn’t
have that kind of system.”
A friend of his was going to go to UC Santa Barbara, and Grilli
joined his friend and left Brazil. There were just a few small
problems. Rodrigo didn’t know any English at all. He
couldn’t pass the tests required to attend UCSB, and he
didn’t have any money.
“I lived in Santa Barbara for a year and it was really
tough,” Grilli said. “I was trying to pass the tests,
and I couldn’t.”
Also, Grilli had to live off of a job he got at Carl’s Jr.
He didn’t have much but tennis and the goal to get an
education.
“I had to stay positive,” Grilli said.
His social life was also tough.
“Since I didn’t know how to speak English, I stayed
out of conversations,” Grilli said. “When I did speak,
my friends would make fun of me all the time. I took it as a
positive sign to learn more, and learn it quick. I couldn’t
get mad at it.”
Grilli was lucky enough to learn about the College of the
Desert, a junior college in Palm Desert, Calif. There he was
coached by former UCLA great, Marcin Rozpedski, and mentored by
College of the Desert consultant, Guy Fritz.
While a consultant or coach at College of the Desert since 1990,
Fritz compiled a 361-9 record, and 14 of his players have gone on
to Division I schools.
“(Fritz) really helped me a lot,” Grilli said.
“I learned a lot with him on and off the court. Whenever I
needed something, he’d be there to help.”
One quote by Fritz has stuck with Grilli: “Make sure you
keep your goals in mind.”
While at the College of the Desert, Grilli learned a lot about
UCLA.
“UCLA seemed like a dream college opportunity. It has a
lot of prestige, and I’d get a good education. I knew that if
I didn’t go pro, I’d have a good degree.”
Grilli also learned about UCLA’s successful tennis
program. The UCLA men’s tennis team has won 15 national
championships and seems to have a great team every single year.
Grilli started to catch UCLA’s attention with his success
on the court. He reached the state singles final in 2000 and won it
in 2001. He helped College of the Desert win two state
championships.
“(Rozpedski) told me I needed to watch this kid,”
UCLA head coach Billy Martin said. “I certainly
did.”
Grilli and Martin started to talk to each other regularly. Last
summer Grilli was officially accepted into UCLA.
“I was extremely happy,” Grilli said. “It was
such a great feeling.”
Grilli had to adjust to playing for UCLA.
“I wasn’t used to practicing with that many good
players,” Grilli said. “Every day, I have to give my
best at practice. I really have to focus.”
His teammates, many of which are international players like
Grilli, have given Grilli a lot of support. Grilli has also helped
his teammates.
“Rodrigo is friends with everybody,” teammate Lassi
Ketola said. “He’s not too stressed out like so many
other players. He doesn’t take things too
seriously.”
“(Grilli) has given us great depth,” Martin said.
“He’s been incredible. With him, we have four players
who can play at No. 1 (singles). Grilli is a hard-working young
man. He’s a great team player.”
In his first season here at UCLA, Grilli has been sensational.
He has gone 18-3 in dual matches and has helped the Bruins win the
Pac-10.
“I think we have enough talent to win the national
championship,” Grilli said. “As long as we keep healthy
and mentally focused, I think we can do it.”
Grilli has come a long way.
“He’s really done this all on his own,” Martin
said. “He represents UCLA at the highest level; he’s
one of the more incredible stories here.”
