“My dream is to become a professional tennis player and compete in Grand Slams.”
Rio Sotodate is a Japanese junior tennis player from Tokyo, Japan, competing in the U14 category. Born in 2013, he is building his profile through strong results in major national events and growing international experience in the United States, the Czech Republic, and Italy.
Through Tennis Papers, discover an exclusive profile and interview highlighting her tennis journey, playing style, competitive experience, and ambitions.
This profile is based on an exclusive interview conducted by Tennis Papers.
Table of Contents
👧 Rio Sotodate | Biography, March 2026
| Full Name | Rio Sotodate |
| Date of birth | March 13, 2013 |
| Nationality | Japanese 🇯🇵 |
| Residence | Tokyo, Japan |
| Age started tennis | 6 |
| Tennis age category | U14 |
| Japan tennis ranking | #26 |
| International ranking | |
| UTR tennis rating | 7.xx |
| Tennis club | |
| Coaches | |
| Sponsors | Babolat Fuji Yakuhin Colantotte SIDAS Zamst ECC |
| @riozamurai7 |
🎙️ Rio Sotodate | Interview, March 2026
Hello, introduce yourself please.
My name is Rio Sotodate. I am 13 years old and I was born on March 13, 2013. I am Japanese and I live in Tokyo, Japan. I am a junior tennis player who dreams of competing on the professional tour and one day playing in Grand Slam tournaments.
What languages do you speak?
I speak Japanese, and I am currently studying English because I want to communicate with players and people from all over the world through tennis.
At what age did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was 6 years old. From the beginning, I loved being on the court and hitting the ball.
Are there other tennis players in your family?
Yes, my younger sister and I both play tennis.
In which club do you train?
I mainly train in Tokyo, where I practice daily and prepare for national and international competitions.
Who are your coaches?
I work with my coaches and trainers who help me improve my tennis and physical strength. My family is also a very important part of my team.
What is your weekly training routine?
I train almost every day. My training includes tennis practice, match play, footwork drills, strength and conditioning, and recovery training. I always try to improve a little bit every day.
What is your greatest strength as a player, and what do you need to improve?
One of my strengths is my rising shot, where I take the ball early and play aggressively. I also have good consistency in rallies. The main area I want to improve is my physical strength.
What is your age category and your national ranking?
I compete in the U14 category in Japan and continue working hard to improve my national ranking.
What have been your greatest successes so far?
Some of my best results so far include reaching the quarterfinals of the All Japan Junior Tennis Championships, reaching the quarterfinals of the National Selection Junior Tennis Championships, and finishing third in doubles at the All Japan Junior Tennis Championships. These experiences have helped me grow as a player and motivated me to aim even higher.
In which countries have you played tournaments?
I have mainly competed in Japan, but I have also had the opportunity to play internationally. I played tournaments in the United States in December 2024, in the Czech Republic in May 2025, and again in the United States in December 2025. I am also scheduled to compete in Italy in May 2026.
Do you have any sponsors?
Yes, I am very grateful to be supported by several companies including Babolat, Fuji Yakuhin, Colantotte, SIDAS, Zamst, and ECC. Their support encourages me every day and helps me continue my journey in tennis.
What is your goal for 2026?
My goal for 2026 is to gain more international experience, challenge strong players from around the world, and continue improving my level step by step.
What is your tennis dream?
My dream is to become a professional tennis player and compete in Grand Slam tournaments. I hope that one day I can inspire young players who love tennis just like I do.
Which player would you most like to meet and why?
I would love to meet Carlos Alcaraz because his passion, energy, and aggressive style of play are very inspiring to me.
What do you enjoy doing outside of tennis?
Outside of tennis, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and relaxing after training.
Who would you like to dedicate this interview to?
I would like to dedicate this interview to my family, my coaches, and everyone who supports my tennis journey.
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❓ FAQ – Rio Sotodate
Who is Rio Sotodate tennis player?
Rio Sotodate is a Japanese junior tennis player born in 2013, competing in the U14 category and developing his career on the national and international junior tennis circuit.
Where is Rio Sotodate from?
Rio Sotodate is from Tokyo, Japan, where he trains and competes in national junior tennis tournaments.
What are Rio Sotodate’s best results in junior tennis?
His best results include reaching the quarterfinals of the All Japan Junior Tennis Championships and finishing third in doubles at the same event.
