Interview with Top Pro Agent: Ryley Settles

In the Player Box

Interview with Top Pro Agent: Ryley Settles

Hey gang! This week’s edition is a little different. I interviewed Ryley Settles: a friend and agent to top players like Emma Navarro, Tommy Paul, Jess Pegula, and more! I pulled out what I think are the most interesting and funny bits of our conversation. Hope you like it!

What’s something that most players are particular about?

If a player arrives in a new city after a long flight, and their hotel room isn’t ready, they’ll crash out. All they want to do is sleep and be comfortable in what’s probably their 13th city and time zone of the year. So I always make sure to book the hotel for the day before they’re actually supposed to arrive, and avoid these types of blow-ups.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve had to do for a player?

One of my players was going to Paris for the French Open. He invited his girlfriend at the time, but she was also away from home traveling. So one of our interns went to her house and packed her bags, which included a $30,000 Alligator Birkin Bag. So in addition to all of my own luggage, I had to also take this girl’s as well. But she specifically told me not to check the Birkin bag. So I showed up in Paris with like two massive suitcases, my own backpack, and this insanely expensive Alligator bag. It was a scene.

What’s one of the most challenging aspects of being an agent?

Definitely the time zone differences. One of my players is in Tokyo right now. Because of the time difference, I’ll set my alarm for 3am to check their results, and then coordinate any transportation, accommodations, practices, etc, that they need depending on the outcome. Multiply that by all the players I’m working with, and by their entire teams, and it gets pretty hectic!

And of course, when a player loses a big or a close match. That’s always tough.

What’s an under-rated tournament that more fans should go to?

Charleston! It’s such a hidden gem. The venue is absolutely beautiful, and because it’s the stadium is so small and close to the court, you get a really intimate feel. Plus you get the best Southern hospitality.

King Street in Charleston is also so cute — it’s got great restaurants, bars, boutiques, and is so close to the beach. So you can catch a day or night session and still make a weekend of it. I also love how the community shows up for women’s tennis — I didn't expect that the first time I went. Pencil in the WTA 500 in Charleston onto your calendar, I can’t recommend it enough!

Who’s your favorite player to work with?

Are you trying to get me fired by my other players?

Wrapping Up

Daniel here — if you want to learn more about what it’s like to be an agent in tennis, give Ryley a follow on TikTok at @rysettles!

Trivia

Which professional player has this tattoo?

A. Elena Rybakina

B. Matteo Berretini

C. Aryna Sabalenka

D. Jack Draper

Find out at the bottom!

Memes

The Inner Game

Photo of the Week

Fabio Doing the Flamenco

Around the Net

Some of the best tennis content I found on the internet this week…

🛝 How sliding has changed tennis, and what Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill does now that he wouldn’t have ever have done 10 years ago

😂 An American player’s superstition on which ball to serve with, and her ball preferences overall

✈️ John Isner tells an insane travel story about Taylor Fritz

Answer

D. Jack Draper