Original 8-30-2020
Updated 3-1-2025
Professional Tennis Player Mr. John Riggio
Official ATP “Tennis Legend”
Tennis Alias Names: John Strong, Carlos Scipio, John Vice, John Vanderbilt, John Rigo, John Holton, John Beast, Amadeus, Jack Racet
Nickname: “The Beast” or “The Beast Man” or “John Beast” (during Prince years.)
Full name : Mr. John Anthony Riggio
Country: United States of America
Residence: Rahway, NJ
Married Status: Ms. Dahlia - Engaged years 1981 to 1996.
Ms. Huijun (Anne) Wang - Married 2002, Divorced from in 2014.
Born: September 26, 1968, Long Island, NY
Height: 5-11, Playing Weight: 155lbs
Sponsored:
1977 Proshop, Hicksville, NY,
1984 Prince Racket Co.
1988 Slazenger Racquets.
1998 Dunlop Sports.
Pro Playing ended: 1999
Plays: Right handed forehand, One and Two handed Backhand, Ballspeed very fast
Tennis Rackets: Babolat Precision Pro Stock Tennis Racket string tension 62 lbs.
College: Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. Supported Pro Tennis (only), from 1986
New York Institute of Technology, BArch 1992
Last Player Contract buyer price: $100,000,000.00 This was an ATP world record in 1991 for highest price.
Last Player Contract Value: $150,000,000.00 Plus
Last Player Contract offered price: $200,000,000.00
Highest Rankings, Mens Singles: 1 (one)
Ranking list,
ATP Mens Singles: 1500, 500, 200, 100, 75, 45, 26, 17, 9, 4, 1.
ATP Junior Mens Singles (under 18 years old): Ranked 1 in 1984.
Winning Percentage: 24 out of 25, or 96% called 1 in 25
ATP tournament wins: 155 - junior 40 and adult 115
ATP Tennis Records: Some ATP records set.
1. All time record for the most ATP match wins in one season 1989.
2. All time record for the winning the most ATP first serve games in one season 1986.
3. All time record for highest percentage of last match in tournament wins 1985.
4. All time record for highest percentage of Tie breaker wins (100%) in one season 1985.
5. All time record for highest percentage game wins after I go ahead in the score of a match 1986.
6. highest percentage of comeback wins . This is when I lose the first match then win the remaining matches 1986.
ATP Awards:
Won ATP award for the Junior MVP, most valuable Player of the year 1984.
Won ATP award for most winning Player in the year 1989.
Won ATP award for the Top Player of the year 1991.
Tennis Highlight: Scored the number 1 position in the world for Top Pro Tennis Fitness Test. Held until 1997.
Administrative Coaches: Mr. Anthony Cambria, Mr. Tony Scolnick, others.
Similar Pro Tennis Players: Mr. Guillermo Vilas
Current Status: Tennis Playing continues
The Professional Tennis Playing of Mr. John Anthony Riggio started to unfold at a young age. At the age of 9 years old a local Proshop, in Hicksville, NY,
sponsored me and was able to predict that John Riggio had the ability to become a top Pro Tennis player. Since I lived in the suburbs the direct path to
playing Tennis was very narrow. It was my idea to buy the Prince metal tennis racket, so it was no surprise that I would find ways to improve at the game
of Tennis. I was able to start my own Tennis Club in Middle School and High School, from 8th grade to 12th grade. My Tennis Club was such a great success
that the school’s Tennis coach made my Club part of the school. The Tennis coach was then able to arrange the Tennis matches of my Club. As my playing
improved I was able to win games against pro players from the US Tennis Center. The coach, Mr. Anthony Cambria, was a Sports Coordinator at the US Tennis
Center in Flushing NY. I was able to move up through the rankings to the ATP tour. Since I was younger than 18 years old, I was able to make the Junior
Pro Tour and started to play matches with them. I still had my Club matches to play also. The Prince Racket Company started to sponsor me at this time.
In 1985, my Tennis playing started to blossom and I was moved up to the Top Pro Group coached by Mr. Harry Hopman. All of the players
from the US Tennis Center came to play on my courts. This was an unseen honor. The Prince Tennis racket sponsor resulted in a nickname of “The Beast” or
“The Beast Man”. I was told I would always have a place in Pro Tennis. At this time, the Top Pro Group had a quick path for me to start playing on
Television and begin playing the World Tour. Papers were submitted for Articles in Tennis Magazine. Since there was time for initial tournaments,
I was directed to play the National Tournament so I could go to the Davis Cup. I was able to move up through the National Tournament and win a top spot in
the Davis Cup Finals. My sponsors were overjoyed. After these tournaments were finished I was able to return to the US Tennis Center and play directly on
my own court #33 at the US Tennis Center. My sponsors and myself started financing my playing per month, because I was a young player and just started working.
I was certainly a special player and was given my own Port-a-Potty. The dreams that I was going to become a great player were realized in the summer of 1987.
I was given a new ranking of 26th player to start, and moved up to 17th then 9th then the 4th and officially #1(with the worlds largest tennis contract at $120 Million Dollars). I was entering
the 1987 US Open as number 1 player of my group of Pro players, This included Mats Wilander. My sponsors provided me with a new Tennis Bubble, at
Alley Pond Park, NYC, where I was able to teach ATP players. I did play ATP matches at the my Tennis Bubble. My Bubble moved to Manhattan were I was able to
win 60 or more ATP Tournaments and was sponsored by Slazenger Racquets. My matches were seen around the world on ESPN etc.. I was becoming so big in ATP Pro
Tennis that a new Stadium was being constructed in NYC. My pro contract was bought over and I continued to play on my own courts at SUNY Old Westbury, NY.
The Contract was then sold for $100 Million Dollars and an additional $20 Million was added 4 years latter. The Contract was again added on to in 1995 and
I returned to play at Sutton East in Manhattan, NYC. At this point my contract was $120 Million Plus. There was an additional sponsor added in 1997 making
the total contract price $150 Million Plus. My playing stopped by the February of 1998. There was a short look by a new sponsor in 1999. I had approximately
155 junior and adult tournament wins.
After a stoppage, Dunlop Sports sponsored me in 2000 and they hoped to see me playing Pro Tennis. One playing fact I had was to never turn down an ATP match.
I was able to eventually return to Tennis in 2008 and have since been involved with playing.
I was playing the game of Tennis typical of the 80's style. Fast hitting with top spin. My playing strategy was to take control of the game. I did this by
using smart accurate shots. These were fast shots, followed up quickly by hard net play. I could ace the serve on a whole game. I turned players advancing
shots into big losses with down the line shots, lob shot when they approached the net, and cross court shots. Didn't use backhand slices, too slow of a shot.
My hitting was forceful, I could split the tennis ball in two. Like my generation of players, I didn't use the hit the ball at the feet strategy. I always
made clean accurate passing shots that were clear of my opponent.
1977 Sponsored by Proshop, Hicksville, NY, owned by Mr. Patrick Mulrooney, to become Pro Tennis Player. This is after I bent a New Prince liquid metal Tennis racket on the first afternoon
of playing.
1981-1986 Founder and President of the Tennis Club at Jericho Middle School and Jericho Senior High School, Jericho, NY 11753.
1983 Made a part of Tennis team playing the Pro Mens Singles Tournament.
1983 Started to play Junior Pro Tournament players from US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY. (Junior is 16 years old and younger)
1983 Made Pro Tournament at US Tennis Center for Junior Pro Tennis Players.
1983 Approved as member of Junior ATP.
1983 Signed Pro Tennis Contract with US Tennis Center.Received gift of a vacation with airfare.
1984 Ranked number 1500th world Pro Tennis Player.
1984 Was nick named the "Johnny Show" by Tennis Team Coach / Coordinator, Mr. Anthony Cambria. This is because so many students at the Jericho Senior High School used to watch my matches.
1984 Won ATP Junior tournament with Trophy Photo.
1984 Played in numerous ATP Junior tournaments.
1984 Won Junior ABN Tournament
1984 Won Junior Eastern Tournament
1984 Won Junior Manhattan Open Tournament
1984 Won about 25 Junior Tournaments.
1984 Continued to Play Junior Pro Tournament players from US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355. This included Tennis player Mr. Andre Agassi and group.
1984 Made finals to play U.S. Open.
1984 Ranked number 1 ATP Junior Mens singles player. (Under 18 years old.).
1984 Coach submitted for Article in Tennis Magazine as "Up and Coming Junior".
1984 Sponsored by Prince Racket Company.
1985 Won Jericho High School Senior Tennis Tournament in 11th grade.
1985 Was the number 1 most fit Patient and Athlete in the whole career of a Sports Doctor, Dr. Robert DiPasca. This is for my size male. He was the Doctor for other world famous athletes like Mohamed Ali. He was a medical doctor on the US Marine medical ship Mercy. My health numbers were posted on the wall of his office.
1985 Won Junior ATP tournament.
1985 Won a spot in the finals for the Junior US Open. Didn't attend that year.
1985 Made the Top Pro Tournament group from the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
Players present, Stephen Edberg, Brad Drewit, Boris Becker, Guillermo Vilas, Pete Sampras, etc.
1985 Introductory match was recorded by CBS TV.
1985 Was said to be the only player to have the Top Pro Tennis group from the US Tennis Center come to a New Pro Player's home courts. This was Jericho, NY.
1985 The Top Pro group came to my courts to play Tennis.
My High School Courts were the Tennis matches took place.
1985 Top Pro Group assigned tennis Instruction by Mr. Ivan Lendl.
1985 Approved as member of ATP.
1985 Approved to teach Pro Tennis playing to students.
1985 Ranked number 500th world Pro Tennis Player.
1985 Pro Team Coach submitted for Article in Tennis Magazine as "Up and Coming Pro Player".
1985 Was granted my own Pro Tennis Player Trading Card.
1985 Was nick named "The Beast" or "The Beast Man" by fellow Pro Tennis players and Sport Writers. Name based on my sponsor the Prince "Beast" Racket.
1986 Won Jericho High School Senior Tennis Tournament in 12th grade.
1986 Ranked number 100th world Pro Tennis Player.
1986 Played ATP tour and won spot as finalist for tournaments Laver Cup, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open, Davis Cup and Austrian Open.
1986 Pro Team Coach submitted for Article in World Tennis Magazine as ranked 100th world Pro Tennis Player.
1986 Won Vienne ATP Tournament.
1986 Won ABN ATP Tournament.
1986 Achieved number 1 position in the world for the Pro Tennis Player Fitness Test compared to fellow Pro Tennis players.
1986 Tennis instruction by Mr. Bjorn Borg.
1986 Set of photos taken playing Tennis by Mr. David Walberg, Sports Photographer.
1986 Played the National Tournament. Won 4 Tier Trophies. Had most points in US for that season. Pro Track for Davis Cup. This was higher than Top 100.
1986 Match for Davis Cup was played on Live TV with my name shown.
1986 Made finals for Davis Cup #1 player - had flight reservations to Carlsbad, CA - didn’t attend.
1986 Not eligible to play in the Tennis Tournament for the Olympics Games because I was a Pro Player.
1986 Continued playing in National Tournament for next stop at the Olympus Camera Cup, Amherst, MA. - didn't attend.
1986 Referenced to Play at Babylon Cup, Not Attended.
1986 Was accepted into Clemson University, South Carolina to play Tennis only. They were able to accommodate Pro Tennis Players.
1986 Continued National Tournament warmup matches in Summer.
1986 All time ATP record for the most first serve wins in one season.
1987 After Tournaments were finished, I was back to play at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355. Allowed through Security.
1987 In summer called US Government to have the Tennis Center Security allow me to play on the outdoor courts.
1987 Assigned Mr. Miloslav Mercir as Tennis Instructor.
1987 Made Tennis Pro Team at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
1987 Continued to Play ongoing Pro Tournament at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
1987 At this time, my Sponsors and supporters were Clemson University, Prince Racket Company, and Sir. Richard Branson to play the Pro Tournaments at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355, and my Tennis Bubble at Alley Pond, NY.
1987 Ranked world Tennis player numbers;
(Previous 1500th, 500th, 100th, 75th, 45th,)
26th,
17th (more than three months),
9th, and number
4th,
Officially 1st. (Waiting for world showcase.)
ATP ranking held until 1989.
Ranking never went down.
In 1987 to 1989 at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
Tennis court #33 is shown on the US Tennis Center Map.
1987 Had my own Tennis court at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355. It was court #33 plus the other five courts inside the fence.
1987 Had my own Port-a-Potty at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
1987 Was given Tennis Lesson by Mr. Tony Roche.
1987 Knighted by Royalty from Italy. The Prince of Savoy Mr. Filiberto Emanuele with his wife and parents present. I also played a successful full match against Mr. Sergio Tacchini.
Royal Family from Italy, Mr. Filiberto Emanuele Prince of Savoy.
1987 A six court Tennis Bubble was made and erected over the New York City owned property at Alley Pond Park.
I used the courts to teach Tennis to "up and coming ATP pro players" and play ATP matches. All arrangements were made with the US Tennis Center.
1987 I won at least 11 ATP tournament at my Alley Pond Bubble. The matches were watched by Tennis Pro Ms. Helena Sukova.
1987 At least one of my students at the Tennis Bubble won a Pro Tournament during my teaching.
1987 Had photo shoot at my Tennis Bubble by sports photographer.
Fischer banner
1987 I won the Fischer Open. I had a Big Tournament final at the Alley Pond Bubble. The event was nationally televised and had a large crowd of attendees. On my side of the supporters present were Sir. Richard Branson. I won the final match and had photos taken with the large 30" Trophy.
My tennis bubble at Alley Pond Park, Queens, NY.
1987 Additionally, at the US Tennis Center, I played ATP Tennis Pro hopefuls and recommended some for potential advancement into further matches at the US Tennis Center.
1987 My Pro Tennis Player Trading Card was updated with a new photograph and Player ranking.
1987 Was number 1 in the Top Pro group to play in the Semi Finals at the US Open 1987, at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY. This included Mr. Mats Wilander. Was waived $120,000 entry fees because I was number 1.
1987 My player name was written on the Tickets. It was a sound spelling of “Mr. John Rigo”.
1987 US Open Match was played on Live TV.
1987 I was 6th seed player for the 1987 US Open, and became #1 in my group.
1987 Played in the 1987 US Open and made the Quarter Finals for a scheduled match against Mr. Mats Wilander in mid September, at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
1987 I didn't lose any matches but , because of the closed Security gate, I did not attend remainder of the US Open 1987, at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355.
1987 By the end of the US Open my ranking was #1. This ranking stayed there and my contracted size floated to #1 in Tennis by 1991.
1987 The Tennis Center was sued by my sponsors and had to pay a sport penalty of $400 Million dollars. This was used to build 3 small Tennis stadiums and renovate the whole
US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355. The courts and renovation did get constructed. The agreement allowed me to use 1 of the 3 new stadiums. When the US Tennis Center renovations were completed my court #33 was paved over.
US Open 1987 (clothes by V.I.M.)
1987 The six court Tennis Bubble was relocated and erected over my six courts at the US Tennis Center. It was there for a short time. I was to continue Teaching and Playing at this one location.
Since the problem with entering the parking lot because of the new Security Gate persisted. My Tennis Bubble had to be removed and taken away from the US Tennis Center.
1987 I earned officially #1 ranked player. I had to wait before being showcased on TV and Print media. This because there was one player that had to step down.
1987 At this time, my contract was sold by Sir. Richard Branson to the Gloria Vanderbilt Sports group for $5 Million US dollars.
1988 New personal Coach Mr. Bjorn Borg.
1988 My Tennis Career was held in Queens County Civil Court. I won the first part of the Court case with the Judge requesting a minimum of 5 years ATP Pro Tournament Playing. A new court case with a Sports Manager was needed to solve problem with the US Tennis Center. This is because my playing was corralled into this Litigation. No Open Security Gates at the Player entrance made it where I was unable to continue Pro Tennis Playing at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355. Pro Tennis player Mr. Brad Drewit of Australia was able to achieve #1 a few years earlier.
1988 My six court Tennis Bubble was relocated again to 59th Street, Manhattan, New York City and I was able to resume ATP Tennis teaching and playing.
My tennis bubble at 59th Street.
1988 Sponsored by Slazenger Racquets.
1988 My name was advertized on at least one Slazenger Racquet sold in stores.
1988 Had photo shoot at my Tennis Bubble by sports photographer.
1988 There were hecklers present across the street from the Tennis Bubble as I walked to the entrance in the morning. Some saw me and approved and left the protest. One of my ATP pro students had been injured by one of the hecklers outside and had to go to the Hospital on his own.
1988 Had an advertized Autograph signing day.
1988 Had a fan club of Tennis enthusiasts that attended my ATP matches on a regular basis.
1988 Won ATP Tournament in televised match at the Tennis Bubble. It was seen around the World.
1988 Won next match against top player from US Tennis Center called "the game to decide the 1989 US Open".
1988 Third Player Trading Card issued under Slazenger Racquets.
1988 Won Vienne ATP Tournament
1988 Won ABN ATP Tournament
1988 Won Nashville, Tennessee ATP Tournament shown on International Television.
1988 Won Miami ATP Tournament
1988 Won Chicago ATP Tournament shown on International Television.
1988 Won British ATP Tournament World Track (London Queens) - played British Team including tour.
1988 Won Portugal ATP Tournament World Track - played Portugal Team including tour.
1988 Won Paris-Bercy ATP Tournament World Track - played French Team including tour.
1988 Made finals for Roland Garros, Spain - didn’t attend.
1988 Won American Airlines ATP Tournament shown on International Television. It was famous around the world.
My car gift parked in front of the tennis bubble at 59th Street.
1988 Interviewed on International Television about my great tennis playing.
1989 Article about my Pro Tennis playing published in Tennis Magazine.
1989 A fourth Tennis player trading card was made with my natural name John Riggio on the card and my Tournament wins were updated.
1989 Won Manhattan Open ATP Tournament shown on International Television. It was famous around the world. Had photo shoot with trophy.
1989 Had new advertized Autograph signing day.
1989 Received ATP year award for most wins.
1989 New Grand stand erected outside my Tennis Bubble. Hundreds of people were able watch match some of my matches.
My repurposed Red Grandstand to Times Square
1989 With success of the grand stand a new plan to build a 15,000 to 20,000 seat Stadium in New York City was started.
Plans, Permits and drilling had started. It was getting constructed in Manhattan, NYC. Near the site of one of the former sports Stadiums, the Polo Grounds.
Old Polo Grounds
1989 Won the Eastern Open ATP Tournament.
1989 Won 11 of 12 ATP tournaments, this group included the Eastern Open.
1989 Another set of Tournaments, Won 4 out of 5 ATP tournaments.
1989 Security preventing me from checking back to play matches at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY, interrupted my continuous ATP Teaching and playing.
1989 There was a playing stoppage.
1989 Back to the Queens County Civil Court backed by my Sponsors to have ATP ranking at Tennis Bubble without having to get through Security. Lawyers presented to Courts. Players in California have this certification. Pro Tennis player Mr. Brian Gottfried was able to obtain this ranking.
1989 Resumed playing ATP matches at my Tennis Bubble.
1989 Security preventing me from playing matches at the US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY, ended my playing in the ATP and any Tennis.
1989 My Fan club missed me so much they called me on the telephone and were able to bring me back to play a few more ATP matches. I won each match. Each match was played at a different Tennis court in New York.
1990 Back to the Tennis Bubble to play more matches with a second round of ideas to clear problems with ATP court case, and potential move to California. Finding bigger venues for my fans. A 5Th Tennis Player Card initiated.
1990 After warm up matches, I was back on ATP tour and Won 1 ATP tournament.
1990 I Won the next ATP tournament, winning 10 out of 10 games. This put me back at #1 player.
1990 To continue playing, a new Court filing was needed in NYC, backed by my Sponsors, to have my ATP ranking at Tennis Bubble.
1990 Last match in this chapter was a front of 2 bleachers full of spectators and I won the match. The audience gave me a great applause.
1990 I hired the Law Office of Hilary Clinton , President Bill Clinton’s wife, to help solve the play stoppage and have the courts resume my ATP Tennis playing.
1990 My Player contract was put up for bid with the direction of my Lawyer, Mrs Hilary Clinton.
1991 My player contract was sold for $28,500,000.00 (gross $30 million US dollars) to Mr. Ross Perot and Company.
1991 Only the 5th Entertainer to have this large and kind of contract.
1991 Started with the new player name Mr. John Vice.
1991 The Perot group advertised my Tennis playing career in Asia and the Pacific. Also, advertised in Central and South America.
1991 New Sponsor Photo Shoot at SUNY Old Westbury, NY Tennis Court.
1991 Given new ATP Player name, Mr. Carlos Scipio.
1991 Ross Perot Team sets up white tent camp at the SUNY Old Westbury, NY Tennis courts.
1991 Mr. Ross Perot visits the SUNY Old Westbury Tennis Camp by landing in a helicopter to watch my matches.
1991 Played the Ross Perot Team of 4 players they were sponsoring with 1 tennis instructor.
1991 Won 10 or more ATP tournaments at SUNY Old Westbury Tennis Courts. This includes winning matches against Guillermo Vilas, Stephen Edberg, Ivan Lendl, Miloslav Mercir, Mats Vilander, John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi.
1991 My winning percentage increased to 1 loss in 34 games (1 in 34).
My show car the McLaren F1 year 1991 parked at SUNY Old Westbury Courts.
1991 The Japan ATP team arrived at my courts. This includes the players ranked 1, 2, 3, etc. from Japan. Approximately 10 players arrived.
1991 Won every match against the Japan ATP Team. Some matches televised internationally, nationally and on local NY Metro television stations with line judge and ball boys.
1991 Interviewed live on Japanese Television.
1991 Won the Japan Tournament. Large trophy was awarded to me and the Ross Perot Company.
1991 Local NY Metro Television reported Tournaments on Sports news broadcasts.
1991 Won Tournaments against: South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Guam.
1991 Taught Tennis to some players of the Japan and Pacific countries.
1991 One of my students from the Philippines moved up to a high ranking in the Pacific.
1991 More ATP Tournaments were played.
1991 International Tennis players from the US Tennis center were inspired to play in Japan that year 1991 and 1992.
1991 My winning percentage increased to 1 loss in 40 games (1 in 40).
1991 ATP award for most winning player 1991.
My tennis courts at SUNY Old Westbury, NY Run by Ross Perot Company.
1991 The Ross Perot Company buys a Tennis Center on the North Shore of Nassau County, Long Island, NY.
Ross Perot Company buys tennis center for my new winter court. Glenwood Landing, NY Long Island.
1991 New billboard advertising, film reels and spokesman in different countries around the world.
1991 Well known in the Far East Pacific countries.
1992 Player contract sold again for an ATP world record for $100,000,000.00 USD to Mitsubishi Sports Japan. The highest priced Contract in Tennis history.
1992 Coordinating with Japan sponsors to visit Japan and continue playing ATP Tennis.
1992 Japan sponsors were fined $400,000,000.00 by the International Court for failing to have me play within a six month period. The fine was paid in full.
1992 Japan sponsors pledged to continue support after fine was paid.
1992 to 1996 Tennis playing contract continued with the Japan sponsors.
1992 to 1996 Some ATP pro matches arranged at local tennis centers.
1995 I scheduled Pro tennis playing with the Japan representatives in Honolulu, Hawaii. I traveled to Hawaii on 11-23-1995 and met with the Japanese contact to schedule Tennis matches.
1995 I made an official apperance as Mr. Carlos Scipio and signed some autographs in Hotel Lobby of the Outrigger Maile Sky Court Hotel.
1995 On American Airlines flight to Honolulu, Hawaii, I was given a round of applause for winning the American Airlines Open. I signed some autographs.
Photo of Hawaii Airline tickets by Liberty Travel
1996 My Girlfriend Dahlia died unexpectedly from problems with her father.
1996 Mitsubishi Sports Japan started to sell my contract to sport investors in France. The offer price was $150,000,000.00 USD.
1996 The sports investor Mr. Bernard Tapie of France was in negotiation with Mitsubishi to buy of my contract. Mr. Bernard Tapie was owner of Adidas sporting goods.
1996 Mitsubishi Sports added Mr. Bernard Tapie of Adidas Sports and Reebok Sports of Britain as sponsor partners to my $100 Million US Dollar contract from another European Sporting Goods company.
1996 The new sponsor partner plus Mitsubishi sports made the contract price $120 Million US Dollars.
1996 Reebok Sports from Britain was the new Lead Sponsor and their Representative called me to set up new Pro Tennis matches. Met other pro players at different courts in NY.
1996 to 1997 New sponsor Ms. Leona Helmsley. Played ATP match at Sutton East, Manhattan, NYC with sponsor present.
1997 The contract price is now $140 million dollars plus.
1997 New player name John Strong.
1997 I won at least 20 tournaments at Sutton East tennis center, Manhattan, NYC.
1997 My tennis playing was put on hold because of the death of Mr. Helmsley. The playing stopped by the winter of 1997.
Settlement of the Will put contract into hands of Mr. Helmsley’s beneficiaries.
1997 Player contract up for sale at $180 Million US Dollars.
1997 The Kellogg Company made investment in my contract
1997 Played tournament matches for Mr. Kellog at Sutton East Tennis Center, Manhattan, NYC.
1997 Mr. Kellogg added $10 Million US Dollars to my contract. Limited time of playing.
1997 Won about 5 ATP tournaments.
1997 The contract price is now $150 million dollars plus.
1998 Playing with Mr. Kellogg and my other sponsors ended.
1999 ATP playing for new sponsor.
2000 Reunited with other ATP pro players, Mr. Boris Becker, Jon Eisner, Novak Djokovic, Ms. Chris Evert, Venus Williams, and Serena Williams.
2000 I was Sponsored by Dunlop Sports Company.
2008 Living in New York City. I returned to Tennis Playing when I found Mr. Wilson Morales, Associated with US Tennis Center, to give me some Tennis lessons at the Astoria Park Tennis Courts, Astoria, NY.
2009 I won a low level Doubles USTA Tournament at the Public Area of US Tennis Center, at Billie Jean King Center, Flushing, NY 11355. I also won the low level Doubles League 3 times. This is at the same Tennis Center.
2014 Started Central NJ Tennis Meetup in Edison, NJ with over 1,500 players. This is through the Meetup Online application. Playing Tennis at Thomas Edison Park, Edison, NJ , Roosevelt Park ,Edison, NJ, Berzinec Park, Rahway, NJ, and Staten Island Community Tennis bubble.
2019 Resumed Tennis Tournament Playing with the USTA.
2023 Visited Japan Courts at Mitsubishi Sugamo, Tokyo and Prince Shinagawa, Tokyo.
2024 Visited sponsors in Tokyo, Japan.
Photo of John Riggio with Japan Sponsor
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