Magnus Larsson defeated Marcelo Rios 6-1 6-7 2-6 6-3 6-2 in the US Open round of 32 on hard. The upset overturned the form book — Marcelo Rios came in leading the head-to-head 3–1, defending last year's quarter-final, but Magnus Larsson had been the form player, winning 3 of their last 6 on hard. Magnus Larsson narrowed the head-to-head to 3–2.
| Date | Tournament | Round | Surface | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997-05-12 | Rome Masters | R16 | clay | Marcelo Rios | 4-6 7-5 6-4 |
| 1997-04-21 | Monte Carlo Masters | QF | clay | Marcelo Rios | 6-2 6-1 |
| 1997-03-10 | Indian Wells Masters | R32 | hard | Magnus Larsson | 6-3 5-7 7-6(2) |
| 1997-02-10 | Marseille | QF | hard | Marcelo Rios | 3-6 7-5 6-4 |
Each player's serve crossed against the other's return, converted to expected hold of serve. Recent completed matches, ATP, WTA & Challenger. About
Averages over each player's completed matches in the selected window (120 vs 200). ATP, WTA & Challenger.