Paula Pavic Opens Up About Marcelo Ríos and Personal Life Struggles

Entrepreneur Paula Pavic has shared detailed accounts of her 14-year marriage to former world number one tennis player Marcelo Chino Ríos, describing a relationship characterized by emotional dependence and a loss of personal identity. During an appearance on the reality program Vecinos al límite, Pavic spoke with host Karla Constant about the complexities of her marriage and the subsequent process of separation.

Pavic and Ríos married in 2008 and together had five children, including triplets born in 2011. The couple announced their split in 2023. In her television interview, Pavic detailed how she became mimetic with Ríos during their time together, adopting his tastes and preferences while suppressing her own.

Emotional and Identity Dynamics

Pavic described the dynamic of the marriage as profoundly dependent. She explained that she spent the majority of her time with Ríos, noting that they lacked a wider circle of friends and that Ríos did not work during that period.

The empresaria revealed that she felt a lack of personal achievement during the marriage, stating that she viewed her role solely as a housewife and the wife of a public figure. She alleged that Ríos discouraged her from pursuing her own professional work because she did not need the income and he preferred her to focus on attending to his needs.

This psychological dynamic extended to her perception of wealth. Pavic stated that she did not fully enjoy the luxuries provided by Ríos because she felt she did not deserve them since the money was not her own, leading her to spend as little as possible.

Separation and Economic Conflict

Following the separation in 2023, Pavic reported a significant shift in her perspective and a desire to establish an identity independent of her former husband. She expressed a goal to be recognized for who she is as an individual rather than being defined as the wife of Marcelo Ríos.

However, the transition was marked by financial disputes. Pavic described experiencing economic violence after the split, alleging that Ríos ceased payments to her after she began a relationship with another man.

In a June 10, 2025, report regarding their divorce agreement, Pavic stated that she refused to lower her expenses and instead chose to focus on increasing her own income to maintain her lifestyle.

Personal Transformation and Family

In an interview for the program Relaja2 on April 5, 2026, Pavic discussed her radical transformation over the last four years. She noted that she has become a completely different person since the separation, a change that has also altered how her children perceive her.

Despite the difficulties of the separation, Pavic has expressed a peaceful stance regarding Ríos’ current partner, Tamara Cornejo. She stated that she feels reflected in Cornejo and is confident that her children maintain a good relationship with her.

Beyond her marriage, Pavic has used recent media appearances to disclose other personal struggles, including a complex relationship with her mother and a period in her life where she believed she might have been adopted.

Pavic, who resides in Sarasota, Florida, has also faced public scrutiny regarding her decision to remain in her home during Hurricane Milton in October 2024. While she reported damage to her garden and patio, she defended her choice not to evacuate, stating that her hurricane-proof home was the safest place for her and her children.