MADRID - Former world No. 1 Marcelo Rios will continue working without a coach at least until the end of the season.

The Chilean is no longer with Brazilian Ricardo Acioly and for the moment at least he is happy to be flying solo.

"I came here alone," Rios said after his tidy, 6-2, 6-2, victory over Gaston Gaudio of Argentina in the first round of the Madrid Masters on Monday.

"For the moment I'm happy to go on without a coach. Maybe next season I'll try to find a new one. I'll see at the end of the year."

Rios is in 25th place in the ATP entry system after another season disrupted by injury.

He looked in sprightly form in his win against Gaudio but he is not expecting a miraculous return to the top of the rankings.

"To get back to number one you first have to return to the top 20," Rios said. "You have to go step by step.

"I am going to try to climb back up the rankings and I think for the moment getting back in the top 20 is a fair goal.

"My knee is still a little sore but now it's getting better. Physically, I felt good, even though I didn't train much before this tournament."

Rios was joined in the second round by compatriot Fernando Gonzalez, who had a straightforward 6-3, 6-2 success against Brazil's Andre Sa.

Gonzalez is one of the rising stars of the men's game and with Nicolas Massu also in the top 60, Chilean tennis is enjoying a real boom.

"It's the best ever," Rios said. "Chilean tennis has never been like this.

"I think Fernando has a lot of potential. Massu may take a bit longer but he has great qualities as well.

"When I started there weren't so many players but now they're starting to promote the youngsters."