Michelle Larcher de Brito is talented beyond her years, being only 15 years old this Portugese teenager participates only in select pro tournaments and otherwise spends her time training at home in Bradenton, Fla.
Unlike many other tween pro's Brito is not complaining about the new WTA rule, limitation on the number of tournaments a young teen can play in. Larcher de Brito has commented on supporting the rule, saying "I think it's a good rule because they're trying to protect the players from overplaying. I actually don't like that many tournaments in a row. I like playing a couple of tournaments and then going home. I don't want to get too tired."
When Brito is at home in Florida she goes to school at the Nick Bollettieri Academy. Where her father, Antonio Larcher de Brito, is her full-time coach. Larcher de Brito spends her days like any other 15 year old girl with trips to the mall,and hanging out with friends. She says "I don't have much time for it, but when whenever I can, I go to the movies and shop. I love Armani Exchange. I actually have a Siberian Huskie, and his name is Armani."
Michelle Larcher de Brito started the summer by playing the qualifying at the Bank of the West Classic, she won her first-round match against seasoned Gisela Dulko 7-5, 7-6 (1).
That win gave her the golden opportunity to face off with Williams, an eight-time Grand Slam champion. Larcher de Brito stood her ground against such a notable opponent. She won the opening set before surrendering 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
"It was almost an upset but I still have a lot of years ahead of me and a lot of experience to gain, a lot of tennis to play," said Larcher de Brito. She hopes to get into the U.S. Open though is currently an alternate.