18th Annual 'Little Mo' Internationals coming to Palm Beach Gardens

The Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB) is presenting the 18th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals tournament in Florida on December 6-11.  The “Little Mo” Internationals (ages 8-16) will be played at the Palm Beach Garden Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Players can learn more at mcbtennis.org.

Approximately 700 players from over 60 different countries and territories worldwide will be featured in this international tournament. With so many talented players from around the world, it should prove to be a fantastic week filled with new friendships, great sportsmanship, and competitive tennis.   

Over the years, many famous tennis names have participated in the "Little Mo" tournaments including Andy Roddick, Coco Gauff, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Belinda Bencic, Madison Keys, Leylah Fernandez, Dominic Thiem, Emma Raducanu, Sebastian Korda, Christopher Eubanks, Jenson Brooksby, Brandon Nakashima, Vasek Pospisil, Borna Coric, Mackie McDonald, Denis Kudla, Ryan Harrison, Taylor Townsend, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Sofia Kenin, CiCi Bellis, and Ana Konjuh among many others.

MCB has promoted the development of junior tennis for over 55 years and continues to benefit countless numbers of young players worldwide.

The "Little Mo" tournaments are hosted by MCB in memory of its tennis champion namesake, Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker. Born in San Diego, Maureen became the first woman to achieve the Grand Slam of tennis in 1953 by winning all four major championships (Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same year. She was well known for her powerful groundstrokes from the baseline, which earned her the famous nickname "Little Mo" - a comparison to the explosive firepower of the battleship USS Missouri, also known as "Big Mo".

Only five players in the history of tennis have won the calendar Grand Slam, and Maureen is still the only American woman and the youngest at age 18 to have accomplished this magnificent feat. She won an amazing nine consecutive championship titles (three US, three Wimbledon, two French, one Australian) - undefeated in 50 matches.

Unfortunately, her spectacular career would be short-lived due to a horseback riding accident in 1954. While she could no longer compete at an elite level, Maureen's legacy as a legendary tennis star would continue through the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB). Founded in 1968 with her dear friend Nancy Jeffett, MCB's mission would be the promotion and support of junior tennis development worldwide. That same year, she was inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Sadly, Maureen lost her valiant battle with cancer the following year and passed away at the young age of 34.

Although her tennis career only spanned three years, many premier sportswriters consider Maureen Connolly to be the finest of all female players for her achievements on and off the court. In 2019, she was honored by the United States Postal Service with her very own "Little Mo" Commemorative Forever Stamp.

Maureen Connolly was known for her outstanding victories, but more importantly for her exemplary sportsmanship and kindness on and off the court. In turn, it is the mission of MCB to provide a special and meaningful experience at their events while also inspiring outstanding attributes at a young age such as fair play, good character, integrity, sportsmanship, kindness, giving back, and an attitude of gratitude. 

To honor the legacy, the "Little Mo" offers special "Mo" Coins to players who display good sportsmanship and who are respectful and kind to others. The referee, officials, and tournament staff will have the colorful "Mo" Coins in their pockets to give to players during the event. All players will be able to trade in their coins for prizes. Sportsmanship and Kindness Awards will also be given to four deserving players selected by the officials during the tournament.

For more information about the “Little Mo”, please visit the website at: www.mcbtennis.org and click on “Tournaments”.

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Source: MCB Tennis Foundation. Photos courtesy of MCB Tennis Foundation.