Rick Macci Takes Center Court at Little Mo Internationals in Florida

Rick Macci has coached Venus and Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Jennifer Capriati and Andy Roddick. His next assignment? Hundreds of ambitious young tennis players from around the world.

The legendary Hall of Fame coach will lead a special player clinic on Friday, December 4, at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center, kicking off the 20th annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

More than 630 junior players from 50 countries have already registered, according to organizers, with the tournament scheduled for December 4-9. The competition is open to boys and girls ages 8-14, with singles, doubles and mixed doubles on the schedule.

Above: Legendary tennis coach Rick Macci. Photo credit: YourGameFace courtesy of Little Mo.

For participating families, the chance to learn from Macci comes at no additional cost. The player clinic is complimentary with tournament entry.

A seven-time USPTA National Coach of the Year and USPTA Hall of Fame inductee, Macci has spent decades helping develop elite tennis talent. His early work with Venus and Serena Williams reached Hollywood in the film King Richard, with actor Jon Bernthal portraying the celebrated coach.

One young player following that path is 10-year-old Vlada Hranchar. The Ukrainian-born talent, nicknamed "The Little Panther," trains with Macci in Boca Raton and has already made her mark at Little Mo.

Above: A look back at Vlada Hrancher when she won the big trophy at Little Mo in 2024. Photo credit: YourGameFace courtesy of Little Mo.

In 2024, Hranchar captured the "Little Mo" Slam, winning her Girls 8 division at all three international tournaments in Colorado, New Jersey and Florida. Her reward? A towering six-foot trophy, the tallest in junior tennis.

Macci has never lost sight of what matters when developing young talent. During a previous Little Mo appearance, he told Florida Tennis, "They're kids first, and that's what I remind parents all the time."

Now another generation gets its chance to learn from one of the most recognizable coaches in the sport.

Registration closes Friday, November 6, at 2 p.m. Central Time. For tournament information and registration, visit mcbtennis.org.

Sources: MCB Tennis Foundation | Little Mo Slam Champions | Rick Macci Tennis Academy | Florida Tennis Exclusive Interview

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