Portuguese tennis player Michelle Larcher de Brito, once one of the greatest talents, takes a creative break – and pursues another hobby.
The 24-year-old has not played on the tour since July and is only 354rd in the world rankings. According to Portuguese media, she is currently experiencing motivational problems after many injuries and is taking a break.
Larcher de Brito, who stayed with Nick Bollettieri until 2007, was regarded as the next star in her youth. In 2009, she reached the third round of the French Open at the age of 16, after surviving qualifying, shortly afterwards she was ranked 76th in the world; in 2013 and 2014 she also made it to the third round in Wimbledon.
She caused quite a stir, especially because of her loud moaning. Measurements at the French Open 2009 showed a volume of 109 decibels – at that time she moaned louder than everyone else, Maria Sharapova was second with 101 decibels. Some statements by Larcher de Brito at this time:”No one can tell me to stop… If they want to punish me, okay – I’d rather pay a penalty than lose a match because I’m not allowed to moan anymore… If it bothers other players, I can’t do anything, I don’t want to change anything… I’m here to win”. If it bothers people, they can always leave the square.”
Most recently, Larcher de Brito pursued another hobby besides tennis in her native Bradenton and opened a hotel for dogs and cats.