Rita de Mello | Tennis Player (2014, USA)

Guillaume Laisne
GirlsUSTA
Rita de Mello, American 12 and under tennis player ranked No. 177 in the USA
USTA Nevada
Player
USA U12
Top 200
WTN
26.6
UTR
4+

Rankings updated on September 26, 2026

“My tennis dream is to be recognized as a role model and inspire younger players to succeed in every area of their lives.”

Rita de Mello tennis player is an American junior tennis player born in 2014 and based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Brazilian citizenship. Competing mainly in 12 and under, she is currently ranked No. 177 in the U.S., trains at No Quit Tennis Academy, has won L4 and L3 back draws, placed third in a team L2 tournament, received sportsmanship awards, and dreams of becoming a role model who inspires younger players to succeed in every area of their lives.

Through Tennis Papers, discover an exclusive profile and interview highlighting her tennis journey, playing style, competitive experience, and ambitions.

This profile is based on an exclusive interview conducted by Tennis Papers.

Rita de Mello · Biography, September 2026

Full NameRita de Mello
Date of birth2014
Nationality🇺🇸 American
ResidenceLas Vegas, Nevada, USA
Age started tennis8
Tennis age categoryU12
USTA ranking#177
International ranking
WTN rating26.6
UTR tennis rating4+
Tennis clubNo Quit Tennis Academy
CoachesNico Mercado
Jake Lysgaard
Gelico Agcaoili
Makeilah Turner
George Wong
SponsorsDiadem
Inspiring Children Foundation
Racquet Garage
Instagram@followingrita
Rita de Mello, American 12 and under tennis player ranked No. 177 in the USA
Screenshot
Rita de Mello, American 12 and under tennis player ranked No. 177 in the USA
Screenshot
Rita de Mello from Las Vegas shares her tennis journey, American and Brazilian identity, training at No Quit Tennis Academy, U.S. 12 and under ranking, L4 and L3 back draw wins, team L2 third-place result, sportsmanship awards, role model dream, and dedication to her first coach Ozzie Tavares.
Rita de Mello, American 12 and under tennis player ranked No. 177 in the USA

Rita de Mello · Interview, September 2026

What is your name, birthdate, nationality, residence?
My name is Rita de Mello. I was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2014. I am American, I currently live in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I also have Brazilian citizenship.
What languages ​​do you speak?
I speak English and Portuguese fluently.
At what age did you start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was between eight and nine years old.
Are there other tennis players in your family?
Yes, my dad and my uncle play tennis.
In which tennis club do you train?
I train at No Quit Tennis Academy in Las Vegas.
Who are your coaches?
My coaches are Nico Mercado, Jake Lysgaard, Gelico Agcaoili, Makeilah Turner, and George Wong. Coach Nico is currently my head coach.
What is your greatest strength as a player, and what do you need to improve?
I believe I have a great mindset and a solid baseline game. Currently, I am working to improve my serve and net play.
What is your age category and national ranking?
My main category is 12 and under, and I am currently ranked No. 177 in the U.S.
What have been your greatest successes so far?
I have won some L4 and L3 back draws and recently placed third in a team L2 tournament. I have also received sportsmanship awards.
In which countries have you played tournaments?
I have only played tournaments in the United States.
What equipment brands do you currently use (racket, string, shoes, clothing…), and are you sponsored by any of them?
I currently use the Diadem Axis frame strung with Diadem Pro X string. I also wear Diadem clothes and shoes. I have received support from Diadem, the Inspiring Children Foundation, and a local stringing service in Las Vegas called The Racquet Garage.
What is your next goal?
My next goal is to keep improving as a player and play high-level competitive tennis.
What is your tennis dream?
My tennis dream is to be recognized as a role model and inspire younger players to succeed in every area of their lives.
Who is your favorite player and why?
My favorite player is Iga Świątek. She has amazing footwork, and it is awesome to watch her move across the court.
What do you enjoy doing outside of tennis?
Outside of tennis, I enjoy hanging out with friends, working on personal projects, doing arts and crafts, and playing music on the clarinet.
Who would you like to dedicate this interview to?
I would like to dedicate this interview to Ozzie Tavares. He was my first coach.
Rita, thank you for the interview 🎾
Tennis Papers wishes you all the best in your tennis journey and future tournaments 💜

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