LTP Academy student Carter Rutledge recently made an impressive run to the final of the Little Mo International Tournament in the 8 & under division, cementing his place among some of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Hosted by the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, “Little Mo” is one of the world’s most prestigious junior tournaments for players ages 8–14. The event emphasizes fun, sportsmanship and world-class competition, and has long served as a launching pad for professional tennis careers.
“Carter has shown incredible maturity and composure for such a young player,” said Patrick Hieber, Director of Tennis at LTP Academy. “He’s competitive, focused and carries himself with the kind of energy we love to see on and off the court. Reaching the final of Little Mo is a huge accomplishment and we’re so proud of how he represented LTP on the international stage.”
A Stepping Stone for Future Champions
Carter joins an elite group of players who have made their mark at Little Mo, many of whom have gone on to the ATP and WTA Tours. Notable alumni include:
Former Little Mo Champions & Finalists – WTA
- Coco Gauff – Little Mo Girls 8s Champion (2012), now a Grand Slam champion
- Madison Keys – Competed in Little Mo before becoming a WTA star
- Leylah Fernandez – Winner/finalist in Girls 11s, later a US Open finalist
- Sofia Kenin – Former participant, later won the Australian Open (2020)
- Belinda Bencic – Former Little Mo champion, later top WTA player.
- Taylor Townsend – Former Little Mo competitor and doubles specialist.
Former Little Mo Champions & Finalists – ATP
- Andy Roddick – 1992 Little Mo winner, U.S. Open champion, and former World No. 1
- Taylor Fritz – Runner-up in Boys 11s (2008), now a top-ranked ATP player
- Tommy Paul – Former champion, now a mainstay on the pro tour
- Sebastian Korda – Competed at Little Mo before turning pro
- Brandon Nakashima – Former Little Mo participant and rising ATP talent
- Christopher Eubanks – Participated as a junior.
With such a strong legacy behind it, the Little Mo tournament provides both an unforgettable experience and a real glimpse into the sport’s future, and Carter’s journey proves he’s right on track.
