INSIDE TENNIS
Arrivederci, Tom
After a Davis Cup wipeout against Italy, it's time for Gullikson
to go
By L. Jon Wertheim
Posted: Wed September 30, 1998
Jennifer Capriati turned pro at 13, only to burn out within a
few years, to be arrested on a drug-related charge and to become
a walking, talking cautionary tale. But Rick Macci, who coached
Capriati as a junior, has apparently learned little from her
experience. Two weeks ago the Macci Tennis Academy in Fort
Lauderdale issued a press release saying that Monique Viele, a
top junior in Macci's stable, will turn pro after her 14th
birthday this week. "We also are exploring the possibility of
legally challenging the age eligibility rule of 14 that the WTA
now enforces," the release adds. "We feel it inhibits Monique
from making a living."
More disturbing than this announcement is the academy's
breathless characterization of Monique, who's from Colorado
Springs. At a time when the WTA vows to market its players as
athletes and not underage sex symbols, the Macci release says of
Monique, "She rivals a champion thoroughbred with her physical
grace and beauty. Her long, lean, tanned, muscular legs are both
an attribute to her good looks and her speed on the court. Her
physique is astonishing...she looks more like a supermodel than
a tennis player." Even her "sea green eyes" don't escape mention.
Monique's results are encouraging. By 11 she had a top 40
ranking in Florida's girls' 18 division, and this year she
became the youngest player ever to win the 18 division of the
Florida Open. But those credentials hardly mandate turning pro.
Macci sees it differently. "Her intensity level is scary," he
says. "I see many Grand Slam titles in her future."
Issue date: October 5, 1998
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