Michelle Larcher De Brito has been setting the junior circuit alight with stunning performances. The 13-year-old takes a moment to talk to Inside Tennis.

You played in the Girls' 18 and Under category at the Eddie Herr tournament, despite being just 13 years old. Do you feel at any disadvantage being younger (and technically smaller and less physically strong) than most of the other girls there?

No not really. I have always played up in age groups and I am used to competing against girls that are older and stronger. I also work on my own strength and physical conditioning very hard so I am able compete at their level.

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my spare time I like to hang out with friends, listen to music on my Ipod, read a good book and play with my dog. I also enjoy playing video games. At the moment I am really into Fifa World Cup.

Do you admire any other players?

I don't look up to too many players because I hope to be competing against them in the near future. I do like Martina Hingis and Rafael Nadal though. Martina is very smart on the court and seems very pleasant off the court. I like Nadal's fighting attitude.

Portuguese tennis seems to be on the rise, with both yourself and Gastao Elias doing well in the juniors. Do you think there's any particular reason for this?

I am not sure if there is any specific reason why Gastao and I are both doing well at the same time. I guess there must be something special in the Portuguese water these days!

How much time do you spend training on an average day?

I train in the morning for about 2 hours and then in the afternoon for about another 2 hours. This time includes both on-court and off-court physical training.

Do you intend to start playing on the WTA circuit when you became eligible? [Players cannot compete on the WTA tour until they are 14 years of age].

Yes, I intend to start playing on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour as soon as I can but my schedule will be limited due to the age eligibility rules. So, I will just mix women's and junior events in my schedule. I am really looking forward to testing my game against the pros.

You've been at the Bollitieri Academy in Florida since you were 9 years old. Would you ever consider making the switch to representing the USA?

I have been in America for four years now and I have really enjoyed living here and growing up here. However, I will always be Portuguese at heart.

Where do you hope to be in the next few years?

I do set goals but I keep them to myself. I am always working to improve my game and move up the rankings.

How do you fit your tennis around your education?

I go to school everyday and I do homework every night. It is sometimes difficult to balance it all, particularly when I am playing tournaments, but I manage.