| Full name | Rita Maria Pichardo |
|---|---|
| Country (sports) |  Cuba |
| Born | May 22, 1970 |
| Prize money | $13,063 |
| Singles | |
| Career record | 40–31 |
| Career titles | 2 ITF |
| Highest ranking | No. 403 (23 March 1992) |
| Doubles | |
| Career record | 52–25 |
| Career titles | 6 ITF |
| Highest ranking | No. 209 (2 December 1991) |
Rita Maria Pichardo (born 22 May 1970) is a Cuban former professional tennis player.
Pichardo, a five-time national champion, represented the Cuba Federation Cup team in 1991 and 1992. She featured in a total of six ties, including a World Group second round matchup against Romania, where she lost her singles rubber in three sets to Irina Spîrlea.
In 1993, while competing in satellite tournaments in Mexico, Pichardo made the decision to defect to the United States and with the help of friends crossed the border at Tijuana on a fake passport.[1]