Karue Sell may not be a household name, but on the Challenger tennis circuit, he’s earning a reputation for his powerful serve and laser-like backhand. Fans liken him to a mustachioed Roger Federer, but Sell’s journey diverges sharply from the career of the Swiss Maestro. While Federer retired with 20 Grand Slam singles titles and a net worth surpassing $500 million, Sell’s 2023 tournament earnings total less than the California minimum wage. Yet, Sell’s story captures the resilience and grind of a different kind of pro tennis player.
Originally from Brazil, Sell lives in Torrance, California, with his wife, Sarah, and their two dogs. At 30, he’s in his second attempt at a pro career after first peaking at No. 371 in the rankings six years ago. Now he’s competing in lower-level ATP Challenger and ITF tournaments worldwide, chasing the points that could edge him closer to that previous high. This year, he’s moved from 858th in the world to the 400s, fueled by wins in two tournaments across four continents.
Prize money alone doesn’t sustain his journey. Sell has carved out a unique niche in the tennis world, leveraging his on-court skills to grow a YouTube channel with nearly 150,000 subscribers. His candid, high-energy lessons resonate with recreational players, and his “Turning Pro at 30” series provides fans with an inside look into his matches and travel, bringing in sponsorships that offset his costs on tour. This blend of grit and personality has made Sell a rare figure — an athlete who blends pro-level play with the reach of a social media influencer.
For several years, Sell mainly worked as a coach, even serving as a practice partner for top pros like former No. 1 Naomi Osaka. But last year, after success in a few local tournaments, he felt the draw back to competition. A pro-and-con list about the tour, still taped to his fridge, tipped him toward a return to playing full-time.
In the world of tennis, few paths resemble Sell’s. He’s older than many on the Challenger circuit, competing against younger up-and-comers. But his dedication and unique skillset have him fighting for a spot in the top 100. His videos are not only a source of income but also a way to share his love for tennis with a growing fanbase, including teens like Ella Ramos, who met him at a Las Vegas tournament. Ramos and others admire his journey, appreciating how he’s crafting a second career against the odds.
Sell’s commitment to his journey has helped him develop a robust network of financial and professional support. His UCLA college friend, Clay Thompson, co-founded MprooV, a self-improvement platform that backs Sell. He has partnerships with brands in sports drinks, therapy, and even his own merch line. These partnerships provide Sell with the financial security to keep competing without the constant stress of making ends meet, a struggle for many mid-level players.
Unlike the glitz of Federer’s career, the Challenger circuit has Sell navigating a rugged lifestyle. He admits he doesn’t love the constant travel, saying he’s more drawn to the thrill of matches than the grind of tour life. But he finds joy in the Southern California tennis scene, practicing at local clubs and public courts and connecting with a mix of amateur players and fellow pros.
Still, he balances playing with the responsibilities of coaching, sometimes giving in-person lessons. He’s willing to play with anyone eager to learn, from beginners to competitive players looking to refine their strokes. Sell’s advice to players is practical: maintaining balance and consistency are as important as power.
Sell trains rigorously, fitting in daily workouts between tournaments. He works with Andrew Mateljan, founder of the Laguna Beach Tennis Academy, to increase his endurance and strength, essentials for competing against younger players. Mateljan praises Sell’s resilience and sees his high-level potential, helping to push him toward the next level.
In moments away from training, Sell reconnects with former UCLA teammates like Marcos Giron, now a top-50 player. Giron’s success — he recently won his first ATP title in Newport, Rhode Island — motivates Sell, reminding him that his own goals are within reach. With the right breaks, there’s even talk of Sell competing at the Australian Open, although the road is long.
Sell’s journey underscores an evolving path in tennis, one where players can find success without reaching the sport’s uppermost ranks. By blending pro-level competition with content creation, Sell is redefining what it means to be a professional athlete. With a growing fanbase and steadily climbing ranking, he’s poised to keep fighting, on the court and online, for the next chapter in his tennis career.