I Was The

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I was quickly rising through the ATP rankings but then I quit. Here is the story behind it and why I am playing pros again!
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ABOUT MY TENNIS HQ
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We reveal pro tennis tips that help amateur players quickly win more. Our how-to videos cover all essential parts of tennis: forehands, backhands, serves, volleys, singles strategy, doubles tactics, and more. Brought to you by Gui Hadlich and Karue Sell, passionate former D1 college and ATP professional players

[@MyTennisHQ]

Wasn't sure how this video was going to do but truly appreciate all the kind words, everyone. Means a lot. Thanks for sharing your stories as well!! And don't forget to smash that like button. It really helps the channel! Into the top 1000, fam!!! Let's gooo

[@-Munditimum-]

Super proud of you ma man. I would have no regrets either. You have done amazing for yourself and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I played ITFs way back in the day, and yes, they sucked way back then too (way more on the suckiness level) considering the harsh realities. Congrats and with full support ma man. Cheers, M

[@didieradam5547]

I did the same with my daugther and it was exactly the same feeling. She was very good but we had to stop for the same raisons. She so happy now and has no regrets.

[@grimson]

Former professional footballer here, retired at 28 at my physical peak for similar reasons as yours. Just over the uncertainty, travel, contract nonsense etc. I never regretted it BUT I also started playing again in my 40s at a good amateur level and had a blast!

[@MyTennisHQ]

love to hear that man!! Keep pushing it

[@madbadtrad7746]

Similar story here. Let's face it: all things considered, playing for fun is infinitely better all round. And many if not most pro players suffer from lifelong chronic injuries. The schedule and demands are brutal.

[@Bruhbruhbruh-rn9qv]

⁠@@madbadtrad7746True. We’re accustomed to seeing the best athletes in the world and getting wrapped up in their drama, but the reality is 99.9% of the people who play tennis or football are just doing it for fun.

[@germanslice]

@@MyTennisHQ I can relate to this a bit because my coach was a demanding Boliteri coach told me once I get to the top with him in my club then its going to be a very lonely place being up there. So I left after he told me once I get up there I would make more enemies than friends and i will get bored once he said to me that once I beat everybody in the club then then nobody in the club will want to play because they will lose interest in trying to challenge you if you are too strong for them. But I left for another reason also (to do with the last days as I got called in another direction from out of the tennis court world in a big way). I wasn't gonna let myself get too distracted inside of the tennis court with the coach who wanted all my attention to be focused on everything in the court to the point that I become too distracted by the square circle world that I wouldn't be aware of what was going on outside the court in these perilous times we are living in so I had to be wise with my choices because if I continued on with the coach then would get too distracted. As tennis can swallow your life all up especially with all the hours of training involved once things start to get serious with the coach. then he wants all your time and attention inside the court. The coach was obsessed with the tennis bug, And so what did the coach do, had me in training smash up his national kids with the big power serves. And I began to get bored of this after a few years of it. It was helping to toughen up his players but I was getting bored.

[@normanashbrooke3345]

Hello, Billie Jean King once said that tennis players are artists. You are certainly an artist with a racket, like Roger Federer you display a skill level that is both sublime and inspiring. I am a 73 year old senior player tennis player who is ranked 5th nationally and 33rd internationally in my age division. I wish you all the luck in the world and please never stop playing tennis. Sincerely, Norman Ashbrooke

[@MyTennisHQ]

thank you for the kind words!!

[@ZacharyShahan]

Wow, congrats on that! Big achievement! Know it's not ATP, but it must be a very competitive field still at that age.

[@tyrone1544]

What a schmuck.

[@alainbrouillaud484]

Karue… I feel you will play your best because you are FREE!The fact that you don’t give an “F” is truly liberating. Now you’ll walk off the court knowing that your participation was a POSITIVE regardless of the result… sure you would rather win than lose, but you’ll be calmer than ever before. Keep reaching higher… go as far as you want 😊🎾

[@tamagonbagel6569]

I quit tennis at 13 when someone told me I could be a D1 player if I worked harder. The pressure immediately got to me. I can't imagine what the pressure of the tour would be, especially with all the money concerns. I've returned to it this year and am glad I have a sport that brings me so much joy again. Your whole mentality about tennis is inspiring. Great channel.

[@knotwilg3596]

This is honestly a VERY intelligent review, worthy of the best self help videos out there. You're obviously a very smart and wise person.

[@joshuacrossley1515]

Excited to follow the journey Karue. As a coach who is still trying to play at my best level possible your a big inspiration. All the best for everything that’s to come 🎾

[@lucas-hideo]

You always provide such valuable content for us tennis enthusiasts. As a former college tennis player, also from Brazil, I agree with you, those were certainly the best years!! Thanks for dedicating your time to share your knowledge and the experiences tennis has been providing you to this point. All the best. Valeu e mto sucesso pra vc!!

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

Thanks for opening up and sharing your journey, this will be exciting to follow 🤘

[@rootdoc1997]

I am a 59yo doctor and was national rank D3 long time ago and still play. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. The pro tennis tour is freaking tough, tough to make a living and tough to stay at the top of your game consistently while travelling all over the place. 99.9 percent of people have no idea what it takes to make it on the ATP tour, there are no guaranteed contracts, no teammates, etc. Good luck to you on your new quest on the tour

[@TripAces]

that's kind of the interesting thing... I am curious about the financial supports through social media such as youtube that would aid in the life of pursuing professional tennis.. surely there might be people among all us followers that would help out too.. just for the chance to see a dream spot on say US Open where Karue plays Alcaraz in the 1st round haha would be a great story. Anyhow :-)

[@mavisser3211]

arrogant.

[@mikekim5135]

Karue, thanks for being so open about your experiences. I wish you the very best on your rebirth tour. Hopefully the fact that you’re not just focused on the wins and losses allows your mind to be more free during matches. You’re obviously a very gifted tennis player but you’re also gifted as a youtuber. Keep up the great work in both endeavors. Cheers.

[@georgesalmeron5055]

Bravo! This episode transcends all the tennis videos on you tube from all the other creators. Honesty, insight, genuineness who knew that one could find those sorts of things while trying to learn to play tennis. Thank you so very much. You have summed up how so many of us who have played tennis for a a lifetime see the sport.

[@josecristobal1353]

Amazing video!! Great explanation!! Best of luck in your futures tournaments.

[@Domms]

This is the best video from a tennis youtuber I've ever seen. Insightful, intelligent, well spoken stuff. I truly wish you the best in this comeback and hope you make it to the top 100 and ATP tour full time. Força!

[@christopherride3764]

Great video, Karue. Thanks for posting, love the insights. Looking forward to watching you succeed on tour. My friend Richard Fromberg (ex top 30 player from Australia) says that tennis is a massive head game - if you win in your mind it helps you win on court. Therefore… I think you are gonna do very well !

[@docduc1]

Thank you for sharing your journey and this is one of the best videos you have made so far. I am in my early 50s and I can tell you that your journey of self-discovery and growth is so much more important and meaningful than tennis in the long run. The growth you have experienced in the last 5 years of your life will propel you forward for the rest of your life. Ironically, it is also helping you in your current professional tennis journey. I wish you the best of luck and I will be following you!

[@luisfelipemillan2928]

Excelente video! Acompanho sua trajetória desde o começo aqui no YT, e comecei a jogar por isso! Parabéns pelo sucesso dentro e fora das quadras

[@elissahofelt2575]

Looking forward to your tour videos in the upcoming months. Wishing you the best!

[@luizaugustooliveiraamorim8975]

Que orgulho de ser brasileiro que deu enquanto eu assistia esse vídeo, sério! Muitíssimo interessante ver também o - pouco falado - lado do profissional que "não vinga" e ver como tu construiu coisas ENORMES depois de parar! Que história!!! Você é muito foda, Karue Vou acompanhar demais essa sua nova jornada!

[@jamesgoodnight322]

karue i'm so excited to hear that you're gonna be hitting the tour. can't wait to see your matches!

[@jphayes21]

I think you have really hit the nail on the head. Getting into the headspace where you can not care about the results is so difficult but glad that you are there.

[@gregwall2023]

Good luck! I’m cheering for you!

[@wolfpacknation69]

I really enjoyed this! Reflecting is fun. You now have a KZbin team with you! Hope to see some of your matches next season. Rooting for you and thanks for the content.

[@tiger1701]

This is what makes KZbin great. Thanks for providing us a glimpse into the factors involved with being a professional athlete. Your journey has been incredible thus far. Excited to see what's next.

[@57Ryuk]

Really appreciate your candor here in this vid. Keep up the great work with the channel. Now you're playing with absolutely nothing to lose, I hope the scene results will be awesome as well.

[@MarcioSartor]

Comecei assistindo seu canal pelas dicas de maneira geral. Demorei pra perceber que era Brasileiro kkkk. Assim que percebi assinei e tenho acompanhado, curtindo muito a jornada de voltar ao nível proffisonal com menos preocupações. To aqui pela jornada, boa sorte Karue!!!

[@alexjustme1982]

Como decimos aqui en España:"Eres un grande,tio" me encanta tu canal y aprendo un montón con tus vídeos. Gracias!❤

[@joshualup9529]

I love this channel, you produce really good content that I I find useful when I coach my players. I am about 1 to 2 years older than you but definitely grew so much from 25 to 30. Still growing. I hope you enjoy your journey and win or learn.

[@Mac39Ryan]

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Way to go, owning it. And for the honesty and vulnerability. So refreshing. Good luck on your run. I have a lot of confidence in you.

[@soundoflasers]

Thanks for the insight Karue. I really enjoyed this video. Congrats on all your success.

[@user-xb5sq6tv9h]

Congratulations on your win 💪🥇 You’re so honest and genuine, love your videos. Good luck for future tournaments and more great wins. Look forward to following your progress.

[@MyTennisHQ]

Appreciate the kind words

[@timl5043]

Good luck my friend! I will be cheering you on. Hope to see you at Wimbledon soon!

[@roopher2]

Awesome stuff man, can't wait to see where you (we!) end up! Go get IT!!

[@nikol7951]

Thanks for sharing Karue, excited for your new journey!

[@rodfabie4818]

Looking forward to seeing where this journey goes!! Great post karue!!!!

[@kensan73]

Thanks for sharing your tennis journey story!!! Fascinating

[@petercassidy8036]

The very best of luck, Karue. What a journey you are on and we are right there with you!

[@makaw888]

Love the channel. All the best in competition Karue. Hope to see you in London

[@dylannguyen1953]

Thanks for sharing and best of luck in your journey. Youre a great communicator on camera and actually bloody good at tennis too which adds a bit of substance to the style. Will be following!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Much appreciated!

[@huvudvy]

Good luck mate, love the mindset!

[@MPTennis]

Thanks for sharing your story Karue! Learning so much from your journey. 👍

[@timcross11]

Do you play futures ive always been meaning to ask

[@Wooist]

You're my favorite tennis youtuber. You've helped my 4.5/5.0 tennis game and it's a pleasure watching you continue to grow. I hope to get to hit with you one of these days and have you coach me. Awesome storytelling Karue :)

[@wiggi9339]

Good luck. I enjoy your coaching & insights.

[@MyTennisHQ]

I appreciate that!

[@andrewslattery2145]

Thanks for the video and your story. Hope to see you around Melbourne Park again in Jan.

[@user-jl3to4nh2e]

love the skating bit and the dog - good content and yes good luck to you

[@tonycosta5802]

A brilliant post, Karue. Honest with revealing insights into a talented tennis player's career. It says a lot about you as a person that you can look back and not be incapacitated with regrets. You have moved forward and created different opportunities for yourself. I wish you the best success with your future endeavours. Any man who loves both tennis and dogs as you do is an incredibly lucky man! Keep on moving forward. Best wishes, Tony

[@0174d3]

Good luck man! Wish you all the best you seem like a great grounded person as well as player ha!

[@youngnamhoso]

Thanks for sharing your personal story. And thanks for having us along on your second phase of journey :)

[@zachenroe4715]

Great video Karue. I know exactly how you feel in terms of giving it another go. In my personal life I have no intentions (or even ability) to go pro, however in my life right now Tennis has been that thing that I've always just casually played. This past year I decided to start pushing myself and challenging myself to give it all I got and get better JUST for the heck of it and to have that something in my life that I'm striving for. Good luck on the grind and I hope you have fun!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Love to hear that. Keep pushing man, no reason to not do so

[@bushmenaa]

I started playing when I was 22 I like competitive tennis to improve myself mentally and keep myself in good shape. I play tournaments and I try to keep going. I like the way you think, keep going! Greetings from Bulgaria.

[@RazOls]

Great video… Nice insight for everyone, thank you

[@thomazmuzzi]

All the best to you Karue! I’ve been following your channel for a while without knowing you are also Brazilian. Estamos todos torcendo por você aqui do Brasil

[@SatyajitSatoDas]

Please continue playing keep us updated. You are an inspiration!

[@samster978]

thanks for sharing, so great to see these sort of insights

[@jcblaze720]

Wow, I hardly ever comment on videos but I had to say this was really an awesome one sharing your experience. Thank you for all you do in helping us and giving us an inside look at what you went through! I for sure will be watching to see your future matches and helpful instruction. Good luck out there!

[@fz4296]

First time in my life I am following ITF tournaments, love that you can play with hardly any pressure, that's a real privilege and hopefully you get to enjoy touring more than you ever have. Inspires me to sign up for more local amateur tournaments!

[@barwahjoseph]

This was a great peak into your mindset Karue. Thank you. Stay awesome!

[@fpolanc]

Great stuff Karue, I like your approach to playing professional tennis. Hope to see you get a wildcard for Indian Wells next year, that would be ideal!

[@d20g_]

Thanks for sharing Karue. Completely understandable. I hope you can climb higher this time not only on the rankings but also on happiness.

[@MyTennisHQ]

thank you for the kind words!

[@maxc7198]

Thanks for the video. Authentic, honest and humble. Gives real touch on the human experience. Choices and awareness. Cheers!

[@sf108]

Awesome story. You should be very proud of what you've done outside of professional tennis with this channel. Keep up the work!

[@Keithllzj94]

Very happy for you bro. Thank you for your authenticity.

[@kennymarshall2197]

Great video and you hit a beautiful ball. Hoping you get some great wins ahead.

[@woutdoumen8934]

great video. about to graduate from college as well, played all those years in D1 and it's pretty scary for me to say goodbye. I hope I can figure it out the same way you have. great stuff, keep it up!

[@MyTennisHQ]

hahah it is definitely hard to let go. You will, give yourself time. Finding balance is key

[@rhsalim]

Boa sorte no retorno! Aproveite a jornada! 💪

[@chubilubis]

Torcendo por você, cara! Puta história.

[@nathannicholson100]

Very cool video, congrats Karue!

[@luisdiegoberrocal9620]

Came across My Tennis HQ by a friend recommendation and i've stuck around for a while. Thanks for sharing - your experience is related as I also tried to pursue pro tennis but encountered simialr obstacles to the ones you mention. Keep up the great content and have fun while coming back to competition.

[@MyTennisHQ]

appreciate it!

[@mikepfister8845]

Awesome stuff Karu 👏 thanks for sharing

[@Jason-Evans]

Appreciate the candor about your life & journey. Even w your enormous talent, the need for stability in life cannot be understated, esp for someone like yourself coming from a part of the world where uncertainty is quite prevalent… I respect the hell out of it. As a 55 yr old w dreams of being a pro musician &/or tennis player in my youth, the need for stability coupled w the very slim chance of making either a reality far outweighed the many yrs of sacrifice & uncertainty required. I’m glad to hear you’re in a good place & proud of what you’ve accomplished w pro tennis, MTHQ, coaching, etc. Sounds like you are approaching your 2nd go at pro tennis w a much wiser & more experienced mindset, not worried about how it pans out. Either way will be fun to follow the journey. Thanks for all the knowledge you’ve shared over the yrs & best of luck. Cheers!

[@MyTennisHQ]

couldn’t have said it better. I think the uncertainty from where I am from (even though I come from a fairly good background) compared to life here in the US was very tempting. Thank you for the kind words

[@Tennis_longivity]

Absolutely loved it Karue, you are such an inspiration!

[@isaactiomkin7179]

Keep working Karue and follow your dreams 💪

[@OwNaGeMD3000]

Best video you have uploaded Karue. The way you explained it i agree 100% you quitting and having fun and experiencing life is priceless, regardless of where tennis could have taken you in those years

[@MyTennisHQ]

Absolutely! Got to do a lot of cool stuff during that time

[@funnyvids101]

Incredible video! So personal and so relatable. Thank you so much for sharing! Especially your comment about tennis being your identity and trying to find your identity outside of the sport hit home. I played D1 in college in SoCal, and Men's Opens afterwards for aa few years till I developed a torn labrum and had to stop for about ~4 years. The hardest thing was definitely trying to find my "new identity" outside of tennis. Two surgeries and about 30 months of PT later, I'm back to competing at 32. I don't have the same game as I used to, but taking those years to "find myself" away from tennis has (probably) made me a better overall person and even a better tennis player. Rock on, Karue!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Thanks for sharing your story! Keep pushing man, stay healthy. Yoga has done wonders for my body to stay injury free

[@rajavidhun]

Keep going Karue we will be rooting for you!!

[@SirTSP]

Karue, your videos are getting better everyday! I really enjoy watching each one. Thanks!

[@MyTennisHQ]

thank you! that is awesome to hear

[@maciej2455]

Congrats, really happy for you, just live your life and give us cool vibes as always!!

[@pistolpete023]

Been following your journey. Love that you're playing pro tournaments again to leave nothing on the table. I'm in my late thirties now, and while I was never even remotely close to being your level (tennis is an expensive sport in this country of opportunity!), I stopped playing the sport for a number of years in my twenties. It's true, you really don't know yourself, what makes you tick, and what you want out of life between 20-30. Whatever happens in that period of self-discovery is essential, and shouldn't be viewed with regret; glad you have none. Now I'm rediscovering my love for the sport and hope to communicate that same love to my kids without forcing it on them.

[@MyTennisHQ]

that is awesome to hear. Really appreciate the kind words. Happy to hear you are still going at it!!

[@grantedwards8826]

We’re dying to see your matches Karue!! Wish you the best on your journey!

[@AllyBeans4]

You … are … awesome Karue! A sheer delight, a guru and an entrepreneurial star 👊🏼🌟

[@andrewallin42]

Thanks for sharing and so nice to listen to you reflect on life and tennis!

[@hannesreinhardt1399]

Smart assessments. Takes intelligence and guts to cut it and go another route, from zero basically. Obviously you're a self made and self determined personality. I like to listen to your words and just love to watch your swing. And hope you still find time to keep up the great you tube content, no matter how high you climb the rankings. But if things work out really well considering your new goals and you find less space for that, i'm still fine and watch your old stuff over again occasionally. Good luck!

[@dpadron]

It makes a lot of sense for you to play pro tennis again, one step a time and see where it leads you. Rooting for you Karue and good luck in my state Texas. Where is your next tourney?

[@ngdoug]

I love it! So happy for you!

[@comet91]

Thanks for sharing. Love hearing about your insights as a competitive pro player, which is rare on youtube.

[@MyTennisHQ]

My pleasure!

[@derrickalexander2366]

Great video. Love the honesty.

[@ofabulosomundodamari3463]

Sensacional!!!! É sobre isso!!!! Também vivo do tenis, professor no Brasil de uma cidade pequena, não consegui a oportunidade de ir para os EUA fazer o college devido a uma lesão seria no joelho. Mas fiz da minha vida dentro do esporte que tanto amo e vivo desde os 10 anos. Hoje ele é o sustento da minha familia!!! E torneios apenas como você mencionou para me desafiar!!!! Sucesso Karue!!!! SAudações de um brasileiro falando pelo perfil de youtube da filha dele!!! André

[@MyTennisHQ]

vamos! muito obrigado. Muito legal saber que o tênis te proporciona uma vida legal no brasil!! vamos com tudo

[@gab_ale]

Congratulations on the title! Wishing you lots of success.

[@danielpp23]

Parabéns, mano. De brasileiro pra brasileiro é muito fácil entender claramente o que tudo isso significou pra vc, e com certeza eu também não teria me arrependido! Que bom que tá trilhando sua trajetória com o pé no chão, muita humildade e ainda tendo o tênis como parte tão importante! Abraços!

[@MyTennisHQ]

Você entende! Difícil quando se eh brasileiro. Custo muito alto. Mas vamos com tudo

[@TimelyAdventure]

Congratulations, amazing work!

[@momof2dc]

I’m in no way near any elite level - but from a personal journey and what motivates someone in their life decisions, I sooo enjoyed hearing your story. Fantastic for you about your decision - your WHY. Have fun - and the 111k people are your team! Good luck in your next matches!

[@duncanhowes]

Thanks so much for sharing Karue, you are very successful and a genuine good bloke. Everyone can see that , it’s why you have those phone numbers … good on ya and I hope you have fun playing that tournament and playing the best you can 👍Duncan

[@smritisingh9972]

Thanks for sharing your story 👍

[@nofacenation5260]

Keep pushing Karue. Any Northeast tournaments you play, I’ll do my best to be there and support!

[@Chonks20]

Fantastic video. You’re amazing Karue.

[@nikomalek88]

Karue, you are a son, a friend, and you seem like a good man. That is so much more important than your identity as a tennis player. That’s just something you’re good at. You inspire me with your honesty. Muito obrigado.

[@smueller12244]

Fantastic video thank you for sharing. It's clear in this period of life you have grown as a person and it is often a hard one deciding what to do with the rest of your life when you are 25-30 is HARD to dig deep and find the answers you want. I like your mentality...you do care about playing hard and giving it your all but you're not afraid to fail and that's a good recipe for more success on the court.

[@MyTennisHQ]

That is exactly it!

[@passionatetennis9149]

I really like this video! Better than any tennis video.😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@MarcoSolidx]

Poder jogar apenas pelo prazer de desafiar a si mesmo pode trazer resultados surpreendentes. Isso tudo sem ter que forçar o corpo pois torneios são apenas “extras” deve tirar muita pressão mental, é o melhor cenário. Como inscrito, fico feliz por você. Sou de Curitiba e acabou de ter um challenger aqui, ano que vem está intimado para vir jogar esse evento aqui ✌️

[@MyTennisHQ]

ano que vem vou. Mas podem fazer na quadra rápida?? Hahaha

[@vanderszpak]

Awesome insight!