Introduction
Michael Sell (born August 23, 1972) is a former professional tennis player from the United States. He was the co-head coach of the women’s tennis team at Louisiana State University with Julia Sell from 2015 to April 2022.
Career
At the 1989 Boys' Junior National Tennis Championship, Sell lost to Alexis Hombrecher in the 4th round. He had better success as a 4-time All-American for the University of Georgia. He and Rob Givone won the bronze medal in the men's doubles at the 1993 Summer Universiade.
Sell appeared in the main singles draw of two Grand Slams. In the 1997 US Open he beat Cecil Mamiit in the opening round, then lost in four sets to Daniel Vacek. He exited in the opening round of the 1998 French Open, losing to Jordi Mas, despite taking the first set 6–0. His best performance on the singles circuit came at the 1999 Japan Open Tennis Championships, where he defeated Mark Woodforde and Gouichi Motomura to make the round of 16. In the 2000 Heineken Open he had a win over world number 34 Nicolas Escude.
In doubles, he reached the 2nd round of all four Grand Slams, including the 1998 Australian Open where he partnered French Open winner Gustavo Kuerten. His best results came when he teamed up with countryman David DiLucia. The pair twice made the semi-finals of San Jose's Sybase Open, in 1998 and 1999.
Sell served as the personal coach of Monica Seles, Donald Young, and John Isner.
Challenger Titles
Singles: (3)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Surface | Opponent in the final | Score in the final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1997 | Bronx, United States | Hard | Gianluca Pozzi | 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 |
| 2. | 1997 | Sedona, United States | Hard | Glenn Weiner | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 3. | 1999 | Puebla, Mexico | Hard | Alejandro Hernández | 7–6, 7–5 |
Doubles: (11)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Surface | Partner | Opponents in the final | Score in the final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1996 | Monterrey, Mexico | Hard | Sargis Sargsian | Kevin Ullyett Myles Wakefield | 6–2, 3–6, 6–3 |
| 2. | 1996 | Austin, United States | Hard | Sargis Sargsian | T.J. Middleton Bryan Shelton | 7–5, 7–6 |
| 3. | 1997 | Winnetka, United States | Hard | Myles Wakefield | Chad Clark Ben Ellwood | 6–3, 7–6 |
| 4. | 1997 | Urbana, United States | Hard | Kevin Ullyett | Gouichi Motomura Takao Suzuki | 3–6, 7–6, 6–2 |
| 5. | 1997 | Delray Beach, United States | Hard | Kevin Ullyett | Oren Motevassel Daniele Musa | 6–3, 6–3 |
| 6. | 1997 | Las Vegas, United States | Hard | David DiLucia | Paul Goldstein Jim Thomas | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 7. | 1998 | Salinas, Ecuador | Hard | David DiLucia | Mariano Hood Sebastián Prieto | 7–6, 6–4 |
| 8. | 1998 | San Antonio, United States | Hard | David DiLucia | Michael Hill Scott Humphries | 6–3, 6–1 |
| 9. | 1999 | Lexington, United States | Hard | Gabriel Trifu | Scott Humphries Kevin Kim | 7–6, 6–7, 6–4 |
| 10. | 1999 | Houston, United States | Hard | David DiLucia | Bobby Kokavec Jocelyn Robichaud | 7–6, 6–0 |
| 11. | 2000 | Tulsa, United States | Hard | Enrique Abaroa | Gabriel Trifu Glenn Weiner | 5–7, 6–4, 6–2 |
Coaching career
- 2001-2003 - Monica Seles - Personal Coach
- 2003-2007 - USTA National Coach
- 2007-2012 - USTA Lead National Coach
- 2012 - USA Olympic Assistant Tennis Coach - London Games
- 2013-2014 - John Isner - Personal Coach
- 2015-2022 - Co-head Coach LSU Women's Tennis
- 2022 to Current - Director LTP Professional Program