‘I’m the first real tennis influencer – some brands are not so supportive’
Rachel Stuhlmann aka the ‘world’s sexiest tennis influencer’ has revealed she feels the support of the game’s community but some brands “disappoint” her.
The 31-year-old has arguably become the leading influencer in the sport of tennis, certainly according to her Instagram bio, which states: “No. 1 tennis influencer”
With more than 300,000 followers on the social media platform, the brunette bombshell’s popularity is rising fast as she aims to capitalise on the path she’s created for herself.
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During an exclusive interview with Daily Star Sport, Stuhlmann revealed what her original dream was and how she navigated herself in the influencer space.
“Growing up, my dream was to become a professional tennis player, and after college, there was a time when I felt like a failure because I never actually made it or gave it a fair shot.
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“I threw myself into media work within the sport, began posting my experiences, and leaned into my own modelling and content creation.
“I wrote about my creative ideas and stories around the game and then said “yes” to multiple media opportunities that came across my plate.”
She opened about the bullying she said she faced in the early parts of her career but said she’d thank them if she could, given where she’s progressed in her career.
“I was bullied by some people I worked with earlier in my career because of my appearance and style.
“In a weird way, I would also thank them. Even though it really sucked being bullied, and I would cry all the time, their meanness motivated me to commit fully to being unapologetically myself.”
Despite the pushback she’s faced, Stuhlmann said that she has “so much support” from the tennis community, adding that some of her closest friends are current and former pros.
“I have so much support from the tennis community, and that means a lot to me. Many of my closest friends are current and former tour players and people working within the industry.
“They are all so supportive and encouraging, and I’m so grateful for them.”
However, not all in the industry have fully bought into her as she claimed some brands in the industry are “not so supportive”.
“I have found that some brands in the industry are not so supportive, saying that my appearance is too “risky” or “edgy” to represent their brand. It’s disappointing, but I appreciate those who understand I’m trying to grow the game too.”
As an influencer, comparisons to golfing queen Paige Spiranac is almost impossible to avoid and while she repeated her appreciate for the golf influencer and what she’s done for the sport of golf, the Missouri native said she’s focused on doing her own thing.
“Aside from the pros on tour, I’m the first real tennis influencer in the industry, and there really isn’t a playbook for me to follow.
“I’ve said in the past how much I appreciate Paige Spiranac and what she has done for the sport of golf and how I aspire to do the same for tennis. I think she’s sick of hearing it, lol.”
The tennis influencer is currently enjoying the French Open as she recently revealed to Daily Star Sport, her new Paris Collection in honour of the tournament.
The line includes a sport towel and poster along with clay toned ‘Clay Court Season’ apparel (sweater, long sleeve, t-shirt, baseball hat).
