Picture the exciting world of tennis, where great players compete and become legends. Now, picture a person who refuses to get caught up in comparing these players. Jarmere Jenkins finds himself at this very vantage point. He’s connected to both the legendary Serena Williams and the rising star Coco Gauff in tennis. And he refuses to do something that almost the entire tennis world has indulged in.
In a candid conversation, Jarmere Jenkins, a former player and Serena Williams’ ex-hitting partner who now plays a pivotal role in Coco Gauff’s coaching team shared his perspective on a journey that defies comparison and embraces the extraordinary.
Jarmere Jenkins, a bridge between tennis titans – Serena Williams and Coco Gauff
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Recently, Jenkins had a chat on the ‘Black Spin Global: The Podcast’ where he talked about his unique situation. He explained how he’s in a fascinating position, connecting two tennis stars: Serena Williams and Coco Gauff. Jenkins said, “Obviously, Serena (Williams) being so instrumental in my career and you know, being the reason why Coco (Gauff) started playing and having this dream”. He thought about how things have changed, going from “this might be the last time” with Serena to “this is the first time” with Coco, knowing that she could win big.
Jenkins further mused, “To the flipside to that of Coco… ‘Man, this could be the first time we do this, this is the first time we have this practice with Coco and then she’s gonna go out and win the US Open.’ Just to be on two different spectrums of that.”
While many people want to compare the young talent Coco Gauff with the legendary Serena Williams, Jenkins firmly believes it’s not fair. “I don’t feel like it’s right to compare them because it was just the end of something great, something special,” he said.
He thinks Serena’s career was like the end of something great, while Coco’s is the beginning of something amazing. Jenkins is excited about Coco’s potential and doesn’t think she’ll slow down anytime soon. He sees his role as something special, connecting these two tennis superstars in their own ways.
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Embracing the extraordinary
Jarmere Jenkins’ journey in tennis has been quite a ride. He started as a professional player and then teamed up with Serena Williams as her practice partner. Now, he’s a key part of Coco Gauff’s coaching team, which led the young gun to her first Grand Slam victory at the US Open 2023. Coco Gauff has often been compared to the likes of Serena Williams but every time she has chosen a humble narrative of not being the next Serena Williams but the first Coco Gauff.
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As tennis fans continue to cheer for both Gauff and Williams’ endeavors, Jarmere Jenkins serves as a reminder that each player’s journey is unique. We don’t need to compare them to recognize their greatness.
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