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Jenkins tapped as USTA Women’s Coach

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By Editorial Team

Venus hasn’t been in the news much for on-court performances in recent months, but she was able to make headlines again with news of her recent departure from coach David Witt. David has been on her team since 2007 as the former ATP player who started as a club pro who transitioned into hitting partner for the Williams Sisters. Over time, the relationship grew into a successful full-time coaching commitment.

This coaching shuffle has the pro tour buzzing with speculation of possible replacements as Venus is not in the habit of switching coaches like many top WTA Tour players. For example, Simona Halep, Maria Sharapova, Eugenie Bouchard and Johanna Konta keep their coaches in a revolving door by changing almost on an annual basis the second things run amiss.

Rumors are floating around as to who this high profile coaching job should go to, but there are only a handful of candidates qualified enough to take on the 7 time grand slam champion. There are a few worth mentioning or adding to the debate.

One should start with her current hitting partner, Jermaine Jenkins. Jermaine stayed tied to his twin brother, Jarmere, by joining Team Williams as Venus’ dedicated hitting partner.

Social media is filled with Jermaine’s workout plans and strict diet regimen over the years. Venus has not been known for hitting the gym like Serena, but with nagging injuries late in her career, Jermaine may have an opportunity to grow his influence by adding more physicality to Venus’ game.

The precedence has been set as Sasha Bajin and David Witt were given the opportunity to transition from hitting partner to head coach. If this trend continues, fans should expect either Jermaine or Jarmere to become pro tour coaches at some point in the near distant future.

When asked earlier this year about the grind of being Venus’ hitting partner, Jermaine stated, “In the beginning it was high pressure. I wanted to prove myself and prove that I was the right person for the job. So, I might have over prepared but it definitely helped me to be ready and give quality practice sessions.”

Maybe Jermaine is ready to take the next step in his career as many have rightly done before him; only time and opportunity will tell.

Venus knows her game best and has proven herself as an all-time great, however after coming off a less than stellar season, the expectations for 2019 are high. Williams is scheduled to return to competition at the Abu Dhabi exhibition at the end of this month against her younger sister, Serena.

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2021 Calabasas Championships

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Battle of the ages: Venus vs. CoCo

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By Editorial Team

In addition to becoming the youngest player to enter the main draw of Wimbledon via qualifying, Cori “CoCo” Gauff has earned a prim-time match-up against one of the greatest grass court players of all time in the first round of play.

This match is not only a first, but also a sharp contrast of current generation talent versus veteran grand slam champion. Venus just turned 39 this month and must now face the 15 year old dynamo that goes by CoCo making this a true battle of the ages. Ironically, as in a Hollywood movie, these two are respectively the oldest and youngest players in the tournament.

Venus can sure respect Cori’s hustle in advancing her career at the ripe age of 15. Venus shares a similar start, but was able to win 5 Wimbledon titles with the last win in 2008.

Coming off of a great 2017 season, Venus (unseeded this year) has struggled lately with injuries and fatigue late in matches. This year has not rolled out favorably for Venus after several on-off coaching relationships and hitting partners. Taking on a more independent role of seasoned veteran, Venus is going at it alone on tour. She has a strong management team in place, but they appear to be more assistants than highly experienced coaches giving her instruction.

In contrast, Cori has a tight-knit team around her not to mention her father as head coach. There have been several assistants offering advice, but Corey remains the largest influence on Cori’s progress.

Progress is exactly what they have made – and in short record time. Just last year Cori was making her way toward the Roehamption Championship title as the world’s number one ranked junior. It seems as if Cori has a trusting relationship with her Dad and is able to take constructive criticism in stride. Hard work has been Cori’s mantra since the beginning of her junior career, and that hard work and preparation has landed her here at Wimbledon with a main draw match against Venus Williams.

The odds heavily favor Venus, but nothing is out of the question for Cori. Given the fact that she has played each qualifying round with a “nothing to lose” attitude, it can only be assumed that she will continue to do the same in her first round match.

The big stage is also a factor as Cori has not played on such a large WTA Tour center court yet in her career. This will definitely be a learning experience for Cori. It may be a little ambitious to expect Cori to figure out the atmosphere and surroundings all within a 2 out of 3 match. Cori is undefeated at Roehamption (ITF Juniors and WTA Qualifying), but it remains to be seen if she can muster a win against a declining, but a still very capable Venus Williams on her favorite surface.