The comeback of Serena Williams has been a major topic of conversation of late. The sporting legend has resumed her tennis journey after hitting pause at the US Open four years ago. The possibility of watching her play live again has fans around the globe buzzing with excitement.
Williams begins her comeback on Tuesday, June 9, at the Queen’s Club in London. At the moment, she is competing only in doubles, partnering with Canada’s rising star Victoria Mboko. The American has invited an extensive entourage to accompany her during the grass swing. Here’s a look at the key members of Serena Williams’ coaching team.
Jarmere Jenkins – Serena Williams’ Head Coach
Williams has appointed Jenkins as her head coach. The 35-year-old retired American tennis player previously acted as her hitting partner, starting the collaboration after her first pregnancy in 2017. Jenkins competed on the ATP Challenger circuit and the ITF Futures Series, winning eight titles overall. He had a career-high singles ranking of World No. 190.
As a junior tennis player, he was ranked as high as No. 18. He was also the 2013 NCAA singles runner-up and doubles champion, representing the University of Virginia.
Rennae Stubbs – Assistant Coach
Stubbs is a renowned coach on the WTA circuit, having guided the likes of former World No. 1 Karolína Plíšková, Samantha Stosur, and Eugenie Bouchard. She also helped Williams during her farewell US Open run in 2022.
The former Australian player was ranked World No. 1 in doubles and No. 64 in singles. She has won six Grand Slam titles across women’s doubles and mixed doubles categories.
Derick Pierson – Fitness Trainer
Pierson, a highly regarded fitness professional and movement specialist, has been associated with Williams for more than a decade. He is a certified personal trainer and a licensed physical therapist assistant with an esteemed career as a pole dancer. Pierson has been the national champion and the international champion seven times each.
Dr. Federica Scalabrino – Physical Therapist
Dr. Scalabrino is a senior physiotherapist on the women’s circuit. She has also competed at the NCAA All-American University Championships as a tennis player. After joining the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as a physiotherapist from 2007 to 2012, she began her journey on the WTA Tour.
David Quayle – Hitting Partner
Quayle is a 26-year-old tennis player from Great Britain. He is helping Williams out as her sparring partner during the Queen’s Club Championships. He has reached as high as World No. 1586 in the ATP rankings and No. 124 in the ITF rankings.
Over the years, Quayle has hit with multiple top players, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Tommy Paul.
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Williams has started her campaign in London alongside Mboko, drawing No. 3 seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martines as the first opponents. After her Queen’s Club appearance, she plans to compete in Berlin, where she has received a doubles wildcard.
