Jermaine Jenkins and Young Talent
Jermaine Jenkins, who served as a hitting partner for Venus Williams and has been a national development coach at the U.S. Tennis Association since 2019, has encountered numerous promising young players over the years. One moment still vivid in his memory is his first encounter with Akasha Urhobo.
A Remarkable Discovery
This encounter occurred in 2022 during a small ITF tournament in Florence, South Carolina, where Urhobo, only 15 and hailing from Fort Lauderdale, showcased an unconventional style. Jenkins noted her aggressive play, commentating, “I remember watching her from afar, thinking: ‘Wow, she’s coming in on everything!’”
The Challenge of Modern Play
In contrast to most WTA players, who employ a baseline strategy, Urhobo’s approach of rushing the net could pose difficulties on various surfaces. Nonetheless, it has proven effective in junior and lower-tier professional matches, offering an element of surprise akin to a full-court press in middle-school basketball.
Support and Development
Intrigued by her potential, Jenkins kept track of Urhobo and communicated with her father and coach, TJ, to express the USTA’s interest in her development. This eventually led Jenkins to work with Urhobo, starting last June, following a call from Kathy Rinaldi, the previous head of women’s tennis at the USTA.
Impressive Progress
Since then, Urhobo’s ranking has radically improved—from 432 to nearly 250 spots higher, aided by her exceptional performance on clay. She stood out among her peers, even qualifying for the main draw at the WTA 500 Charleston Open. Urhobo reflected on her progress, saying, “They’re just like me… If I keep grinding, I can be there too.”
A Learning Journey
Jenkins emphasized the importance of building a robust baseline game to complement Urhobo’s net skills, as they continue to develop her style. Her tactical evolution traces back to her father’s influence, who admired famous serve-and-volley players. Despite initial success, Urhobo recognized the need to adapt her game as she transitioned out of juniors.
Future Prospects
As they fine-tune her game, Jenkins observed Urhobo’s gradual maturation as a player. While she initially struggled with patience at the net, she’s learning to balance aggressiveness with strategy. Jenkins believes in her potential, stating, “She’s very raw but just needs to clean things up. The sky’s the limit for her.”
