Christopher Eubanks (#62) also appeared on the podcast, as did coaches and family members of rising stars, including Michael Parks, father of 23-year-old Alicia Parks, ranked #121.
In that respect, Black Spin Global has provided a much-needed forum for listeners and those working in the sport.
“Tennis is a traditionally white sport, and I don’t think we see a lot of people who look like us competing, and there are even fewer reporters covering the sport at tournaments,” said Jamair Jenkins, a retired tennis pro who has coached Serena Williams, Gauff and Ons Javert. He has appeared on the podcast several times.
“I wish they were there when Serena and Venus came out,” Jenkins said, referring to the often hostile reaction to their rise. “I can’t help but think what it would have been like if they had advocates like Black Spin Global on their side.”
Toumaini Karayol, who covers tennis for The Guardian, also made recurring appearances on the show.
“It’s been particularly impressive to see the connections they’ve made with players and their teams in such a short period of time,” Carayol said. “It’s clear that a lot of players and others within the sport really value having a platform to shine a light on the journeys of Black athletes,” he added.
“Everyone wants to feel loved, and they do it well,” Tiafoe added.
Allen and Tezangi have been given more opportunities to cover live matches at the most sacred venues in the sport. The UK Lawn Tennis Association has granted Black Spin Global the right to cover three lower-level tournaments on-site, and the pair are reporting from Wimbledon for the second year in a row. They plan to cover the US Open in New York when the tournament begins in August.
Jenkins sees a bright future. “I think it’s really great that there’s this platform for us, by us,” he said. “And that black boys and girls can go on social media and follow their favorite athletes.”
