World No.1 Naomi Osaka has confirmed the appointment of Jermaine Jenkins as her new head coach.
The two-time grand slam champion made the announcement on social media yesterday. In a Tweet Osaka uploaded a photo of her team with the caption ‘taking this moment to thank Jermaine for joining us and coming on board.’ The post didn’t state what position Jenkins has been given, but the WTA has confirmed that he will become her head coach.
https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_/status/1100951649953202183
Earlier this month Osaka separated with coach Sascha Bajin after more than a year together. Under Bajin’s guidance, the Japanese player claimed two grand slam titles and rose to No.1 in the world. Becoming the first Asian player in the history of tennis to top the rankings. In 2018 Bajin became the first recipient of the brand new WTA Coach of the Year Award.
“Everyone thinks it was a money-related issue, but it wasn’t,” Osaka told WTA Insider about the split during the Dubai Tennis Championships. “That’s one of the most hurtful things I’ve ever heard.
“I travel with everyone on my team, I see them more than my family. I would never do that to them.
“My reason is I wouldn’t put success over my happiness – that’s my main thing. I’m not going to sacrifice that just to keep a person around.”
34-year-old Jenkins was recently appointed as a national coach for women’s tennis by the USTA Player Development. He has previously worked as a hitting partner for Venus Williams. As a coach, he mentored American players Gonzales Austin and younger brother Jarmere Jenkins. Jarmere is currently a hitting partner for Serena Williams.
Following the new addition to her team, Osaka is hoping to make up for her disappointing loss in Dubai. Where she was knocked out in the first round to Kristina Mladenovic. Following the match, the 21-year-old said she was struggling to adjust to the surge in media attention she is receiving.
“I don’t think I necessarily understand what position I’m in, in a way, because last year I wasn’t even anywhere close to this ranking. People didn’t pay attention to me. That’s something that I’m comfortable with,” she recently admitted.
“I don’t know why I’m crying. Yeah. I don’t know why this is happening.”
“I don’t really like attention. It’s been a little tough.”
Osaka will return to action next month at the BNP Paribas Open where she will be bidding to defend her title.
