Christopher Eubanks (No. 62) was also a guest on the podcast, as were coaches and family members of rising talents, including Michael Parks, the father of 23-year-old Alycia Parks, who is ranked No. 121.
In that regard, Black Spin Global has provided an indispensable forum for listeners and those working within the sport.
“Tennis is traditionally a predominantly white sport, and you don’t see a lot of people who look like us playing, and I think there are even fewer journalists covering the sport at the tournaments,” said Jarmere Jenkins, a coach and retired tennis pro who has worked with Serena Williams, Gauff and Ons Jabeur. He has appeared on the podcast several times.
“I wish they had been there when Serena and Venus came on the scene,” Jenkins said, noting the often hostile reactions to their rise. “I can’t help but think what it would have been like to have an advocate like Black Spin Global in their corner.”
Tumaini Carayol, who writes about tennis for The Guardian, was also a regular guest on the show.
“It’s been really impressive to see the connections they’ve made with the players and their teams in such a short period of time,” Carayol said, adding: “It’s clear that a lot of players and people in the sport really value having a platform that shines a light on the journeys of Black players.”
Tiafoe added: “Everyone wants to feel love and stuff, and they do it really well.”
Allen and Tezangi have been given more opportunities to cover matches live from the sport’s most hallowed locations. The British Lawn Tennis Association has accredited Black Spin Global to cover three lower-level tournaments locally, and the pair will be reporting from Wimbledon for the second year in a row. They plan to cover the US Open from New York when the tournament begins in August.
Jenkins sees a bright future ahead. “I think it’s great that we have this platform for us, because of us,” he said, “and that little black boys and girls have a social media presence where they can go and keep up with their favorite players.”
