How Serena’s British hitting partner kept comeback secret
How Serena's British hitting partner kept comeback secret
How Serena s British hitting partner - David Quayle, a 26-year-old from Wigan, was tasked with a unique mission when he received a call in May. The request was to travel to Florida and assist Serena Williams in her preparations for a professional tennis return. Though initially excited, Quayle quickly understood the need to maintain secrecy around the project. His involvement was pivotal, yet few outside his family knew of his destination until the moment was revealed.
From Futures Tour to Wimbledon
Quayle, who previously competed on the Futures Tour, has since built a reputation as a reliable hitting partner. Last year, he shared the court with top players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz during Wimbledon. However, this time, his role was even more discreet. He trained with Williams for just over a week on a hard court at one of her Florida facilities, working closely with Jarmere Jenkins and Grand Slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs.
When Jenkins first invited Quayle to Florida, he mentioned meeting Williams in her early career. In reality, Quayle had trained with her at the Mouratoglou Academy in France months prior, ahead of her 2018 French Open return after maternity leave. "Send me the photos," Jenkins had asked, confident Williams would recall the sessions. Quayle believed she did, albeit faintly.
A Secret Shared with Few
“There was this excitement that she was going to play Queen’s, but no-one knew yet,” Quayle told BBC Sport. “I didn’t tell anyone, except my family, where I was going.”
The secrecy was intense, with Quayle’s movements carefully concealed. His time in Florida was marked by high stakes and personal pride. The sessions proved successful, leading to his hiring for Williams’ Queen’s Club doubles appearance—a moment still undisclosed to the wider tennis community.
Now, Quayle’s role has evolved. He will be in the support box as Williams teams up with Victoria Mboko in the first round of the doubles. This week’s event is a milestone, though the training phase remains a closely guarded chapter. The Briton also assists in arranging indoor practice opportunities in London, where wet weather has limited grass court sessions. “The practices we’ve had have been pretty special,” he said, reflecting on the experience.
Learning from a Champion
Quayle, aspiring to move into coaching, has been encouraged to share insights during training. He praised the positive atmosphere around Williams, noting her team’s camaraderie. “She’s so welcoming,” he added. “We’re always cracking jokes, and we’ve got a similar sense of humour.”
“For me, she’s the greatest of all time, and you see that in the way she does things on the court,” Quayle continued. “It’s incredible to just be a part of and witness—never mind to actually be learning from her.”
Despite his experience, Quayle admitted initial nerves. “It’s funny to see someone you’ve watched serve on TV for years come at you with that same power,” he explained. “You’re torn between admiration and competition. She’s got that kind of aura.”
As Williams gears up for her next tournament in Berlin, Quayle will accompany her again. He no longer needs to mask his whereabouts, and the secret is finally out. “I feel like I can breathe and relax a little now,” he said, smiling at the shift from uncertainty to confidence.