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Being humble does not need to involve avoiding interactions with esteemed figures. Despite his humility, DreShaun Jarmon enjoys an occasional rendezvous with the cream of the tennis world’s crop. Two weeks ago, the 15-year-old Central High School sophomore doled out slices of humble pie, defeating three of the game’s best in a target-hitting competition at the Billie Jean National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y.
Jarmon’s exploit came during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, the official kickoff to the U.S. Open. The two-week tournament, which concludes with Sunday afternoon’s men’s final, is the last leg of tennis’ Grand Slam season. As the world’s most attended yearly sporting event, the “Open” unites passionate fans and dedicated pros looking for trophies and hefty paychecks.
Jarmon, whose interest in the game began a decade ago, ventured to the center with about 40 other children and administrators from the East Falls-based Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education facility where he plays exclusively. The resident of the 1500 block of South Colorado Street made his Aug. 28 experience a profitable one for his memory bank and AAYTE, as his efforts earned the site $15,000 from the United States Tennis Association.
To earn the money, he had to strike as many semi-metal targets as he could in two 30-second segments.
“I had to compete against other kids to qualify for the finals,” Jarmon, whose antics appeared on television the next day, said.
Once in the finals, he had his second clash this summer with the game’s upper crust. In July, he traded punishing groundstrokes with Venus Williams, the Women’s Tennis Association’s No. 4 ranked player, during her stop at AAYTE. At the USTA’s Arthur Ashe Stadium, which has hosted 14 of the 15 Kids’ Day events since opening in 1997, Jarmon encountered men’s greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the Association of Tennis Professionals’ top two ranked players, and Kim Clijsters, the No. 3 ranked female.
The lifelong South Philadelphia resident pulverized nine targets with his forehand in the first span and topped that number with 10 backhand hits in the second duration.
“My [two-handed] backhand is my greatest strength,” Jarmon, who had to wait for the pros to finish their strokes before surpassing their totals, proudly said.
He and his group arrived in New York Aug. 27, catching qualifying matches for the tournament that day. The buildup to the next day’s events enthused Jarmon.
“It was pretty cool to play there,” he said of the sprawling stadium, which seats about 24,000.
He admits to no nervousness about having competed against the lauded athletes.
“They were all considerate and kept me feeling at ease,” he said.
Their opponents likely wish they could feel as relaxed against them. Nadal, a 24-year-old Spaniard, has used his left-handed shot making abilities to win eight major titles. Federer, a 29-year-old Swiss legend, has won more majors than any other male, 16, including five U.S. Open trophies. Clijsters, a 27-year-old Belgian, who returned last year from a two-year retirement to start a family, has enjoyed two major triumphs, including victory at last year’s tournament.
Pedigrees aside, Jarmon proved more accurate in the competition.
“I practiced for a few weeks with my coach Lance Lee to be ready,” Jarmon, who plays varsity tennis for his Ogontz-based school, said.
He became serious about the game at age 7 or 8, finding encouragement from his mother, Valissa, who contacted AAYTE when her son first expressed interest in playing.
“I like the individual element of the game,” Jarmon, who periodically plays doubles, said.
He has completed in a couple tournaments and will be trying his luck in a New Jersey event beginning tomorrow.
“Tournaments have us in age groups, 14-year-olds and 16-year-olds, so I’ll have to play up,” Jarmon said.
He feels doing so will enable him to prepare for college tennis and to bolster any professional ambitions he will have.
A student of the game, Jarmon admires Venus and her No. 1 ranked younger sister Serena, using a racquet from the Wilson K-Blade line they endorse.
“I like them both, but I prefer Venus,” he said with a smile.
On the men’s side, his favorites are Federer and fourth-ranked Scot Andy Murray. When looking for tips, he will usually watch clips of Venus and Federer.
He describes meeting Nadal, Federer and Clijsters as “very fun.”
“They told me to have fun and enjoy what I am doing,” he said of the encounter.
With his summer vacation behind him, Jarmon, who cited biology as his favorite subject, is eager to see his friends again. The fall and winter will not signal a hibernation period for his groundstrokes, though.
“Our season starts in the spring, but I’ll play throughout the winter on [AAYTE’s] indoor courts,” he said.
Proving his Big Apple achievements were not flukes, Jarmon showed his skills at the center last week. Larry Rubin, who handles public relations for the center, has called the skilled teenager “a great ambassador” for the game.
“He has a smile that lights up a room,” Rubin said.
He also has a right arm whose accuracy could spell trouble for his foes.
“We’ll see what happens in New Jersey. I want to play more tournaments this year. I want to improve,” Jarmon said.
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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