When David Quayle’s phone rang while he was visiting his parents in Wigan, he had no idea he was about to become part of one of tennis’ most closely guarded secrets.
The 26-year-old was invited to fly to Florida and help prepare Serena Williams for a return to professional tennis. The opportunity thrilled Quayle, but it came with a challenge — he had to keep the news completely under wraps.
“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. Apart from my family, nobody knew where I was going. It was quite exciting to be in on this little secret because you knew it would be huge news when people found out.”
Quayle has established himself as a respected hitting partner on the professional circuit since his playing days on the Futures Tour. Last year, he trained with stars such as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz during Wimbledon.
However, the chance to work with Serena Williams was something entirely different.
Florida Training Block
Quayle spent just over a week practising with the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion at one of her Florida properties. He stayed nearby with Jarmere Jenkins, Serena’s former hitting partner, who is now part of her coaching team alongside Grand Slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs.
The connection between Quayle and Williams dates back to 2018. As a teenager, he spent nearly a month training with her at the Mouratoglou Academy in France before the French Open, where Serena made her Grand Slam return after maternity leave.
When Jenkins first contacted Quayle about the Florida trip, the Briton mentioned their previous meetings. Jenkins asked him to send old photographs from those training sessions and promised to show them to Williams.
Quayle believes Serena remembered him “a little bit”.
The sessions in Florida proved successful and Quayle was soon asked to continue working with Williams as she prepared for her comeback tournament at Queen’s Club.
Working Alongside a Legend
This week, Quayle has been part of Serena’s support team in London and will sit in her player box as she teams up with Victoria Mboko in the doubles competition.
The recent wet weather has limited outdoor practice opportunities, prompting Quayle to help arrange indoor training sessions at venues including the Hurlingham Club and the National Tennis Centre.
“The practices we have been having have been pretty special,” he said.
“She’s not lost it. She’s still operating at a very high level. She is just the ultimate professional.”
For Quayle, watching Williams work at close quarters has only strengthened his admiration for the American star.
“For me, she’s the greatest of all time and you see that in the way she does things on the court.
“It’s incredible to be part of and witness. Never mind learning from her and seeing her as a friend and an opponent.”
Adjusting to Serena’s Aura
Despite his experience working with some of the biggest names in tennis, Quayle admitted he felt nervous during his first few practice sessions with Williams.
“It’s a funny thing to see someone whose serve you’ve watched on television for so many years and then all of a sudden that serve is coming at you,” he explained.
“You’re fighting between admiring some of the shots and actually playing them.
“She’s got that kind of aura and it’s hard sometimes not to feel a little bit nervous.”
As the days passed, Quayle became more comfortable on the court and gained a greater appreciation for the standards that have helped Williams become one of the most successful athletes in tennis history.
He also praised the atmosphere around her team and the willingness of everyone involved to exchange ideas during training sessions.
“She’s got a lot going on off the court, so we don’t spend loads of time together away from tennis, but when we’re together she’s so nice,” Quayle said.
“She’s welcoming and we’re always joking around. Everyone in the team makes it a great environment.”
More Tournaments Ahead
Quayle’s involvement with Williams may continue beyond Queen’s.
He has already been asked to travel to Berlin next week, where Serena is expected to play the second event of her comeback.
Whether Wimbledon forms part of her plans remains uncertain, but Quayle is now relieved that he no longer has to keep the secret.
“I feel like I can breathe and relax a little now the secret is out there,” he said.
For weeks, Quayle quietly played a role behind the scenes in one of tennis’ biggest comeback stories. Now, with Serena Williams back on court, the secret is finally out.
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