DreShaun Jarmon Defeats Nadal, Federer, Clijsters at US Open Kids’ Day

DreShaun Jarmon, a 15-year-old South Philadelphia boy who represented Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, pulled off an amazing and unpredictable feat on Saturday, August 28, 2010 at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, NY, when he defeated world tennis stars Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Kim Clijsters and US Open Wheelchair Champion Esther Vergeer in a target hitting competition.

Competing in front of 25,000 screaming fans on center court at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, the Central High School sophomore hit 19 targets (nine forehands in the 30-second round, followed by 10 backhands), better than any of the noted professionals. He was awarded $15,000 ($1,000 for every target up to 15), which will go to Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education for its programs for thousands of Philadelphia area young people.

DreShaun, who began at Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education when he was five years old, practiced for several weeks at the organization’s Center in East Falls on homemade targets created by the organization’s building engineer, Al White of West Philadelphia.

Kenny Holdsman, president of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, who attended Kids Day with 40 boys and girls from AAYTE, said DreShaun’s incredible accomplishment shows that perseverance, determination and commitment do pay off.  DreShaun, like so many of the young people who participate in our programs, are learning the importance of hard work and the value of preparation to achieve success academically, athletically, and as active, responsible citizens.  In a city and country in which 28 percent of young black men do not graduate high school, our organization is determined to create opportunities for success for young people, especially those without abundant resources, to achieve their fullest potential.  DreShaun’s accomplishments will become a motivating force for not only himself, but for the thousands of young people in our programming.”

 “DreShaun Jarmon’s accomplishment would be like a Philadelphia teenager defeating LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in a three-point shooting contest at Madison Square Garden before a packed house,  Roger and Rafa are the two biggest names in tennis, and DreShaun spent quality time with them on and off court.  How’s that for a once in lifetime experience,” Holdsman said.