The Western Southern Open, part of the US Open tennis series, takes place during the month of August in Mason, Ohio. Mason is just north of Cincinnati. Play starts on the first Saturday of the tournament. However, for the photographer, Friday is when some of the athletes arrive to practice and pictures need to be taken. I was lucky enough to be one of the tournament photographers and I wanted to share some of my images.
Rafael Nadal practicing
Serena Williams warms up before going on the court
Serena Williams, probably the greatest of all time female tennis player, hits a few balls during practice.
Both the first Saturday and Sunday of the tournament are qualifying matches. These can be fun to photograph because lesser-known athletes are trying to play their way into the tournament. Athletes I’ve probably never photographed before. Watching their play (it helps to be a tennis fan) and learning their mannerisms has always been appealing to me.
Tereza Martincova wins her way into the Western Southern Open.
The grounds at the Western Southern Open is always busy with tennis fans that might not be currently watching a match. Games for kids, shopping, player autograph sessions, plenty of food and drinks are just a few of the activities that are offered. Tennis fans are an important part of the tournament and tennis organizers realize it. Just as many images are captured of the fans as are taken of the athletes.
Even though the grounds are busy with activity, the open is a tennis tournament after all, so most of my time is spent photographing tennis.
Catharine McNally returning a serve
John Isner winning his first round
Serena Williams probably played her last match at the Western Southern Open. Shortly before the tournament Serena announced she will be retiring at the end of the US Open. Needless to say, her play at the Western Southern Open was watched by millions of tennis fans. Center court was full of both fans and media. I’ve had the privilege of covering Serena for the last 6 years. It was sad taking pictures of her this year knowing I may never get the opportunity to photograph her play again.
Local favorite J J Wolf serving
Sloane Stephens on center court
Frances Tiafoe playing under the lights on center court
Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrates a winning match
The first several days of the tournament are packed full of tennis because all 11 courts have matches going all day and night. Once the pictures are taken, a brisk walk back to the download room is required so the tournament’s media and marketing department can use the images.