Long before his daughter Naomi won the US Open, Leonard Francois had a dream. He was born in Haiti, studied at New York University and then moved to Japan, joining thousands of… Continue reading
— There will never be another Roger Federer. But Stefanos Tsitisipas of Greece might be the closest thing to Federer among the younger generation of players. He has modeled his game and strokes… Continue reading
The Laver Cup feels like a wedding, bringing together extended families for the first time around the ceremonial union of a happy couple. There are… Continue reading
Fans have many reasons to love Roger Federer. Here are some of the more under-rated aspects of his game. 1–Feel. Hands. Federer’s rare ability to flick back balls deep allows him to hug… Continue reading
Here’s how Rafa Nadal trounced Stan Wawrinka to win “La Decima” — his record 10th French Open. –From start to finish, Rafa Nadal forced Wawrinka to defend on wings, giving him few chances… Continue reading
The King of clay has his mojo back. Rafa Nadal’s playing again with confidence and passion. While Roger Federer skips the clay season, and Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray remain in various phases… Continue reading
The Caja Magica in Madrid is renowned for its magic light on sunny days, especially on courts 2 and 3. The players also create a magic of their own. (images copyright Christopher Johnson)
Roger Federer is often compared with a ballerina. He’s graceful. He floats. His matches are a Master Class. Imagine playing him. You’d call him the Swiss Assassin, not the Swiss Maestro. … Continue reading
With Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer out with injuries, and Novak Djokovic slumping, Andy Murray owns the world right now, not only Milos Raonic. But he definitely has owned Raonic this year,… Continue reading
Before turning 21, Juan Martin del Potro beat Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer to win the 2009 US Open. If healthy, he might have expanded the Big Four into the Big Five,… Continue reading
by Christopher Johnson — After his epic win over Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semi-finals, many are asking the question which I asked earlier this year: is Milos Raonic the second coming of… Continue reading
(images copyright Christopher Johnson all rights reserved)
(all images copyright Christopher Johnson, all rights reserved)
Milos Raonic’s serves put Alex Dolgopolov and Jo Tsonga on their heels swatting at the ball in Madrid. But Novak Djokovic somehow managed to step in… Continue reading
Novak Djokovic won clay courts events in Monte Carlo and Rome last year, but has never won the French Open where Rafa Nadal — and Stan Wawrinka last year — have stood… Continue reading
By Christopher Johnson — Novak Djokovic seemingly has all the tools for a future career in entertainment. He’s funny, witty, animated, flexible and malleable. He has the balance and body control of a… Continue reading
— by Christopher Johnson — I can’t understand why some folks don’t love or cherish Serena Williams. She’s truly inspiring. She transcends age, gender and race. She’s the greatest tennis player of all… Continue reading
(images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved)
(images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved)
(all images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media, all rights reserved)
(images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved)
In the Persian Gulf area to photograph the Dubai Duty Free tennis tournament, I somehow got invited to the players party outside the hotel adjacent to the stadium. Guests and organizers were flocking… Continue reading
Milos Raonic has become cool to photograph. He looks fantastic in the golden sun and powdery red clay of the Mutua Madrid Open. His serve is powerful but also sublime. His technique seems… Continue reading
all images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved
—- by Chris Beck, special to GrandSlam Magazine —— The debate over the women’s final at Arthur Ashe stadium, where Serena Williams clashed with umpire Carlos Ramos, has spilled from the sports pages… Continue reading
— At age 37, Roger Federer looked tired, lacking spring in his legs. He was missing his spots on serve, shanking returns into the net, and even flubbing easy volleys. When this… Continue reading
Novak Djokovic, beating Roger Federer in Cincinnati, became the first player ever to win all nine Masters 1000 titles as well as all four slams. He worked on his serve on center… Continue reading
Kiki Bertens came from behind to beat a tired Simona Halep to win the Western and Southern Open near Mason, Ohio. (all images copyright Christopher Johnson Globalite Media all rights reserved)
After losing in Madrid, this time Milos Raonic won the “Battle of Canada” on a rainy, windy Thursday in Mason, Ohio. Milos was more solid, and his experienced helped him deal better with… Continue reading
— Imagine playing Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros in the peak summer heat of August instead of the cool days of spring. Sound outrageous? It is. But that’s what tennis players and fans… Continue reading
— 1—He didn’t face defending champion Roger Federer. If Federer had converted his match point in the third set against Kevin Anderson, he would have been fresh enough to possibly beat Isner in… Continue reading
Angelique Kerber has long been known for her defense. But the counter-puncher can really punch, even while squatting close to the grass. She out-hit Serena Williams to win the Wimbledon final 6-3,… Continue reading
— It started with a double fault. Six hours and 36 minutes later, Kevin Anderson hit a 130 mph ace, and a few serves later finally beat John Isner 7-6, 6-7, 6-7, 6-4,… Continue reading
Why equality is good for all
Tennis has a special place in male-female relations. More than other sports, men and women play side-by-side, inspiring fans and kids across genders. My elementary school buddies and I didn’t only emulate… Continue reading →