— 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
—- First, he won the Battle of North York, beating his fellow Toronto suburbanite Milos Raonic. Then Denis Shapovalov overtook Raonic in the ATP ranking after storming back to beat longtime top ten… 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
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
— We knew Kevin Anderson could serve big. For four hours, he continued to hit his spots versus Roger Federer at more than 130 mph. His return game was the surprise, especially the… Continue reading
When Serena Williams gave birth to her daughter Olympia last year, many tennis fans hoped for a second coming of Serena. But Serena surprised journalists and fans at Wimbledon by saying she hopes… 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. His game is well-suited for grass. He… Continue reading
— Many people have forgotten about Milos Raonic. He’s often injured, they say. He can’t make it through a tournament without pulling out. But Milos, when asked if he believes he can win… Continue reading
Never mind Roger Federer’s struggles in Germany. He’s still the favorite to win Wimbledon. He was beaming after trouncing Dusan Lajovic in the opening match on the pristine green grass of center court,… Continue reading
–Raised on Croatian clay and hardcourts, Borna Coric, age 21, had only won 2 matches on grass before coming to Halle, Germany last week. It looks like he’s figured it out. He… Continue reading
— Even if he’s losing his cool on court, Roger Federer says he’s happy with his results at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany. He’s won it 9 times already, but he… Continue reading
—-For players on tour, it’s a short hop between clay and grass. On grass, it’s also all about playing short hops. Dominic Thiem, who likes positioning himself deep on clay, would have to… 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 →