——- Novak Djokovic, the undisputed king of the Australian Open, is one step closer to becoming the most successful player in tennis history. Dehydrated, sluggish and down two sets to one, Djokovic still… 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)
(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
How did Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer, 7-6 (5), 1-6, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 13-12 (3) in the Wimbledon 2019 final despite Roger winning 14 more points, hitting 40 more winners and 15 more… Continue reading
… Simona Halep has probably been the best player on tour the past five years, other than Serena Williams. The WTA has hyped other players such as Genie Bouchard, Naomi Osaka and… Continue reading
… –Naomi Francois Osaka, an American representing Japan, is one of the most hyped women on the tennis tour since the dawn of Venus and Serena Williams. Osaka, only 21, has already earned… Continue reading
— High expectations, low results. Canada earlier this year was a “rising superpower”, according to the Guardian and others. Bianca Andreescu won Indian Wells. Teen phenoms Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime went deep… Continue reading
— Wang Qiang, looking good in a white Stella McCartney and Adidas hoodie, is speaking in English with more confidence these days. She came into Wimbledon ranked 15 in the world, and she… Continue reading
—- Hsieh Su-wei, ranked number 29 at age 33, is becoming a player nobody wants to play, especially on grass. In the first two rounds of Wimbledon, she used slice from both sides,… Continue reading
After losing his first round match at Wimbledon, rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas said that he, slumping WTA star Naomi Osaka and other young players can’t blame their losses on age. “I don’t think… Continue reading
After bowing out of Wimbledon in the first round, a distraught Naomi Osaka struggled to find words. Asked why Yulia Putintseva has beaten her twice in successive tournaments, she simply said “she mixes… Continue reading
—- Roger Federer has now won Halle ten times. It has become his private practice event leading up to Wimbledon, where he was on 8 times. Roger has also won Dubai 8 times,… Continue reading
The Thiem Dream is becoming reality, especially on clay. He has beaten Nadal four times, including Barcelona final 2019. In 2017 he beat Andy Murray in Barcelona, lost to Rafa Nadal in… 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 →