"Flawless shot: The story behind the iconic US Open tennis photo"

Unique Tennis Photo Captures Unforgettable Moment at US Open

Among the countless photographers capturing the action at this year’s US Open, one image has risen above the rest at the New York tennis major.

A minor loss of balance by seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini and a steady hand from photographer Ray Giubilo resulted in a rare and unforgettable shot at Flushing Meadows this week.

Paolini called it "maybe the picture of the year," but the humorous image taken during her first-round match against Australia’s Destanee Aiava could be considered even more exceptional.

Tennis photography is typically known for its precision and intensity rather than humor. Most shots are crisp and dramatic, but few are genuinely funny. Had the moment occurred a fraction of a second earlier or later, the comedic effect of Giubilo’s image would have been lost.

Equal parts startling and brilliant, the photo was a complete stroke of luck. Giubilo told *CuriosityNews* he had “been waiting a long time for something like this” and immediately recognized the quality of the shot when he reviewed it on his Nikon Z9.

The perfect alignment was only possible because Paolini was momentarily off-balance after her forehand. “She pulled the racket back in a way she normally doesn’t,” Giubilo explained. Despite trying to recreate the shot the following night, it proved impossible to replicate.

Paolini was so fond of the image that she sought out Giubilo during her next match to praise his work.

“Tonight after her win, I was sitting near her player’s box and saw her run over, smiling as usual,” Giubilo recalled. “I assumed she was going to her coach, but instead, she came to me, gave me a high-five, and said, ‘Great photo.’”

Before turning professional, Giubilo worked for a tennis apparel company in Australia. Photography was always his passion, and with support from figures like John Newcombe and John Alexander, he transitioned to covering local matches. Now, 37 years later, he spends seven months annually traveling the tennis circuit, shooting up to 20 matches a day during demanding 14-hour sessions.

Exceptional sports photography requires patience, creativity, and technical skill—staying focused through match after match while anticipating every critical shot. “You have to be patient, you have to be fast, you have to be fit,” Giubilo said.