An image of Japanese wheelchair tennis star Tokito Oda celebrating his first Paralympic gold medal has been named the 2024 ITF Tennis Photograph of the Year.
18-year-old Oda clinched the men’s singles title at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis event in August by beating Great Britain’s Alfie Hewett in a thrilling three-set match in front of a capacity crowd at Roland Garros.
In celebrating his victory, Oda removed the wheels from his chair and lay in tears on the court – a moment captured by this year’s winning photographer, Frank Molter (Germany) who claims the top prize of $3,000 USD.
In second place was amateur French photographer Agathe Monier’s image of Rafael Nadal leaving Court Philippe Chatrier during his final Grand Slam appearance at Roland Garros. Agathe Monier wins $1,000 USD.
The third-place image was taken by Fiona Hamilton (Australia) who wins $500 USD. It shows a smiling young child crawling under a net at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival held in Darwin, Australia in August.
The winners and top 10 shortlist were agreed by the judging panel of ITF President David Haggerty, two-time Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza and tennis photographer Paul Zimmer.
Other shortlisted images depict a range of tennis activity from across the world, from Christopher Bulus’s euphoric celebrations after leading Nigeria to victory over Zimbabwe in Davis Cup Africa Group III in July, to Novak Djokovic celebrating his Olympic men’s singles gold medal with his family.
David Haggerty said: “As well as congratulating our winners and those shortlisted, I would like to thank every photographer – amateur and professional – who entered the competition.
We received hundreds of entries from a total of 47 countries this year. As the global guardians of the game, our role is to nurture tennis’ development and sustainability from grassroots to the top of the sport, so to see the volume and variety of entries we received was very pleasing.”
Garbiñe Muguruza said: “I was really impressed by the quality of photos that were submitted and it was very difficult to choose the shortlist. The winning image of Tokito Oda represents the effort, dedication and commitment of tennis players across the world.
It is a truly touching image and a worthy winner. The photo of Rafa, in such a special year, was essential and the third place image of the smiling child was the perfect reflection of all things positive in our sport. Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s competition.”
Frank Molter said: “It feels unreal. I never thought I would have a chance to win. I thought Oda might fall on his back if he won, but the fact that he dismantled his wheelchair blew my mind.
What wows me the most the fact that a photo of a wheelchair tennis player has taken the crown. This is also a huge recognition for athletes with disabilities who invest so much in their sport and I hope my photo can increase the attention on the sport.”
First Prize
Tokito Oda celebrates winning men’s singles gold for the first time at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event in August.
Photographer: Frank Molter (Germany)
Second Prize
Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd as he leaves Court Phillipe Chatrier during his final Grand Slam appearance at Roland Garros in June.
Photographer: Agathe Monier (France)
Third Prize
A young child crawls under a net at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival held in Darwin, Australia in August.
Photographer: Fiona Hamilton (Australia)
Shortlisted
Christopher Bulus celebrates after sealing Nigeria’s victory over Zimbabwe in Davis Cup Africa Group III in July, at the National Tennis Centre in Abuja, Nigeria.
Photographer: Bernard Bortey (Ghana)
Shortlisted
Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal celebrate winning a point together during the Paris 2024 Olympic Tennis Event.
Photographer: José Luis Pérez (Spain)
Shortlisted
Jasmine Paolini throws her racket in celebration after Italy win the 2024 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Finals.
Photographer: Angel Martinez (Spain)
Shortlisted
Iga Swiatek falls to her knees in celebration after winning the 2024 Roland Garros women’s singles title in June.
Photographer: Jean-Charles Caslot (France)
Shortlisted
Luoyao Guo from China in action during her women’s singles quarter-final match against Diede De Groot on day six of the 2024 Paris Paralympic Wheelchair Tennis Event.
Photographer: David Ramos Vidal (Spain)
Shortlisted
Novak Djokovic hugs his daughter in his player box after securing the men’s singles gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Tennis Event.
Photographer: Manuel Fernandez Vidal (Spain)
Shortlisted
Carlos Alcaraz hits a backhand return of serve at Roland Garros, in an image captured in dramatic lighting.
Photographer: Nicolas Gouhier (France)