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athletes Athletics photography sport tennis

An Enigma Inspired: Nick Kyrgios.

A talent of otherworldly proportions, Nick Kyrgios has thusfar in his career been held in check only by his mentality, which is perhaps of an unfathomable nature. His apparently never-ending drama of the psyche notwithstanding, the Aussie’s awesome power coupled with exquisite touch, when clicking on all cylinders, is thrilling, and seems unbeatable. The Guardian has described his playing style as “powerfully flamboyant, sometimes ridiculously-brilliant game, which is something to behold.” And, as of the current moment, in the 2020 Australian Open, his oft-quirky {and sometimes downright bizarre} mindset seems focused and solid, more or less. What will the future hold for Mr. Kyrgios?

In 2017, the ATP rated Kygrios as the fifth best server in the history of professional tennis – with better results than players such as Roger Federer, Goran Ivanišević, and Pete Sampras. Ivanišević has said “[Kygrios] is a tennis genius. You can’t prepare for Nick Kygrios, he is the best server in the game by far. It’s impossible to create tactics [against him].”

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athletes Athletics photography Roger Federer sport tennis

Roger Federer: Legend.

Make no mistake: at age 38, Federer, the greatest shotmaker, and arguably the greatest period, in the annals of tennis history, remains very much a threat to capture the Australian Open 2020 title. His game is still impeccable, and his ceiling is still higher than that of any other living player.

Note: for more on this great man, see earlier post on this site here.

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athletes Athletics photography sport tennis

Prodigy: Coco Gauff.

Gauff, at the age of 15, is making waves in women’s tennis. She shows tremendous poise, court sense, competitive toughness, and confidence already. Plus, her backhand is otherworldly.

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athletes Athletics photography sport tennis

Already a Champion: Naomi Osaka.

The 22 year old Osaka is blessed with a wondrous all-court game, and no shortage of power. She covers the court extremely well, and is a fierce competitor, as she demonstrated during the 2018 US Open final, under difficult circumstances. Already a 2-time grand slam event champion, Naomi ought to be at or near the highest echelons of tennis for years to come.

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athletes Athletics photography sport tennis

A Stunning Talent: Denis Shapovalov.

The astonishing 20 year old has immense possibilities; called “a combination of Nadal and Federer” by former great Mats Wilander, Denis merely has to harness his skills to rise to the top of men’s tennis. He’s still a bit volatile/mercurial, as his early exit from the 2020 Australian Open illustrates. But his off-the-charts shotmaking abilities are something to behold.

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athletes Athletics photography sport tennis

On the Ascent: Aryna Sabalenka.

Aryna has at her disposal groundstrokes of remarkable power; her forehand, particularly, is a thing of beauty. A formidable shotmaker.

Addendum: On January 28, 2023, Sabalenka captured her first major championship, at the Australian Open. With her triumph at the 2025 US Open, she now has 4 Majors to her credit.

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athletes Athletics football photography sport

Great Tight Ends of our Era.

Currently the two finest tight ends in the game, George Kittle and Travis Kelce are truly twin powerhouses that fuel their respective teams.

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athletes Athletics football photography sport videos

Great Moments in Quarterbacking: Patrick Mahomes.

462 Yards passing rampage
2020 vs Raiders
2019 Playoffs vs Texans
2019 AFC Championship vs Titans
Super Bowl 54 {2019 season} vs 49ers
2021 Playoffs vs Buffalo
Super Bowl 58 vs. 49ers {2023 season}

The remarkable Patrick Mahomes seems to perform well-nigh impossible feats almost routinely. At age 24, he already is poised to become one of the all-time greats. As brilliant as he is on a consistent basis, he’s even better when it matters most. If it has to happen, it happens. A magician, a poet, a winner.

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athletes sport

Great Moments in Sport II.

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athletes Athletics Olympics sport sprinters Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt.

2009 WC 100m 9.58
2011 WC
2016 Olympics