John Patrick Fletcher
Sports Photography

Each of the four Grand Slams possesses its own distinctive character and atmosphere, creating a rich tapestry that defines the global tennis calendar. The US Open bursts with star-spangled spectacle and electric energy, set against the iconic skyline and relentless buzz of New York City. It’s bold, loud, and unapologetically American — a celebration of sport and showmanship. At Roland Garros, there’s a refined elegance wrapped in Parisian glamour. The French Open captivates with its clay-court drama, artistic flair, and a stylish reverence that only the City of Light can deliver. It’s tennis served with passion and a touch of romance. The Australian Open greets the new season with a dose of sunny optimism. It radiates laid-back Aussie spirit, drenched in the sweltering heat of a Melbourne summer. It’s a festival of tennis where sport, culture, and good vibes collide in perfect harmony.

And then… there’s Wimbledon.

The crown jewel of the Grand Slams. Timeless, revered, and unmatched in its grace. Held at the historic All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon is more than just a tournament — it is a living embodiment of tradition. From the pristine grass courts to the all-white dress code, every detail speaks of a legacy upheld with pride and precision. When Wimbledon is on, it commands the sporting world’s full attention. Everything else simply fades into the background. Of all the majors, Wimbledon is the one players grow up dreaming of winning. And that’s not just my perspective as a seasoned photographer who has had the privilege of documenting it — ask any player, any spectator, any lifelong tennis fan. There’s a magic to Wimbledon that goes beyond the strawberries and cream, the Royal Box, or the pageantry. It’s about something deeper — heritage, history, and honour. It is where legends are made, stories are etched into grass, and tennis feels most like poetry.

Wimbledon isn’t just a tournament. It’s a tradition. A pilgrimage. A privilege.

The responsibility to photograph the Wimbledon Championships

Wimbledon is not just another stop on the tennis calendar; it is the beating heart of the sport, a place where history is made and tradition is meticulously preserved. Each summer, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club transforms into a global stage, where the world’s finest players compete on meticulously groomed grass courts, surrounded by the elegance and formality that only Wimbledon can offer. To be tasked with documenting this spectacle is to become part of its story—and that carries weight.

What makes Wimbledon so special isn't just its prestige, but the deep sense of heritage, grace, and national pride it evokes. It is a symbol of British summertime at its best—where strawberries and cream, royal appearances, and immaculate white tennis attire are all part of the experience. The Championships cast a spell not only over the tennis world, but across the nation, uniting fans in living rooms, pubs, and parks throughout the UK. And as a photographer, I feel an immense duty to capture that magic—not just the match-winning moments, but the atmosphere, the people, and the fleeting, unscripted slices of emotion that make Wimbledon so timeless. Photographing Wimbledon is a privilege, yes, but it’s also a test of stamina, precision, and emotional presence. It demands early starts, long hours, and total commitment. There is no room for complacency when every frame could become part of tennis history. From the serene silence before a Centre Court serve to the electric roar after a five-set comeback, I aim to document every detail that contributes to the magic of this place.

To photograph Wimbledon is to safeguard its legacy. My camera isn’t just a tool—it’s a witness. And my role is to ensure that fleeting moments of greatness, passion, and human connection are preserved with the dignity they deserve. This is not just sports photography. It’s storytelling. It’s heritage. It’s history in motion.

What It Takes to Photograph The Wimbledon Championships

Photographing The Wimbledon Championships is one of the most demanding and rewarding assignments on the sporting calendar. As an accredited photographer, my preparation begins well before the tournament starts. In the weeks leading up to Wimbledon, I review my work from previous years—identifying moments I could have captured better and opportunities I may have missed. I also draw inspiration from some of the greats in the field, such as Michael Cole and the exceptional team of official photographers from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). This research and reflection are essential to giving myself the strongest possible start.

My coverage spans the entire sixteen-day schedule: two pre-tournament days followed by the full fortnight of competition. Those initial days are crucial, as I focus on photographing top-seeded players during their practice sessions on the Aorangi courts. From Monday onwards, the gates open, and the Championships begin in earnest. Hundreds of thousands of spectators from around the globe descend on SW19—packing the stands, browsing the iconic Wimbledon shops, and enjoying the quintessential strawberries and cream. For me, Wimbledon truly comes alive not only through the elite athletes on the grass courts, but through the sheer energy and passion of its spectators. Their presence is an integral part of the story.

Covering a major tournament for sixteen consecutive days is as much a mental and physical challenge as it is a creative one. It requires meticulous planning, sustained focus, and a deep well of resilience. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to accept that I simply cannot be everywhere at once. Trying to photograph every match on every court is not realistic—nor necessary. Instead, organisation is everything. Each evening, I review the order of play and plan my schedule for the following day: which matches to prioritise, which courts to cover, and where I can make the greatest visual impact.

Discipline and timing are critical. Once the tournament begins, there is no room for hesitation. Having a clear structure enables me to stay focused, adapt to changes, and ensure I’m consistently in the right place at the right time. Ultimately, photographing Wimbledon is about more than just skill with a camera—it’s about storytelling, endurance, and capturing the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic sporting events.

What is a typical day for me like at The Championships

My day begins early. At 6:00am the alarm rings, and by 7:00am I’m out the door, beginning the morning commute to SW19. I take the Elizabeth Line before transferring to the District Line, heading towards Southfields station—undoubtedly the busiest Tube stop outside Central London during these two remarkable weeks in July. As I walk through the gates of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, I pass the ever-dedicated horticulture and ground staff putting the final touches on the outside courts, ensuring everything is immaculate before the gates open to the public at 10:00am.

My first stop is the Photographers' Work Room, where I set up at my assigned desk. A coffee from the media café provides a much-needed boost as I charge batteries, review the day’s match schedule, and mentally prepare for the coverage ahead. Gradually, the room fills with fellow accredited photographers, each of us readying ourselves for another intense day of world-class tennis. At 9:30am, the shutters open at Canon Professional Services (CPS), drawing a predictable queue. Their expert technicians provide outstanding on-site support and lend specialist gear—an opportunity I never miss at The Championships.

By 10:00am, the iconic announcement echoes around the grounds: the gates are now open. I head to the entrance to photograph the eager crowds—fans of all ages and nationalities, many attending for the first time, others returning for their twentieth. It’s in these moments that the Championships truly come to life. From 11:00am, I begin photographing the first of several matches on the outer courts. The day intensifies from 1:00pm with matches on No.1 Court and, from 1:30pm, the headline fixtures on Centre Court. Navigating between courts—often under sweltering conditions—I capture key moments, pivotal rallies, and player emotions before returning to the photographers’ room to edit and transmit images. These are sent live to my agency, Action Plus Sports Images, who distribute them globally to international media outlets.

My final assignment of the day usually concludes with the marquee match on Centre Court. As the umpire declares the final “Game, Set, and Match,” I send off the last set of images, pack up my gear, and exit through the same gates I entered some 12 hours earlier. I rejoin the crowd heading back to Southfields station—and prepare to do it all again tomorrow.

The last shot to win it all

In all the years I’ve covered The Championships at Wimbledon, the second weekend—finals weekend—always feels like the closing leg of a gruelling 16-day marathon. As a photographer, I often liken it to being the anchor leg in a relay race: taking the baton with everything that’s left and pushing through to the finish with purpose and precision. Securing a coveted courtside or gantry photo position for the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Singles Finals is never guaranteed. With a limited number of spots available and hundreds of accredited applicants from around the world, being selected by the AELTC is a privilege earned and never assumed. When the confirmation comes through, it brings a deep sense of relief—but also a renewed responsibility.This isn’t just another assignment. It’s the moment where history is captured—where new champions lift the iconic Wimbledon trophies before a global audience. And now that I’ve been entrusted with this rare opportunity, the pressure is not just to be present, but to deliver images that live up to the prestige of the moment. There is no room for fatigue, complacency, or anything less than excellence.When that finalist lines up for the final point, the entire stadium holding its breath, I know I too have one last shot—to capture the image that defines the tournament. The image that tells the story. Because when they play the shot to win it all, I must be ready to take mine.

Final Sip and Farewell to the Wimbledon Bubble

There’s a peculiar feeling that sets in the moment I send off my final image to the agency— just after the Gentlemen’s Singles Trophy lift. Inside the buzz and chatter of the Photographers’ Workroom, there’s a quiet realisation: that’s it—it’s really over. I pause for a moment, staring at my cluttered desk, now a chaotic symbol of the past two magical weeks immersed in the unique world that is Wimbledon. It’s a world unlike any other. And before I begin the process of packing up, the Photographer Manager of the AELTC Bob Martin offers one final gesture to all the photographers in the room—a small glass of champagne in appreciation of our work. Around me, photographers from across the globe are doing the same: exchanging goodbyes with familiar lines like, “Take care mate, safe flight home—see you next year.” I clear out my locker, load my bag with gear that somehow feels heavier now, and return my well-worn photographer’s vest—faded and frayed from two intense weeks of action. And then, for the final time, I walk through the gates of the All England Club and step out of the Wimbledon bubble. It’s strange—working at Wimbledon, in any capacity, becomes all-consuming. For a fortnight (or more), you live and breathe tennis. The outside world fades into the background. And then, just like that, it ends. Walking away from those gates feels like stepping back into reality. And then comes Monday, 14th November 2025. The alarm rings at 6:00am. I bolt upright in bed, disoriented for a second and wonder—was it all just a dream?