PARIS—Since making his debut at Roland Garros in 2005, Rafael Nadal has played 116 matches. On 112 occasions, the Mallorcan has come through on the winning end.
Countless fist-pumps, leg-kicks, forehands, match-point celebrations, jubilant falls to the ground, triumphant arm-raises, tears of joy and trophy bites have long been preserved by the running shutters of photographers capturing his every emotion.
For the best in the business, Rafa, red clay and Roland Garros is unlike any combination of elements to work with when telling a story from behind the lens.
“When he wins on another surface, it's not the same. The pictures don't have the same punch,” believes Susan Mullane. “Shooting him here, it's the shadows. It's his whole game. He gives you everything and makes it worth your time.”