J O H N R U S S O
We caught up with top Celebrity Photographer John Russo to get his thoughts on what it was like photographing
the top 8 Elite tennis players in the world for VOGUE magazine at the Nitto ATP finals in Torino, Italy.
Interview} Hudson Graham
Photograph of John Russo} Ken Waller
Photograph of Players} John Russo for VOGUE & ATP
Grooming} Michaela Limur
Styling} Cristina Cimino
Backdrop} Gravity Backdrops.
HG: As a huge tennis fan, this must have been even more exciting for you.
JR: Hell yeah! It is definitely the highlight of the year for me. I love working with the ATP and photographing players.
HG: Did you come up with the conceptual on this shoot?
JR: Don’t I always. (laughs) It was a collaboration of ideas with the team at VOGUE & Nicola Arzani from the ATP.
We always see the players in their tennis gear, I wanted to do a more elevated group shot taking them out of their normal environment.
HG: How was it working with the Guys?
JR: They are all great guys, super nice, friendly and down to earth. No egos or attitudes, just there to have a good time.
yeah, it was a great experience.
HG: I’m sure you were bummed that your pal Novak Djokovic had to miss the event.
JR: Yes, very bummed. I photographed him in Indian Wells earlier in the year, I was so looking forward to seeing him. He is epitome of class and the best ambassador to the sport. I cannot say enough good things about the guy.
HG: How did you get involved in the tennis world?
JR: Tennis is my sport. I love the game. I started photographing players early in my career. From Pete Sampras to Serena Williams I have photographed many of the greats. It’s an honor for me to be around greatness.
HG: I have to say the portrait is amazing. It should have been headliner image to the event. It shows them as Global personalities and not just 8 men holding tennis rackets.
JR: I am very pleased with the images. It’s exactly what I had envisioned. Thanks for the compliment. I kinda agree!
HG: I’ll give you a word and you tell me the first player that comes to mind.
Forehand…Jannik
Backhand…Novak
Power…Zerev
Precision…Novak
Speed…Carlos
Drop shot…Carlos
Mentality…Novak
Craftinesses…Daniil
Style…Taylor
Humor…Novak
Calmness…Jannik
Intense…Rublev
Class…Casper
Drive…De Minaur
To learn more about the The Nitto ATP finals follow them @nittoatpfinals
To learn more about John Russo follow him @johnrussophoto
Read the story https://www.vogue.com/article/nitto-atp-finals-2024