On the main stadium courts at tennis tournaments, everything is staged and everyone is clambering for the same shots (and these days independent photographers would struggle to even get a credential… agencies are the new cartels).
But sometimes you are gifted pictures out of the blue.
I don’t think the tournament proper had started and Sabatini was practicing on an outside court, far from prying. I was heading for the exit but I know a unique picture opportunity when I see one.
The setting Miami sun gave Sabatini a halo and defined her features, and the hairs on the back of my neck stood to attention. Unless you are of a certain age, you wouldn’t remember how massively popular Sabatini was when her star was at its zenith, particularly in places with a large South American or Hispanic population (and Miami has both in abundance). This opp was not to be sniffed at.
So I hung around putting film through the camera (and trying to look unconcerned) until either the sun or Gabby left the scene.
Or did I go when a TV crew got wind of her presence and turned up with the full entourage?
Can’t remember which. But I got my pictures and, for me, Sabatini never looked quite so good again! (but then she wouldn’t, would she?)
