Spanish photographer José Luis Pérez was present at the 2024 Olympics and took one of the most iconic images in tennis history: a photo of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz fist-pumping in unison. We're honored he shared it with us for the new cover of Tennis In Photographs, along with two images of Carlos and Rafa focused on the tennis ball. Below, he answers some of our questions about how the images came to be.
What do you remember about the moment you captured the iconic image of Nadal and Alcaraz?
I vividly remember the entire day. I was thrilled about the opportunity to work at Roland-Garros—something I had dreamed of since I was young. Being a tennis player myself, standing courtside at the Olympics alongside Rafa and Carlitos felt surreal. I can still picture the bus ride from the main press center in Paris to the Roland-Garros venue, my nerves building as I tweeted about how special the day would be. And indeed, it was unforgettable.
At the time, did you know right away that it was a special photograph?
The moment I took the photo, I knew I had captured exactly what I wanted. I double-checked it in the Sony viewfinder and again on the camera’s screen before running to the press room to send it. My MacBook was charging there, and I remember rushing through the Philippe-Chatrier corridors, adrenaline pumping, to deliver it as quickly as possible. From that moment on, the photo became yours—and everyone’s.
How would you describe the photography conditions that day at the Olympics?
The Philippe-Chatrier court had its roof closed, which created perfect lighting conditions. The setup of the photo positions and the overall environment on that court made it ideal to capture the moments I was aiming for. It’s an absolute privilege to work in such optimal conditions.
What do you enjoy about photographing tennis compared to other sports?
As I mentioned, being a tennis player myself makes photographing tennis especially meaningful. I understand and appreciate every gesture, every swing, and every slide on the clay. Capturing those moments brings me so much joy—I’m lucky to be able to do what I love.
As a Spaniard, how special is it for you that the world has embraced your images of Nadal and Alcaraz?
Everything surrounding the Nadalcaraz photo has been incredibly moving. From the global admiration to having it exhibited alongside the players’ original shirts at the Rafa Nadal Museum and its status as an iconic image of the Games, it’s all beyond anything I could’ve imagined. This is a photo I will never forget.
Follow us on Instagram for more updates.