One in a million: Perfectly-timed viral picture of Jasmine Paolini at US Open wins 2025 ITF Tennis Photograph of the Year

The iconic photo taken of Jasmine Paolini with her racket in front of her face at the US Open has been named the 2025 ITF Tennis Photograph of the Year.

The winning photograph, taken by Australian photographer Ray Giubilo, is taken at the exact moment when the Italian's strings are covering her face, with the pattern on the racket perfectly framing her eyes and mouth through the triangles and circles on the racket. It was taken in her first round matchup against Destanee Aiava just beneath the Paolini box, and has received well-earned recognition from many people, all amazed about the timing of the photo as it went viral over social media. It would go on to be the winner of the event, as Giubilo took home the top prize of $3,000. 

Second place was French photographer Loic Wacziak. The dramatic image sees Corentin Moutet competing ain the second round of the Paris Masters against Alexander Bublik. He is pictured mid-leap, trying to reach a shot while comically losing a shoe in the process. Closely following in third was by Zhong Zhi from China. While not taken of a match in progress, it sees two young lads at a local junior tennis finals event in Guangzhou, China. It pictures them staring intensly at the coin soaring through the air, eagerly waiting for the results to unveil themselves. The duo received $1,000 and $500 prize money respectively. 

The top 10 shortlisted images were selected by a judging panel consisting of ITF President David Haggerty, two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza, and tennis photographer Paul Zimmer. There was a range of pictures to choose from. Along with the top three, there was beach tennis action, dramatic moments at Wimbledon, and Italy's title winning celebrations in front of a home crowd in Bologna after taking home a third Davis Cup Finals title on the bounce. 

“The ITF Tennis Photograph of the Year once again highlights the creativity, skill and passion of photographers from across the global tennis community," Haggerty said. "This year we received entries from 37 countries, reflecting both the reach of our sport and the many different ways tennis can be experienced and captured. The winning image stood out for its originality, precision and storytelling, while the overall shortlist showcases everything from grassroots tennis to the very top of the game. I would like to congratulate all those whose work was recognised and thank everyone who took part.”

Former world number 1 Muguruza followed up by sharing her thoughts. “The quality and variety of the images submitted this year were outstanding," the Spaniard stated. "From the professional tour to grassroots and junior tennis, the shortlisted photographs tell powerful stories about our sport around the world. The winning image is incredibly original and perfectly demonstrates how a single moment can say so much.”

Giubilo was delighted to win the award but used the time to shed praise on his fellow talented photographers. “I am very thrilled to learn that my photo of Jasmine Paolini has been chosen as ITF Tennis Photograph of the Year 2025," he began. "It means a lot to me, especially because this photo was up with so many other beautiful images. I knew I had submitted a nice image but knowing the talent of my peers I wasn't so sure it was going to be the winning photo."

He continued: “I feel that this is not only my success, but also for the whole brotherhood of tennis photographers with whom I have shared so many unforgettable moments of tennis in the last 37 years. Furthermore, I feel privileged to have given the chance to have my name in the roll of honour next to my good friend Frank Molter who won last year with the extraordinary image of Tokito Oda. I want to thank the International Tennis Federation for the true support that has given us tennis photographers through the years.”