As The Championships’ photographic manager, Bob Martin appreciates the finer details of the images which every day capture the essence of Wimbledon – players in their moment of triumph, their full-action athletic endeavours, the emotions wrung in the course of a match, the dynamic of court and engaged crowd, all set against the signature backdrop of immaculately cultivated green grass.  

Each day his team of 10 photographers have roamed the Grounds, taking up position courtside or high up in the arenas – even taking the controls of eight remote-control cameras position around the Grounds – hunting out an unseen aspect to add another visual layer to the collective cache of stunning images that encapsulate each tournament.

Given the rich drama we’ve seen in the final stages of The Championships, it’s a near impossible task to narrow it down to highlights, but here, Bob selects 11 of the best images that mark the talking points and historic moments of Week Two.  

Novak Djokovic, on Centre Court in his semi-final against Denis Shapovalov,  photographed by Ben Solomon.

“Look at the muscles and facial expression in this bold, super tight shot of a key moment. The combination of the sinews on his arm and the effort etched on his face make this a great picture, and the two men in masks in the background indicate it is unique to this Covid-era Championships.”

No.1 Court at night, photographed on a timed exposure of 11 seconds by Ian Walton.

“This is a beautiful picture shot at 11.30pm on a long exposure which picks up all the detail in the sky. Compared with the traditional ivy-clad Centre Court, No.1 Court is new and I like the way it looks like a spaceship here.”

Ons Jabeur, captured during her hard-fought quarter final against Aryna Sabalenka by Jed Leicester.

“A lovely action shot, typical of a player whose super box-office style really enlivened the ladies’ draw and had everyone agog.”

Alexander Zverev, flying to defeat in his fourth round match with Felix Auger-Aliassime, photographed by Jonathan Nackstrand.

“An extraordinary angle to see a player immortalised in that moment when he’s thinking, ‘Whatever else I do, I’ll die for this ball.”

Novak Djokovic, the star of The Championships collapsed into a star shape in his moment of triumph, photographed by Jonathan Nackstrand.

“This is a different angle for a victory shot, taken from an unusual position in the stands, nicely framed by the spectators themselves capturing the achievement they have witnessed. The worn grass on the baseline reflects the seven matches of hard work Djokovic has put in to lift the trophy. The Honorary Steward in the hat adds a neat Wimbledon touch.”

Ashleigh Barty, lifting up the Venus Rosewater Dish for the fans, photographed by Jon Super.

“This is just a lovely Wimbledon scene – the new ladies’ singles champion showing her trophy to the crowd below the Members’ Balcony. It has all the classic Wimbledon details - the waiters on the neighbouring balcony, the service stewards below ushering the crowd out of the court, the spectators taking selfies.”

Novak Djokovic, on the final stretch towards winning his sixth Wimbledon trophy, photographed by Simon Bruty.

“This is fantastic because of the chalk dust coming off his racket as he hits the ball, the expression on his face and that characteristically athletic stance mirrored in the shadow on the grass below.”

Karoline Pliskova, pictured during her hard-hitting semi-final victory over Sabalenka by Simon Bruty.

“This is a study of concentration. With the eyes on either side of the ball, it is funny but also very clever.”

Djokovic, celebrating his victory over Matteo Berrettini with his team, photographed by Thomas Lovelock.

“This is such a unique perspective of the traditional moment when the new champion climbs up from the court to share the celebration with their team. Here you can see the bond between Novak, his manager, his physio and his coach Goran Ivanisevic, who himself this year marked 20 years since his own Wimbledon title.”

HRH The Duchess of Cambridge, photographed by Thomas Lovelock.

“The Duchess of Cambridge had just watched the Wheelchair final and was walking back to the Members’ Entrance of the Clubhouse from No.3 Court. Someone asked her if she thought England would win at Wembley that night and she replied with a fingers-crossed gesture. The picture captures a key news moment at The Championships.”

The Court Service team cover Centre Court during Roger Federer’s match with Lorenzo Sonego on Manic Monday, photographed by Joe Toth using a remote control camera positioned under the Royal Box.

“A slow shutter speed shows the movement of the court covering team compared with the spectators in their seats. There was so much rain this Wimbledon, and this picture is a clever way of conveying that.”