The Picture is Clear: A veteran photographer reflects on Serena Williams

NEW YORK—Matthew Stockman is a photographer for Getty Images, traveling the world covering tennis tournaments. Having first been credentialed at the US Open in 1997, Stockman has been taking photos of Serena Williams throughout her career—from her arrival as a teen prodigy, all the way through her years at the top.

Taking a rare moment to get off his feet, Stockman this Tuesday took a seat just outside the Bud Collins Media Center to reflect on a quarter-century of compelling Serena moments.

What was it like for you to cover Serena in the early years of her career?

Matthew Stockman: What was great was that the fans were there right away, lined up with oversized tennis balls, waiting for autographs, screaming her name. It was instantly very exciting.

She had that charisma right from the start, didn’t she?

Stockman: Definitely. She played so well. She’s so good at managing her game on the court, and managing herself off the court.

So what made it enjoyable to take pictures of her?

Stockman: She covered the court so well, and she wasn't a one- dimensional player. It wasn't just about a serve; she could charge the net. She had a complete game. And she had a great smile too. When Serena would win and thank the fans and wave, that was so gracious and true. She was just terrific to shoot.

What moments from her matches did you particularly like?

Stockman: When she would play a big point and knew that she was pushing very, very hard, she would let out what had become her trademark, “Come on!” And at first it would almost scare you out of your seat. As her career went on, you could feel it coming, she was building up the energy inside to win. She wasn't out there just to play, she was out there to win. And most times, she would.

How was it taking pictures when Serena and Venus competed against one another?

Stockman: I always thought it was kind of cool. It’s not just at home, or at a small, local tournament, but you're out on a global stage and you're playing your sibling. That was pretty neat.

How was it different when they played doubles together?

Stockman: They spent so much time together, kind of like the Bryans. They were naturals playing together and just enjoying it.

Any memorable fun moments?

Stockman: One time I was at a Serena match and a phone went off. She turned around and it was Venus'. And she says, “That’s my sister,” and starts laughing. And Venus started laughing too, and turned the ringer off on her phone. It was so charming and it helped everyone realize that we’re still playing a game—something to be enjoyed.

Any particular Serena moments from the majors?

Stockman: When Serena won the French Open, she did her speech in French. That speaks volumes—just so classy. I also thought it was terrific how she hugged Naomi Osaka after their 2018 US Open final.

What about Serena and other members of her family?

Stockman: I always remember Richard would be in the photo pit. Richard liked to take pictures. And we’d talk, and that was pretty great to see him right there with us, taking pictures of his girls.

Any moments that you recall with sponsors and fans?

Stockman: When the WTA event in Hilton Head, S.C. relocated to Charleston, Serena did a community outreach project. She was bringing people to the sport and growing the game. She transcended the sport—very much like Michael Jordan or LeBron James.

You’ve covered Serena from start to this stage. How does that all look to you now?

Stockman: I'm actually excited to see what's next. I don't think she's going disappear, I think that she is going to simply move on to the next chapter. I think she will be in tennis. I hope she is, be that an academy, be that coaching or if her daughter goes into the game in 15 years. She’ll definitely be missed.