The past seven months have been filled with a lot of tennis for Harper and me. She started a weekly tennis class at Riverbank back in April, which quickly grew into joining their tennis club that met three times a week. That turned into hours at the playground by the wall ball court, practicing and making up little games together.


Over the months, I’ve gone from never owning a tennis racquet to having my own dedicated tennis kicks. We’re slightly invested now.

On top of this amazing journey we started, every year when the U.S. Open hits New York, the city comes alive. I’ve written before about the time I photographed the U.S. Open and the experience behind the scenes --> READ HERE. But this August was different; it was full of events I had the chance to volunteer and photograph for the incredible Erica Bond and DJ Kosh’s All Love Racquet Club.


Last year, a dear friend, T, connected us, and I photographed their event at Riverbank, the same courts where Harper would eventually take her tennis lessons and join the club. That event was special. For my community, it was something I knew I wanted to be back for. So I was looking forward to this year’s events, which started off on 120th and Lenox in Harlem.

Large group of tennis players and coaches gathered on outdoor courts for a group photo session.
Tennis players practicing serves and volleys on outdoor courts with tall buildings visible in the background.
Students participate in outdoor team building activities with colorful orange and green flags and equipment.
Tennis instructor in purple shirt demonstrates proper form on outdoor court during summer training session.
Players engaged in tennis drills and practice sessions on multiple outdoor courts during daytime.
Tennis players practice drills and techniques on outdoor court during daytime lesson.
Players practicing tennis drills and techniques on multiple outdoor courts during a training session.
Athletes gather at an outdoor track and field event with banners and signage visible in the background.

Tennis on the Block



The block was alive with energy: music, tennis drills, and families filling the sidewalks with laughter. Courts were set up for all ages, from little ones picking up rackets for the first time to teens rallying with surprising skill.


What stood out most was how the event pulled the neighborhood together: kids darting between games, parents cheering them on, and neighbors reconnecting over the shared joy of sport. It felt like a block party built around tennis and amazing to see our people show out. Making the game feel accessible and truly of the people.

People walking and interacting on a city street wearing casual summer clothing and carrying drinks.
People practicing yoga on colorful mats along a brownstone-lined city street during an outdoor community event.
A row of skateboards with colorful artwork and designs displayed side by side on a light surface.
Kids playing in the street of a Brooklyn neighborhood with brownstone buildings and trees in the background.
Skateboarder performs an ollie trick sequence on an urban street with brick buildings in the background.
A person wearing a patterned top and pink skirt stands on a city street in front of brownstone buildings.
A sequence of four action shots shows an athlete performing a parkour jump over concrete steps in an urban setting.
A group of people playing pickleball on outdoor courts during a sunny day.
Videographer with professional camera equipment films on a crowded city street during a summer day.
A group of people gather around a railing during what appears to be a social or community event outdoors.
A street vendor in an orange safety vest holds up novelty toys while working outdoors.
People enjoying outdoor activities at a bustling urban park with brownstone buildings in the background.
A child in a pink shirt and blue shorts stands joyfully on brownstone steps while others sit nearby.
Large crowd gathered on a city street participating in an outdoor yoga or fitness class with mats spread out.
Customers line up at a yellow food truck parked under a covered area on a sunny day.
Street food vendor preparing delicious meals in a mobile food cart with steam rising from cooking surfaces.
A crowd of spectators line up behind metal barriers at an outdoor event on a sunny day.
Large group of people lined up on a brownstone-lined street waiting in a queue.
People waiting in a long line along a tree-lined urban street with historic buildings.
People gathered behind metal barriers on a city street during a summer event or celebration.
People playing table tennis outdoors in a public park setting with colorful equipment.
Spectators gather behind metal barricades along a street during a public event.
Students wearing red caps hold up drawings and artwork during an educational activity at school.
People enjoying outdoor tennis activities and sports demonstrations at an urban community event.
A couple sits together and smiles on a brownstone stoop during a sunny summer day in the city.
People stand behind metal barriers on a city street with brick buildings in the background.
Group playing tennis and engaging in recreational activities on a city street.
Street festival attendees participating in outdoor games and activities.
Crowd gathering at an outdoor street festival with tents and vendors.
Crowd of people queuing along a residential street with brick buildings and trees.
Crowds gather behind barriers near brick buildings and greenery during an outdoor event.

Tennis for the People



From Harlem, the momentum carried into the Upper East Side with Tennis for the People at 232 E 75th Street. This one was strictly for adults, blending tennis, movement, and music.


Sweating, laughing, and competing with the same spirit Harlem had sparked. The soundtrack kept the rhythm alive, and as the day wrapped, the energy hit a high point when DJ Moma was gifted a Roger Federer–signed racquet, a moment that perfectly captured the gratitude, respect, and love fueling this movement.

Tennis balls and grip tape rest on a wooden bench alongside tennis rackets at a tennis facility.
Fenced tennis court surrounded by tall apartment buildings in an urban setting.
Blue tennis courts with white lines surrounded by residential buildings on a sunny day.
Players compete in a pickleball match on a bright blue outdoor court surrounded by urban buildings.
People practicing tennis drills on multiple blue courts between city apartment buildings.
A crowd of people walking along a sunny pathway with some wearing white and green clothing.
Tennis players practicing serves and volleys on a blue outdoor court during a sunny day.
Multiple tennis players training on blue courts with spectators watching from the sidelines.
Athletes play pickleball on a vibrant blue court against a terracotta-colored wall backdrop.
A tennis ball collector stands with a basket of tennis balls on a sunny court.
A sequence of photos showing a dog jumping up to catch a tennis ball in a parking lot on a sunny day.
Tennis players practicing serves and drills on outdoor blue courts in an urban environment.
Tennis players positioned on blue courts during a training session.
Tennis players and spectators gather on a blue outdoor court during a sunny day.
People stand in line on a blue tennis court during a daytime event.
Close-up of a yellow Nike tennis ball casting a shadow on a bright blue tennis court surface.
Players practicing tennis drills on a blue court with a brick building in the background.
Tennis players practicing on bright blue courts with yellow training cones.
Tennis player stretching to return a shot on a blue outdoor court during practice.
Players engage in an intense pickleball rally on a bright blue outdoor sports court.

Roy Wilkins Park: Love to Dream



The energy didn’t stop there. The final stop on my U.S. Open community tour with the team was Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Coaching, drills and activities for all ages. What impressed me the most were the older teens and how well they were at the game.

The park setting gave it a relaxed, picnic-like atmosphere  but with the unmistakable energy of tennis tying it all together. Towards the end of the day: Lunch, backpacks, special videos from Tennis pros for the kids and a special set of kicks (2 left feet haha, but got exchanged! Call back to my dedicated kicks from earlier!)....

Empty outdoor tennis court with green surface surrounded by tall trees on a sunny day.
Bright yellow tennis balls packed tightly in blue containers at a sporting event or facility.
A series of colorful shipping containers with peace-themed messages and artwork displayed in an outdoor public space.
People embracing and celebrating at an outdoor tennis court on a sunny day.
Tennis players practicing serves and volleys on an outdoor court during a sunny day.
Three tennis players having a conversation on an outdoor court while holding rackets and wearing athletic gear.
People enjoy outdoor activities and games at a sunny park with blue equipment and green trees.
A tent with 'Peace is a Lifestyle' banner at an outdoor event with tennis courts visible in the background.
Multiple players practicing tennis drills on a green outdoor court with trees in the background.
Large group of students gathered on an outdoor tennis court for a school event or activity.
Tennis players engaged in an active training session on a sunny outdoor court.
Tennis players gathered near the court fence during an outdoor training session.
Group of tennis players participating in outdoor drills and practice exercises.
Students sitting together in rows on a green outdoor sports court during a sunny day.
Students gathered outside a brick building with EISA signage visible.
People mingling at an outdoor community event with tents and banners visible in a park setting.
Outdoor event with orange tents and tables displaying food or merchandise at a community gathering.

Wrapping the Season



Outside of these events, tennis didn’t stop for Harper and me. At her school, the third graders spend time at Randall’s Island training at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, and with her Riverbank club, she’s gotten plenty of court time this year.


As the weather cools and the season winds down, our Riverbank Tennis Club wrapped up their programming this past weekend with their second annual Turkey Cup. The kids had an extended Sunday; warmups, doubles, and singles tournaments all in one day.


Harper and her teammate made it to the semifinals, and during the singles tournament, we just vibed and enjoyed the moments. She took home a Most Improved Medal for her dedication over these past few months, a proud moment for both of us.


This season has been about more than just tennis. It’s been about family time, documenting community, and watching Harper grow on and off the court.

Indoor tennis facility with multiple courts under a large white dome structure showing various playing surfaces and lighting.
Gold and silver sports trophies and medals displayed on green jerseys at an outdoor sporting event awards ceremony.
Group of tennis players gathered on outdoor courts during a sunny day for training or instruction.
Gold medals with red white and blue ribbons lying on a dark surface in sunlight.
People playing tennis on an outdoor red court with green fencing and bushes in the background.