Lately, I’ve been crazy about tennis. Maybe it’s all the free time I have on my hands, maybe it’s Rafael Nadal—it’s really anyone’s guess. But the fact remains that sitting and watching two players hit a ball back and forth for several hours sounds like a blissful afternoon to me.

While I’m still learning the terminology, techniques, and strategies behind the sport, I consider myself an expert in tennis photojournalism; it honestly yields some of the most awkward sports images I’ve ever seen—which I love, of course.

It’s as if the sport isn’t really meant to be captured in a still image. But occasionally there are those rare moments when all the necessary elements convene to produce an amazing, graceful, and transcendental photograph that makes you realize how balletic the sport can be.

Also, I’ve realized that Rafa is the best. Go tennis!