Deadlines + heat + surprises: covering the U.S. Open

Pulitizer Prize winning photographer Frank Franklin II of The Associated Press has been covering US Open Tennis since 2004, and after two decades, he’s still caught up in its astonishing energy.

“No matter how many times I cover it,” says Franklin, “there’s always something unexpected. The trick is to stay open and alert for it.”

For wire service veteran Franklin, what past surprises come to mind?

• Someone flew a drone into Arthur Ashe Stadium (2015)
• A climate protester glued his bare feet to the concrete floor in the stands (2023)
• No fans during the pandemic
• Celebrity appearances

“I have no idea what will happen this year whether it’s on the court or off, but I just hope to be open and ready for it,” said Franklin at the 2024 US Open (August 19-September 9).

NBA star Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha were in the stands for the women’s singles finals on September 7. Franklin’s photos of them in the stadium and singles champion Aryna Sabalenka on the court were widely published.

Franklin is skilled at covering high-profile sports events that attract celebrities. His photo of Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes reacting during a playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs was featured in AP’s global Week in Pictures January 19-25, 2024.

Franklin joined The Associated Press in 2001 as an intern while enrolled at Ohio University ’s School of Visual Communication. He’s been based in New York since late 2002.

Associated Press photographers, including Franklin, won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for coverage of reaction in multiple US cities to the death of George Floyd.

As New York sweltered during the 2024 US Open, how did photographers deal with the heat?

“The wire services have photo work rooms where we can charge our batteries, get organized and hydrate,” Franklin said on August 31. “Most recently I’ve been on the evening sessions but the day sessions get the brunt of the heat on hot days. Insulated water bottles are super helpful. Sunscreen and dressing appropriately make all the difference in the world.”

Prior to the US Open, Franklin covered the 2024 Paris Olympics (July 26-August 11), then the Democratic National Convention in Chicago (August 19-22).

Terry Eiler , one of Franklin’s college professors, keeps an eye on Franklin’s work.

“When you compete against the best sports, news, and feature photographers in the world, you have got to bring your ‘A’ game,” said Eiler, professor emeritus and co-founder of Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication . “Frank’s work has been excellent.”