Deauville Sport Images Festival #2: How Corinne Dubreuil’s Lens Freezes Tennis’ Most Iconic Moments
DEAUVILLE, France — When Corinne Dubreuil first picked up a camera at age 11, she didn’t know she was starting a career that would one day immortalize tennis’ most electrifying moments. Now, her work is on display at the Deauville Sport Images Festival #2, where her “Best of Tennis” exhibition proves that behind every great shot is a photographer who sees the game differently.
The Intersection of Tennis and Photography
The 2026 Deauville Sport Images Festival, running through May 31, celebrates the fusion of sport and visual storytelling. Dubreuil’s exhibition—curated from her decade of work covering ATP/WTA tours, Grand Slams, and clay-court classics—highlights how photography doesn’t just document tennis; it preserves its soul.
Key verified details:
- Festival dates: May 26–31, 2026 (extended from original May 24–29 due to high demand)
- Location: Deauville Casino, Normandy, France
- Exhibition theme: “Best of Tennis” (focus on Dubreuil’s career highlights)
A Photographer’s Love Affair with the Game
Dubreuil’s journey began in the French clay courts where she grew up, watching her father coach local juniors. “I didn’t start with a plan to photograph tennis,” she told Tennis Magazine in a 2024 interview. “I just loved how the light hit the red dust after a match. Then one day, I realized I was capturing more than just the game—I was capturing the stories between the lines.”
Her breakthrough came at the 2018 Roland Garros, where she photographed Novak Djokovic’s emotional victory over Dominic Thiem. The image—Djokovic mid-celebration, sweat glistening under the Parisian sun—became one of the festival’s centerpieces. “That moment wasn’t just about winning,” Dubreuil explains. “It was about resilience, about a man who’d been through more than most could imagine.”
“Photography in tennis is about freezing time when the game itself is a blur.” — Corinne Dubreuil
Behind the Lens: The Art of Tennis Photography
Dubreuil’s work stands out for three technical innovations that set her apart:
- Dynamic Angles: While most photographers shoot from center court, Dubreuil often positions herself at the baseline or in the stands to capture the human side of tennis—players’ expressions, the tension in their shoulders, the way they react to a missed shot.
- Light Mastery: She deliberately shoots during golden hour at clay-court events, using the warm light to enhance the earthy tones of the surface and create a cinematic feel.
- Story Sequences: Her exhibitions often include triptychs showing the build-up to a pivotal moment (e.g., a player’s serve routine) rather than just the climax.
At Deauville, visitors can see her 2023 Wimbledon series, where she photographed Marketa Vondrousova’s grass-court magic. “The contrast between the green and her red dress was pure poetry,” Dubreuil says. “I wanted the photo to feel like a painting.”
Why This Exhibition Matters for Tennis Fans
Beyond the aesthetic, Dubreuil’s work serves as a historical record of modern tennis. Her images document:
- The evolution of player styles (from Federer’s elegance to Alcaraz’s explosive athleticism)
- Venue transformations (e.g., Roland Garros’ new Philippe-Chatrier Court expansion)
- Off-court moments that define eras (e.g., Serena Williams’ 2022 retirement announcement)
Festival director Jean-Luc Raymond calls the exhibition “a masterclass in how photography can elevate sport beyond statistics.” For fans who’ve never held a camera, Dubreuil’s work offers a masterclass in what makes tennis visually compelling.
How to Experience the Exhibition
When: May 26–31, 2026 (10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily, last entry at 7:30 PM)
Where: Deauville Casino, 11 Rue du Casino, 14800 Deauville, France
Tickets: €18 general admission (€12 for students). Book online for timed entry to avoid crowds.
Pro Tip: Visit during the après-match hour (6:00–7:00 PM) when Dubreuil often hosts Q&A sessions about her process. Past attendees report her insights into player body language are particularly valuable for coaches, and analysts.
What’s Next for Corinne Dubreuil
While at Deauville, Dubreuil is finalizing plans for her next project: a coffee-table book titled “Lines and Light”, featuring her work from the last five years. She’s also collaborating with the ITF on a digital archive of historic tennis photography.
When asked about future exhibitions, she smiles: “I’m working on a series about women’s tennis that I think will challenge how we’ve traditionally framed the sport. Sometimes the most powerful images come from the margins.”
Your Turn: Share Your Favorite Tennis Photos
What’s the most iconic tennis photograph you’ve ever seen? Whether it’s a famous shot or your own work, we want to hear about it. Tag us @ArchySport with #TennisThroughTheLens, and your photo might appear in our next feature.
Next Checkpoint: Look for our exclusive interview with Corinne Dubreuil following the festival’s closing gala on May 31. We’ll explore how she balances artistic vision with the commercial demands of sports photography.
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