Serving It Hot

"Kei Nishikori of Japan serves a shot to Marin Cilic of Croatia during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center on August 8, 2015 in Washington, DC."

For the past two years I've documented the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

This tennis tournament brings some of the greatest tennis players to Washington, DC - where they battle for about a week for the coveted championship.

My assignment was the final three days of the bracket - both men's and women's - singles and doubles.

After many matches court level, in the sweltering heat, I needed to escape the temperatures and venture around the stadium.

I quickly realized many fans were doing the same in trying to stay cool - whether that meant handheld fans, hats or umbrellas.

Moving slowly, deliberately, so not to interfere with the ongoing match - I made it to a bright red umbrella I had eyed up from across the court.

Only getting off a few frames before this gentlemen took it down, I thought it told the story, got me off the court for a couple of games in a set, and helped me make a scene setter.