Pictures featuring distinguished Seniors star Leonid Stanislavskyi were a big winner at a prestigious photographic competition.

Sport Photo of the Year is an accolade awarded by the Association of German Sports Journalists and this year images taken by renowned sports photographer Daniel Kopatsch topped the podium in the ‘Portfolio/Sport Stories’ category.

Receiving national acclaim, the photo story focused upon 97-year-old Ukrainian Stanislavskyi as he competed at the 40th edition of the ITF Super-Seniors World Championships in Mallorca, Spain in October 2021.

A particularly charming moment which Kopatsch managed to capture followed Stanislavskyi’s first-round match against Czech Republic’s Vladimir Bruna. To overcome communication difficulties, Bruna confirmed his age by etching ‘92’ on the clay court.  

But far more than a single image, the photo story succeeds in reflecting a range of core principles – healthy competition, camaraderie, fitness benefits, travel opportunities and sheer enjoyment – which help make Seniors tennis the sport it is.

“I am delighted and honoured to win this award,” said Kopatsch.

“The photo series was taken in Mallorca where I photographed the ITF Super-Seniors World Championships on behalf of the ITF and Leonid Stanislavskyi was taking part in the 90+ age group.

“He is a proud 97-year-old who travels alone, but never without his smartphone which he uses for translation, photography and social media. My favourite photograph in the story is Bruna, his opponent in the first round, writing his age in the sand after communication issues.

“For me, someone who is involved in professional sport all year round, this was a wonderful photo story that shows, above all else, that no matter how old you are, having fun is the most important part of playing sport.”

Not long after these photographs were taken, Stanislavskyi – recognised as the oldest competitive tennis player in the world – played out his dream having been invited to hit with Rafael Nadal at the 21-time Grand Slam champion’s academy.

Already admired and respected worldwide, Stanislavskyi’s exploits are being recognised and celebrated once more in Germany, as indeed is the skill and professionalism of Kopatsch, who is no stranger to the international sports scene.  

Born in Goeppingen, Kopatsch started his photography career in 2009 at a local newspaper in his hometown before working as a freelancer for numerous high-profile news agencies and sports federations.

Now living in Sonthofen, the southern-most city in Germany which is surrounded by the Bavarian Alps, Kopatsch has an expanding portfolio and has been behind the lens at three Olympic Games, most recently Tokyo 2020.

More magic moments are sure to follow. Congratulations, Daniel, and well done Leonid and Vladimir for your part in this wonderful photo story.