The past week was full of emotional moments captured by Associated Press photographers, including Scottie Scheffler winning his second green jacket at the Masters golf tournament. Stefanos Tsitsipas also had a moment of triumph, shedding tears after winning the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters final against Casper Ruud. Bayer Leverkusen ended a 120-year wait for their first Bundesliga title under the leadership of coach Xabi Alonso. The selection of photos was curated by Milan-based staff photographer Antonio Calanni.
In addition to these sporting achievements, the NCAA college basketball Final Four championship game between Purdue and UConn provided intense moments, with players like Trey Kaufman-Renn and Donovan Clingan showcasing their skills on the court. Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool was captured in action during an English Premier League soccer match against Crystal Palace. The photos also captured special moments, such as honorary starter Jack Nicklaus kissing his wife Barbara during the Masters golf tournament.
The world of baseball was also featured in the photos, with Cincinnati Reds players Alexis Diaz, Will Benson, and others participating in games and special events like watching a solar eclipse. Anouk Garnier attempted to beat a record for climbing up a rope under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, showcasing athleticism in a unique setting. Fans cheered ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal soccer match between Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, while police officers stood guard as supporters burned flares outside the stadium.
Stefanos Tsitsipas continued to be a focal point in the photos, returning the ball to Casper Ruud during their Monte Carlo Tennis Masters final match. Luciano of Sao Paulo and Rodrigo Sandoval of Cobresal battled for the ball during a Copa Libertadores Group B soccer match in Brazil. Fans at a baseball game between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves commemorated Hank Aaron’s historic home run record-breaking moment on its 50th anniversary. The Kansas City Royals celebrated their victory against the Houston Astros in a baseball game.
Sumo wrestler Robert Fuimaono posed during the presentation of World Championship Sumo at Madison Square Garden in New York, showcasing the tradition and skill of the sport. United States’ Alyssa Naeher made a save against Canada during the shoot out of a SheBelieves Cup women’s soccer match, displaying her goalkeeping abilities. In the NBA, players like Malachi Flynn, Jared Rhoden, and Kelly Oubre Jr. reached for a loose ball during a game between the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers. In college hockey, Denver celebrated their championship win against Boston College in the Frozen Four NCAA tournament.
