Practice Makes Perfect at the Western & Southern Open

Professional tennis players work to perfect their game every day. Here are some candid photos from the practice courts at Cincy's Western & Southern Open.

Even the world's best tennis players need practice and a coach.

Gold medal Belarusian doubles player Max Myrni.

Japan's Kei Nishikori practicing his backhand.

Spain's David Ferrer and France's Richard Gasquet,
warming up to play doubles (though not on the same team).

Canadian Milos Raonic - wondering what
else his coach wants from him.

Venus Williams - "Didn't we just practice that?"

Roger Federer reminding us - always hydrate. 

Professionals work hard on even the most fundamental shots - like the forehand.

Aussie Bernard Tomic shows step 1: prepare for the shot.

Croatian Marin Cilic has step 2: stay focused on the ball.

Sam Stosur and step 3: keep your wrist loose.

Step 4 from Novak Djokovic: follow thru.

Step 5 - Show your swagger
 like Italy's Fabio Fognini.

There are a few different ways to hit a backhand. France's Richard Gasquet knows them all.

The pros practice everything because they never know what's coming at 'em.

Poland's Aggie Radwanska can handle any shot....

...even on the run.

Argentina's Juan Monaco's prepares a half-volley.

Bulgarian up-and-comer Grigor Dimitrov stays low.

Serbia's Nenad Zimonjic skies for an overhead.

Whatever you do....never let 'em see you sweat.

Serena showing her frustration near the end of her QF match.

Roger Federer...always cool.