Q: "A middle-aged man is about to hit a tennis ball with his racket." Does this mean that "The man is near the racket."?
A: yes

Q: "A silhouette of a man and woman stand in front of a wall of fire." Does this mean that "A couple stands in front of the fire"?
A: it is not possible to tell

Q: "People looking over the rail at something in the distance." Does this mean that "People that have eyes"?
A: yes

Q: "A man is sitting, surrounded by merchandise that is for sale." Does this mean that "the guy sits by his old stuff"?
A:
it is not possible to tell