Although we’re all lusting over the Italian Open happening right now, or the fact that world number one, Novak Djokovic, faced a loss, there’s plenty more going on in the world of tennis. We’ve all seen Hollywood movies depict football, golf, and the NBA in their storylines, but tennis is the game that’s on everybody’s minds right now. This is all thanks to Zendaya’s new movie, “The Challengers,” which watches a former tennis prodigy turn into a coach with a dream. On a mission to transform her husband into a champion, the former pro sets off with a goal to get him to face his ex-best friend / her partner. The film itself is extremely pop-culture-focused, but that doesn’t sway away from the aim of the game — tennis.
With a current Rotten Tomatoes score of 89% and growing, this tennis-fuelled film is making a splash on the big screen. It’s growing huge on social media, and because of this hit movie, along with a star-studded cast, there is now a trend on the scenes called “tenniscore.” From the clothes people wear to the sport taking off more than ever before — tenniscore is the new theme for 2024. We all are aware of Fred Perry and Stan Smith decked out in the classic tennis white uniform, but now you’re going to start seeing it in the millennial wardrobe too, because it’s everywhere!
We’re all tennis stans through and through here at The Ace, so let’s look at some of the box office’s biggest tennis movies in history — because if we’re going to fill our boots with some creative freedom on the betting sites come Wimbledon next month, we have to watch all the cheesy films out there. It’s only right.
1. Wimbledon
What could be more inspiring than one of Britain’s biggest tennis films out there? Wimbledon is a 2004 romantic-comedy movie starring Kirsten Dunst and directed by Richard Loncraine. An aging tennis pro is feeling the burn as his career is slipping away on his way to Wimbledon. After meeting a young and brash American, the protagonist learns to love the sport once again — and romance then falls into this beloved game. Having dropped from 11th to 119th in the world rankings, can Wimbledon see him play again? You’ll have to watch to find out.
There’s plenty of real tennis gameplay in this one and it’s full of joy, with a great storyline — so it’s a must-watch for all tennis lovers out there. P.S. Wimbledon is only around the corner, so don’t miss out!
2. Andy Murray: Resurfacing
A real-life story about the rebuild of Andy Murray’s tennis life. This documentary film follows Andy Murray, the British tennis player and two-time Wimbledon champion, with his comeback from his career-destroying hip injury. Flashback to 2017 and watch the rebuild of Andy Murray all over again, where his career was hanging on a balance. From 2017 to 2019, you’ll see our favorite tennis star at his most vulnerable, when he undergoes surgeries and starts his life of recovery.
Obviously, we know how far Andy has come since this and his health has improved — so it’s a truly inspiring watch, with some great information. It’s for the true tennis fans, as it’s less romcom and more true-to-life, but that’s what makes it so great!
3. Match Point
Another golden oldie in tennis, but boy, don’t we love it! Match Point is a 2005 psychological thriller film by the infamous Woody Allen. The film follows a former tennis pro as he begins his journey into the depths of an affair. There is plenty of gripping gameplay, a big storyline — and most of all, lots of tennis. There are big names like Scarlett Johansson, and the director himself, so you can trust this film will leave you in good hands.
4. Battle of The Sexes
Battle of the Sexes is a 2017 sports film by Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, where the tennis theme is set in the ‘70s. It enjoys a lot of popularity, partly due to it being a true story. In what was one of the greatest matches of all time, renowned tennis player Billie Jean King competed against the former champion, Bobby Riggs.
One of tennis’s biggest moments was in September of 1973, when Billie Jean defeated Riggs, in what was named the “battle of the sexes.” This film goes on to show this journey to success, and how female tennis stars can go on to beat their male counterparts. It’s one of the newer tennis films in Hollywood, and one we love because of its true history.
Tennis comes in various forms in the movies, but these four films are what make its presence known. All thanks to stars like Zendaya in The Challengers — we’re now seeing a monumental rise in tennis lovers, and we can’t wait to see where the world takes it. From the movies to Wimbledon, and even fashion, tennis makes up a huge part of society.
