As Wimbledon captivates audiences around the world, it’s the perfect time to delve into the world of tennis beyond the courts of SW19 with our top picks for tennis films and documentaries.
To complement the excitement of this iconic grass tournament, we have prepared a selection of essential films and documentaries that celebrate the game, the passion and the drama of tennis.
So prepare the popcorn and the drink of your choice, because we have everything you need: from exciting biopics y tearjerking romantic comedies to revealing documentaries and behind-the-scenes all-access docuseries.
The beauty of these films is that, although tennis plays a leading role, it also There are many ups and downs of life and love off the track for anyone who isn’t so moved by little green balls.
‘Battle of the sexes’
Emma Stone and Steve Carell lead a luxury cast in this light-hearted 2017 film inspired by the 1973 exhibition tennis match between the world’s number one women’s world Billie Jean King and former men’s champion Bobby Riggs, with a touch of spectacle. The clash helped spark changes that transformed the fortunes of the women’s game.
‘The Williams Method’ (King Richard)
Will Smith won the Oscar for “Best Actor” for this movie (and I think we all remember the Oscar ceremony that year, Chris Rock of course). The film is based on the story of the rise to stardom of Venus and Serena Williams, guided by the determination of her father, Richard (Smith).
‘Borg contra McEnroe’
It is biographical dramastarring Sverrir Gudnason and Shia LaBeouf, delves into the intense rivalry between Swedish great Björn Borg and fiery American legend John McEnroe, which culminated in their iconic Wimbledon final in 1980.
‘Wimbledon: Love at stake’
‘Wimbledon’ is a 2004 romantic comedy starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst. Bettany plays a professional tennis player who struggles with age and fitness. After meeting a young player and rising star (Dunst), he rediscovers his desire to compete again at the highest level at Wimbledon, possibly the most historic tennis championship.
‘Challengers’
Recently released, Challengers is Luca Guadagnino’s latest film and stars Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. Former tennis prodigy Tashi coaches her husband to success, but her comeback depends on defeating her former best friend, who is also her ex-boyfriend. Our resident film critic, David Mouriquand, was quite impressed but our colleague Lauren Chadwick had a alternative view to level the match.**
‘Match Point’
Directed by Woody Allen and starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Scarlett Johansson, Match Point is a 2005 psychological thriller in which a former professional tennis player marries into a wealthy family. His social standing is threatened when he begins having an affair with his brother-in-law’s girlfriend.
Documentaries
Prepare to receive a series of tennis documentaries this month, as interest in the racquet sport shows no signs of slowing down.
There has already been a changing of the guard with the retirement of one of the best men’s players, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray is very likely to follow, while Rafael Nadal has also put his future in doubt.
All this means that nostalgia is very presentso relax with these deep dives into what’s happening off the track and beyond.
‘Strokes of Genius’
This fabulous documentary explores the rivalry between two of the best players in the sport, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadaland in particular the epic battle with five sets and five hours between them for the Wimbledon champion title in 2008.
Citizen Ashe!
The 2021 documentary, directed by Rex Miller and Sam Pollard, focuses on the life and career of three-time Grand Slam winner Arthur Ashe and his impact on tennis and HIV activism.
‘Love is worth nothing’
Jason Kohn takes us into the world of one of the most famous tennis coaches, Nick Bollettieri. Bollettieri (died 2022), a fierce disciplinarian, he trained a generation of tennis champions and world number ones, but her relentless desire to win cost her the relationship she valued most: her relationship with Andre Agassi.
‘Venus and Serena’
Directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, Venus and Serena is a 2012 documentary that delves into the lives and careers of tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams.
‘Break Point’
Netflix released ‘Break Point’. The docuseries (now canceled after its second season) offers viewers a look behind the scenes to some of the main players and tournaments on the ATP and WTA circuits.
‘Andy Murray: Resurgiendo’
Olivia Cappuccini documents Andy Murray’s journey through injury from 2017 to 2019, showing his vulnerability from surgery to his home life. Reveals why Britain’s greatest tennis player endured so much to return to the sport he loves. Ratings are expected to soar following his emotional farewell to Wimbledon Center Court following his doubles defeat alongside her brother.
