After going to Wimbledon yesterday and having played tennis since I was seven it reignited my passion for the sport and inspired me to share my favourite tennis films.
While tennis movies aren’t as common as other sports films, they offer a compelling mix of drama, romance, and comedy.
Here are some of the best I’ve seen:
Battle of the Sexes (2017)
This underdog true story deserves more recognition. It’s a powerful biopic where two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone shines as Billie Jean King, who takes on both the iconic Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) and the societal expectations of 1973 America.
The casting is spot on, and the film is well-made with breathless, exciting tennis sequences.
What stood out most to me was how it explored the contrast between fighting for equality and clinging to perceived superiority.
In real life, it was game, set, and match to Billie Jean King and in the film, a straight-sets victory for the filmmakers.
King Richard (2021)
Will Smith deserves credit for his brilliant portrayal of Richard Williams. Let’s be honest: his off-court behaviour at the 2022 Oscars slapping Chris Rock casts a shadow over this film, especially as he went on to win Best Actor that night. Few actors experience such a career high and low in the same evening.
That said, this is a powerful and insightful film. It focuses more on Venus Williams in the early part of the story, which was refreshing since I knew less about her journey.
The portrayal of Richard Williams as an overbearing, even bullying, father is a common theme in stories of gifted children in sports and entertainment. Still, the film remains compelling and very watchable.
Wimbledon (2004)
A delightful romance wrapped in a sports drama, directed by Richard Loncraine.
Kristen Dunst and Paul Bettany share real chemistry, which often gets overlooked. The plot follows Bettany’s character, a fading pro, and Dunst’s rising star. Together, they elevate each other both on and off the court. Think A Star is Born with tennis and a happy ending.
The film treats tennis with respect, showing the sport’s intricacies in a satisfying, believable way.
Challengers (2024)
This is my cousin’s least favourite film and I still don’t understand why!
I actually wrote a whole article about how incredible I found it:
Read it here.
The film is essentially a three-hander, with all the leads delivering convincing performances. They bring empathy to characters who can be difficult to like. The camera lingers quietly during the intimate moments, pulling you into the characters’ emotions then bursts into kinetic energy during the tennis matches.
It’s ambitious, romantic, and stylish.
Break Point (2023–)
This Netflix docuseries offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the lives of men’s and women’s tennis professionals throughout the four Grand Slam tournaments.
I loved getting an inside view into the pressures and mental challenges of tennis. The series features compelling storylines and dramatic moments, and it’s an absolute must-watch for any tennis fan.
Tennis may not dominate sports cinema the way boxing or football does, but these films show the emotional and psychological depth the sport can offer. Whether it’s love, legacy, or rivalry, tennis serves up stories that stay with you.
Thanks
I loved Wimbledon but haven’t seen the rest. Will watch the others.