Now that you’ve purchased all of your friends, family, and fans gifts from Tennis Express it’s time to kick back, relax and watch some of the greatest tennis movies of all time.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Borg vs. McEnroe
Rewind the clocks back to the summer of 1980 when Björn Borg was at the top of his career.
It was also a time when the young and feisty American, John McEnroe, was starting to dominate the sport, both on and off the court. This tennis movie is based on true events and leads up to one of the most dramatic men’s singles final tennis matches of all time.
It is rated R due to graphic language and nudity. It was released in 2017 and labeled as a sports drama, though there is humor, rivalry, banter, and some really great tennis.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes, you’ll be thoroughly entertained from the beginning, all the way to the show-stopping end.
Battle of the Sexes
This film stars some pretty big names, including Emma Stone who portrays Billy Jean King, and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs.
The movie is based on a time in tennis history (1973) when the notion of gender equality didn’t exist.
Not only was the shy, private King trying to come to terms with her own sexuality, but her husband was encouraging her to be a spokesperson for equal pay for women tennis players.
During the movie, the duo battles each other, as well as complex personal issues. It concludes with one of the most-watched tennis matches in television history, and some of the greatest reincarnated tennis points ever witnessed.
Rumor has it, it would take 10 hours to film a 5-second tennis scene.
This film came out in 2017, is rated PG-13 for sexual content, smoking, and mature subject matter. The runtime for this sports drama is two hours and two minutes.
Fun fact: The memorable match was held at the Houston Astrodome between Riggs, who was 55 at the time, and King, who was 29. The film was nominated for 21 awards and won three, including the 2017 Women’s Film Critics Circle Awards.
50 million viewers were estimated to have watched it.
Wimbledon
If romantic sports comedies are your thing, then Wimbledon is right up your alley.
This 2004 classic tennis movie features a frustrated and disillusioned professional tennis player Peter Colt, played by actor Paul Bettany, and an up-and-coming American tennis player, Lizzie Bradbury played by Kirsten Dunst.
While Colt is prepared to retire from competition and become an instructor at an exclusive private tennis club, he receives a surprising wild-card entry to compete at Wimbledon.
At Wimbledon, Colt meets Bradbury, and the duo fight to find love, passion, and luck on and off the courts.
This film is rated PG-13 and has a runtime of one hour and 40 minutes. It received a four out of five by Reelviews critics.
Match Point
Directed by the wildly creative Woody Allen, Match Point stars Jonathan Rhys-Meyers as Chris Wilton, a tennis instructor who becomes enamored with money, prestige, and a newfound social status.
If you like psychological thrillers, movies that have twists and turns, and the lovely Scarlett Johansson, then this is the one for you.
During the movie, Wilton becomes caught in a love triangle that has violent consequences. This film will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Movie reviewers RogerEbert.com dubbed the film, “Point, set and deadly match.”
It was released in 2005 and rated R for violence, sexuality, and adult content.
Allen was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Racquet
If you’re looking for a ridiculously silly flick starring authentic former tennis champions such as Bobby Riggs and Bjorn Borg (in supportive roles), then this 1979 American comedy is the one for you.
This film is centered around a former tennis champ who chases after women and lives a lavish lifestyle rubbing elbows with the rich and famous.
It’s rated R due to sexual content and adult humor.
Although this film got mixed reviews, the humor is classic and the hairstyles, cars, courts, and equipment are simply nostalgic. If you plan to skip this one, you should at least watch the trailer on YouTube to get a glimpse back to the ’70s!
7 Days in Hell
This sports “mockumentary” is a comical film loosely inspired by the Isner–Mahut men’s marathon match played during the Wimbledon Championships in 2010. The original match lasted 11 hours, five minutes, and was spread over three days.
The movie explores the backgrounds of two fictitious competitors, Aaron Williams played by Andy Samberg, and Charles Poole, played by Kit Harington who grapple in an epic tennis match that has a semi-climatic ending.
Although the match occurs over seven days, this movie’s runtime is only 43 minutes.
It is rated TV-Mature since it was an HBO original. It premiered in July 2015.
Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 86% review and the top critic from Sydney Morning Herald called it “a truly wonderful romp”.
BreakPoint
In this sports comedy, two estranged brothers reunite to make an improbable run at a grand slam tennis tournament.
This heartwarming, pleasantly surprising film stars some big names including Jeremy Sisto as Jimmy, Adam DeVine as Nick, David Walton as Darren, and Amy Smart as Heather.
In an attempt to make one final crack at a major doubles tournament, he will have to find a way to change his on-court attitude and off-court behaviors. He’ll also have to ask for his younger brother’s help, that is, if he wants to succeed.
This move was released in 2014 and is rated R due to language and sexual references.
Other movie suggestions include:
Venus and Serena is a documentary compiled by Filmmakers Maiken Baird and Michelle Major.
It showcases the talented Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, on and off the courts. It also chronicles some of their health issues, media controversies, and their relationship during their rise to stardom.
Two Week Notice a romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant.
Though the tennis scene is brief, this movie is hilarious and fun for the whole family.
The Prince of Tennis/Tennis no Ojisama – Futari no Samurai is an animated film produced in Japan.
The focus is on a middle-schooler, his relationship with his family and teammates, and a daring escape.
Whether you’re getting ready for Santa to make his grand appearance or you’re waiting to ring in the New Year, these movies will provide an entertaining way to pass the time.
Of course, you could always peruse your favorite website at TennisExpress.com and find more great deals on all the best tennis gear, apparel, and shoes! Use these helpful links to get you to the right destination: Gifts for HER, Gifts for HIM, Gifts for KIDS.
Happy Holidays
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