Movies inspired by tennis are back in the spotlight thanks to the success of Challengers, and art imitates life in many of them. Some of the best tennis movies in Hollywood history are based on true stories, and here are three that borrow inspiration from real life.
King Richard
Venus and Serena Williams are two of the most decorated players in tennis history, and they probably wouldn’t be where they are today if it wasn’t for their father Richard Williams. This biopic led by Will Smith chronicles their childhood years and shows the sacrifices their family had to make so they could become the stars they are today.
Battle of the Se-es
The term “battle of the se-es” refers to a series of exhibition matches played between male and female tennis players. None of them is more infamous than the face-off between the tennis legend Billie Jean King and the notorious provocateur Bobby Riggs, and this film chronicles what went on behind the scenes.
Borg vs. McEnroe
Björn Borg and John McEnroe have given us one of the best rivalries that the tennis world has ever seen, and this film puts them front and center. It chronicles the dramatic finale of the 1980 Wimbledon Championships, which marked the culmination of their rivalry and is often described as one of the best tennis matches of all time.