Documentaries and films about tennis provide plenty of viewing material. From personal accounts of Andy Murray’s injury recovery process, to comprehensive examinations of Federer and Nadal strategies – there’s sure to be something suitable for you here.
Love Means Zero is an incredible documentary about legendary tennis coach Nick Bollettieri, known for coaching some of the greatest athletes ever including Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Serena Williams.
1. 7 Days in Hell
Just the premise of this HBO sports comedy should convince anyone to tune in. Andy Samberg from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Kit Harington from Game of Thrones star as Aaron Williams and Charles Poole, two pro tennis players locked in a match lasting seven days–four more than its real world record!
This movie also boasts cameo appearances by Fred Armisen and Lena Dunham as well as David Copperfield playing an unsympathetic British talk show host – giving this sports movie its trademark cheese factor but making for one of the most enjoyable viewing experiences you will find anywhere.
Nick Bollettieri stands apart from other documentary filmmakers by having both been an active player and coach during his professional tennis career. His story working alongside greats like Agassi and Williams sisters is both inspiring and amusing; making this must-watch viewing for any tennis enthusiast.
2. Love Means Zero
Love Means Zero centers on Nick Bollettieri, the controversial tennis coach who developed Jim Courier, Boris Becker, Monica Seles, Venus and Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova into tournament winners. Directed by Jason Kohn (Manda Bala), Kilo Films production follows this 86-year-old trainer at his academy in Florida.
Kohn uses personal interviews and archiveal footage to uncover Bollettieri’s unconventional coaching methods and the lasting influence they had on tennis. Most revealing of all is Bollettieri’s relationship with Agassi – his greatest pupil whom he taught for 10 years until becoming their star pupil – which became one of Bollettieri’s defining features as coach. Kohn explores both men’s controversies and rivalries which played out against one another and sheds light on both their fierce drive for success as well as humanity underlying professional sports.
3. Jimmy Connors: The Finale
Jimmy Connors was the icon of working-class tennis. His unbridled, bold approach broke free from country club gentility with epic rivalries that turned matches into prizefights, making him one of the most celebrated and lucrative players ever seen on court. Jimmy helped attract new audiences and raise purses across his time.
His style of play and rivalries with McEnroe, Borg, Nastase and others remain legendary today. Though his behavior wasn’t always to the delight of everyone involved, he created a following for tennis never seen before. By 1991 when his career came to a close at U.S. Open he dominated Aaron Krickstein in 4 hours 41 minutes for one last fantastic win; an ideal endpoint of such an outstanding career.
4. John McEnroe vs. Bjorn Borg
Director Janus Metz (Armadillo) injects this story of an iconic rivalry with a unique Scandinavian flair. The focus is the 1980 Wimbledon final between Bjorn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) and John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf).
The movie centers around how Borg was taught by Stellan Skarsgard to control his emotions; yet also implies that McEnroe could only contain his fury for so long before unleashing it all at once.
This movie provides an intriguing examination of two athletes. However, its length makes it a hard watch due to flashbacks and backstory details; therefore it lacks that special feel that would have made for an engaging sports drama. Still worth seeing though; watching their rivalry alone makes this an enjoyable watch while the film explores how their personalities and mentalities impact their tennis play.
5. Roger Federer: Unstoppable
Roger Federer was virtually unstoppable on the tennis court during his peak years. He won numerous trophies and world records; his crosscourt chip often caused opponents to move forward and bend down, leaving them out of position for his next ball; additionally he utilized his backhand to produce flat winners with his racquet.
At the 2000 US Open, Federer had just made it all the way through Wimbledon’s quarter-finals where he defeated Pete Sampras in four tight sets and faced Andre Agassi in New York who promptly beat him out in straight sets.
The movie may not be without flaws, but it succeeds in keeping audiences engrossed throughout its run time and offering some compelling making-of features that fans of the game should not miss out on seeing. A must see.
6. Roger Federer: A Life in Court
Clarey’s in-depth and compelling portrait of one of tennis’ biggest stars, Roger Federer, should not be missed by fans of his sport. Through interviews with former opponents and his own archival footage, we see how Federer evolved from an emotionally volatile teenager into a placid champion and global advocate of his game.
The film provides readers with an exclusive inside view of some of the star’s most historic matches – both thrilling and heartbreaking – as well as insights into his personal life, such as how he met Mirka, whom he describes as his “rock”. This aspect is particularly captivating.
Join them at Dishoom, a modern take on the Irani cafes that once lined Bombay streets; visit a rooftop apiary; and witness Federer interact with children at an Ethiopian school – his interactions are truly incredible!
7. Keil vs. Grant
This documentary showcases interviews with Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova to reveal how their rivalry transcended tennis into cultural phenomenon, and highlights their parents as integral forces behind their respective careers.
This documentary offers sports fans a rare glimpse into life on the ATP tour and shows how journeyman players must find ways to overcome challenges to their survival.
This documentary on tennis highlights how talented athletes require strong mental strength to reach their goals and attain success. A must-watch for all tennis enthusiasts!
8. Murray’s War
Douglas Murray (also known by his nickname Bill Murray) issues an impassioned call for Western traditionalism to fight anti-Western revisionism, writing about several Western traditions to demonstrate their achievements and values are worthy of celebration rather than condemnation. Furthermore, he criticises much of what drives much of what drives woke brigade agenda – from moral panic over vandalised statues to claims that Michael Tippett’s Oratorio A Child of Our Time contains Negro Spirituals – in an uncompromising voice against those claiming to be progressives intellectually.
Though at times the book may appear to be another entry into culture wars, with its outrage-provoking cancellation of national anthems and debunking of historical figures like Karl Marx, there are compelling passages that make this an enjoyable read – one chapter on classical music stands out in particular.
9. The Greatest Match of All Time
No one doubts the hard work and perseverance required to become a tennis champion, with its demanding physical requirements and intense mental focus resulting in some of history’s most iconic players. These films give an in-depth view of these remarkable journeys both personal and professional.
Strokes of Genius captures one of the greatest tennis matches ever seen when Roger Federer faced off against Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon 2008 – considered by many to be among the greatest matches ever played. It explores their differing strategies and how they were ultimately able to overcome each other’s differences.
Love Means Zero provides an engaging look into Nick Bollettieri’s coaching career, which included working with multiple Grand Slam winners and 10 world no. 1 players under his tutelage. Additionally, this documentary addresses the effects of family support for players’ success; making it essential viewing for any tennis enthusiast.
10. The Master’s Tour
This riveting documentary highlights iconic players like Bjorn Borg and Rafa Nadal to explore the intensive focus required to reach such high levels of tennis. Furthermore, it shows how love for this sport can transform lives and inspire people of all ages to pursue their goals.
Citizen Ashe is an award-winning documentary which provides a fascinating look into Arthur Ashe’s life – the first black player ever to win both Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles – while also exploring his dedication to social justice causes such as equality for all.
Break Point offers an entertaining look into the world of tennis with its humorous antics between estranged brothers Jimmy and Darren as they work toward qualifying for an tournament. This film provides an ideal glimpse at sibling rivalry as well as family bonds.