The tennis world was expertly translated to the world of Hollywood with the Zendaya-starring Challengers in 2024.
The mainstream film told the story of three tennis players, who each had success on the ATP Tour and the Challenger circuit.
The film proved a hit with critics and fans, who praised its authenticity to the real trials and tribulations that tennis players face.
Serena Williams called herself a fan of the film, although she did point out one issue she had with the hit film.
Serena Williams’ big issue with Challengers
Serena Williams wrote a positive review of the film for Vogue, but she shared one reservation she had with the Hollywood film – and she even took it up with the star of the movie, Zendaya.
“I had problems with the ending. I told Zendaya that I hated it, but the truth is that Challengers has one of those endings that you just keep thinking about.
“It could be taken in so many different directions, like: Do Tashi and Pat have a relationship again? If so, how does that play out? Are they all friends now?
“It’s such a cliffhanger, I would have liked another half-hour. But, hey—you know you have something special when a movie leaves you wanting even more.”
Zendaya played an American tennis prodigy who received comparisons with both of the Williams sisters upon its release.
What Serena Williams told Zendaya about Challengers
Despite her criticism of the ending, Williams was impressed with the on-court ability shown by Zendaya in the film.
Zendaya had never played tennis before and the Hollywood star put in hours of practice ahead of the shooting of the movie.
According to Zendaya, Williams told her she was impressed with what she saw from the actress in the movie.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Zendaya said: “She did say that it was great considering that I had never, never touched a tennis ball before.”
Challengers is not the first time tennis has been translated to the screen, with the Paul Bettany-starring Wimbledon in 2004 and Woody Allen’s Match Point in 2005.
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