The recent tennis-themed film “Challengers,” starring Zendaya as a retired tennis professional, has sparked mixed reactions. Despite its commercial success, grossing over $50 million domestically, and critical acclaim, Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa has voiced her disapproval.
The movie revolves around a love triangle between Zendaya’s character, her tennis-player husband, and her ex-boyfriend, culminating in a dramatic showdown on the ATP Challenger Tour. However, Badosa, a former World No. 2, expressed confusion and disappointment over the film’s portrayal of professional tennis.
“I saw it (Challengers) and I didn’t understand anything,” Badosa said in an interview with Elle magazine. “I even talked about it with other colleagues, and they told me the same thing.”
Badosa criticized the movie for not accurately depicting the professional tennis circuit, suggesting that it was tailored to appeal to an American teenage audience. She highlighted that the exaggerated animosity between the two male characters was far from the reality of the sport, drawing a comparison to her compatriots Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.
“I assure you that the circuit is not like that at all, it seemed more like an American teenage movie,” Badosa opined. “I don’t see Nadal and Alcaraz fighting like that.”
While “Challengers” has enjoyed box office success, Badosa’s comments shed light on the disconnect between Hollywood’s depiction of sports and the reality experienced by professional athletes.
Paula Badosa in 2024
Ranked no.65, the Spaniard played her last match on the 7th of July when she capitulated to world no.21 Donna Vekic 6-2 1-6 6-4 in the 4th round in Wimbledon (draw).
During this season the Spaniard owns an overall 16-13 win-loss record.
Paula Badosa |
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