Style Points: Tennis on the big screen 

Who wore what? Style Points breaks down the latest collabs, kits and fashion statements from around the tennis world.

With King Richard set to sweep at the Academy Awards after raking in six nominations, and Zendaya preparing to hit the court in the upcoming film Challengers, it’s a good time for tennis on the big screen.

Seeing our beloved sport depicted in film can be a mixed bag for hardcore tennis fans—on one hand, the one-vs-one format of an individual sport that takes place all around the world is the perfect backdrop for interpersonal drama. But it can also be cringeworthy when it’s not done right, from flubbed forehands to unrealistic portrayals of the action and atmosphere.

That’s why it’s so satisfying when films get it right, or at least, make a solid effort. While we wait for Zendaya’s on-court debut, we look back at some of the best tennis movies in recent years—and how faithfully they depicted the look and feel of the sport across the ages.

King Richard

King Richard is inspired by the true story of Richard Williams, played by Will Smith, who created a 78-page plan for turning his daughters, Venus and Serena, into tennis stars. The biopic received the real-life Venus and Serena’s blessing, and as such was packed with small details that made the movie feel all the more authentic: from the Williams family Volkswagen to the white beads in Venus’ hair for her big match.

The outfits also stayed faithful to the aesthetic of the 1980s and 90s Los Angeles and South Florida tennis scene—down to Richard's short shorts. Venus herself also gave it her stamp of approval, unveiling a King Richard capsule collection which highlighted her dad’s “vibrant meets classic” style and featured an updated take on his nostalgic red and white sports coat.

Battle of the Sexes

Also inspired by a true story, Battle of the Sexes depicted one of the most pivotal moments in women’s professional tennis history—and all of the spectacle that came with it. Billie Jean King’s famous clash with Bobby Riggs took place back in 1973, and costume designer Mary Zophres made sure everyone’s on-court wardrobes fit the bill.

The film captures the look and feel of the 70s, even recreating the iconic Ted Tinling original dresses that were all the rage on the women’s tour. Emma Stone, who played King, hit the court in a perfect representation of the real-life white and blue sequined look—even down to the signature blue and white adidas sneakers. The costuming on Battle of the Sexes was so accurate that when King herself visited the set, she asked, “How did you get the dress?”

7 Days in Hell

HBO’s 7 Days in Hell is a sports mockumentary that doesn’t even attempt to take itself seriously. It features Andy Samberg as a washed up tennis pro taking on his nemesis, an English player portrayed by Kit Harrington, in what becomes the longest match in history. 7 Days in Hell came out in 2015, five years after the epic Isner-Mahut three-day, eight hour marathon at Wimbledon that inspired it.

Samberg’s look in the movie is all big hair and bright colors—a nod to the days of Andre Agassi—while Harrington, the total opposite, is decked out in classic white and pastel polos. While I wouldn’t accuse it of being in any way a true-to-life portrayal of a Wimbledon match, the film does succeed in being hilarious.

Borg vs McEnroe

Set in the summer of 1980, Borg vs McEnroe takes viewers back to the time of the epic rivalry between the top player in the world Bjorn Borg, played by Sverrir Gudnason, and the mercurial American newcomer John McEnroe, played by Shia LaBeouf.

Costume designer Kicki Ilander said in an interview that he watched their Wimbledon final “at least six or seven times,” and the commitment to those fine details definitely showed on screen. Even the shoes are portrayed accurately, including Borg’s sponsor switch from Tretorn to Diadora. But you don’t need to be a hardcore tennis historian to appreciate the retro-cool looks both on and off the court throughout the film.

Wimbledon

A romantic comedy set—and filmed—at the venerable All-England Club, Wimbledon (the film) gets points for its commitment to giving viewers an inside look at the pomp and pageantry of Wimbledon (the Grand Slam tournament). It features a washed-up tennis pro ranked outside the Top 100, played by Paul Bettany, who falls in love with the World No. 2 women’s player, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, during a whirlwind fortnight.

While the 2004 film might fall into the guilty pleasures category, the on-court looks feel pretty accurate and still hold up faithfully. Bettany’s character wears an all-white ensemble by Fred Perry—although they haven’t sponsored a top player since Andy Murray, it's still a British sportswear staple. Meanwhile, Dunst’s Puma look—another brand we rarely see on a tennis court these days—and frequently bare midriff feels like a nod to the iconic Anna Kournikova, who retired the year before.