The Best Tennis Movie Of All Time Is Perfect To Watch As Wimbledon Fever Hits

With the Wimbledon Tennis Championships here again, all-time great sports movie King Richard makes for perfect viewing alongside the sport’s most celebrated Grand Slam. The film tells the story of the real-life Williams sisters, two of the best tennis players ever to have set foot on a court, and their relentless father and coach, Richard.

Virtually every character in King Richard is a real person, with stars Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton playing the most famous siblings in tennis, and Will Smith starring in his Oscar-winning role as Richard Williams. This is an authentic dramatization of sporting history, faithfully rendered with the input of Venus and Serena Williams, as well as an inspirational underdog story.

The movie does well to focus its lens on the Williams sisters’ father, its true underdog. Richard Williams is a complex character whose detailed planning of his daughters’ lives leads to some questionable parenting and takes its toll on his family. More specifically, this nuanced study of fatherhood will make you see tennis in a whole new light.

What Makes King Richard The Best Tennis Movie Of All Time

The Movie Combines The Visual Realism Of Its Sporting Action With Powerful Family Drama

Apart from anything else, King Richard is by far the most realistic depiction of the game of tennis ever dramatized onscreen. In scenes when sporting action takes center stage, the level of realism is breathtaking. It often feels as though we’re right there on the court with Venus and Serena.

More important than its visual realism, however, is the movie’s heart-rending portrayal of a father obsessed with his children’s success. A scene in which a neighbor has called social services to the Williams household due to concerns about the children’s welfare is extremely powerful, and makes us sympathize with Richard’s unconventional method of parenting more than anything else could.

King Richard’s ending, too, is a compelling illustration of what Richard is really trying to do for his kids. He may not always be right, but it’s hard to fault him for effort.

King Richard Will Change How You Watch Tennis In Real Life

It Shows Us What It Takes To Become A Champion

The true story behind the incredible achievements of Venus and Serena Williams throughout their tennis careers will fundamentally change how you watch tennis. King Richard gives context to the raw emotion we so often see players let on court during a match, particularly when it comes to winning a tournament.

No movie demonstrates the dedication and personal sacrifice it takes to become a champion tennis player quite like this one. If King Richard teaches us anything, it’s that many sports stars are shaped by the tireless hard work and immeasurable support of their parents.