‘They worked hard for it’

Hollywood actress Zendaya has taken on a new role in the sports drama “Challengers,” which hit US theaters this week. The movie follows a tennis champion, played by Mike Faist, as he tries to make a comeback with the help of his wife, a prodigy-turned-coach portrayed by Zendaya. However, his former best friend, played by Josh O’Connor, stands in his way as a formidable opponent.

To ensure authenticity in the tennis scenes, the filmmakers enlisted the help of legendary tennis coach Brad Gilbert. Known for coaching top players like Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, and Coco Gauff, Gilbert was named the tennis consultant for the movie. Over three months of training in Boston, he worked with the actors and their body doubles to perfect their on-court performances.

Faist, who plays a classic player with a one-handed backhand in the film, had to consume around 10,000 calories a day to fit the character’s physique. Zendaya’s character is described as a fierce competitor on the court, while O’Connor’s character is portrayed as a more carefree player.

Gilbert emphasized the dedication of the actors, noting that they put in the hard work both on the court and in their acting performances. Despite the challenges of choreographing tennis scenes for the film, Gilbert ensured that each rally was rehearsed multiple times to capture the essence of real-time gameplay.

With Gilbert’s expertise and the commitment of the cast, “Challengers” promises to deliver a thrilling and authentic portrayal of the competitive world of tennis on the big screen.