Best Tennis Scenes

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My favourite time of year is upon us! Yes, Wimbledon starts today with Andy Murray coming on Centre Court as the defending champion. Sounds good doesn't it? Fingers crossed for him this year.

I'm super excited to watch lots of tennis over the next two weeks, so I thought Ticket Stub should look at the best tennis scenes in film.

Can you think of any more to add to this list? Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Strangers on a Train (1951)

"I beg your pardon, but aren't you Guy Haines?"

Alfred Hitchcock is the master of suspense and this sport lends itself to tension. Bruno and Guy are strangers who meet on a train (clue's in the title). Bruno persuades Guy, a professional tennis player, to swap murders. Bruno goes ahead but Guy is reluctant to his side of the bargain. Here, Bruno wants to plant Guy's lighter on the scene of his crime so he will get away with it before the police turn up. However, Bruno is delayed as he accidentally drops the lighter down the drain whilst we see Guy who is desperate to finish his match so he can stop Bruno. The tension of the two moments is excruciating and one of the most memorable tennis scenes ever.

Match Point (2005)

"I'd rather be lucky than good"

Chris is a former tennis professional turned instructor. In Woody Allen's film set in London, we see Chris and his wealthy pupil, Tom, start a friendship which changes Chris's life forever after he meets Tom's beautiful fiancee, Nola. This opening shot of the film shows the nature of luck in life and tennis - a theme explored throughout the movie. All the beginning tennis scenes were shot at Queen's Club, London.

Bridesmaids (2011)

"GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, CAROL!"

Tennis is the best way to show rivalry between characters so this works perfectly between head bridesmaid Annie and Little-Miss-Perfect Helen. Plenty of hilarious body shots and Annie getting angry at Carol - makes me laugh every time.

Wimbledon (2004)

"We all start off in life with a dream, don't we? For a tennis player, it's being in the final of a Grand Slam, Centre Court, a high lob... a smash. Game, set and match. You're a champion. You're number one. But for most tennis players, that's all it ever is: a dream. 

The reality is another story."

Of course, there are a bunch of tennis scenes in this romantic comedy. It also shows the tournament's grounds in all its glory. I will link to the match where Peter starts to turn things around with Lizzie looking on.

Annie Hall (1977)

"La-di-da"

This is where it all begins for Annie and Alvy. They meet when playing doubles with their friends at the local tennis club. After the match is the adorably awkward small talk between the two characters. However, this leads to Alvy catching a ride in Annie's car and having a glass of wine on the balcony. The film then sees the blossoming and demise of their relationship. 

To find out more about Annie Hall click on the link to see the Sunday Classic post or have a look at the When Harry Met Annie post where I compare the brilliant romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally, with Allen's film.

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

"It's Mom and me versus you and Dad"

 This tennis match is the opening of the movie. It is the perfect setting to show the eventual separation, tension and anger between parents Bernard and Joan. The rest of the film sees the couple going through their divorce and the impact it has on their two sons. A highly recommended film starring Laura Linney, Jeff Daniels and Jesse Eisenberg.

Can you think of any more?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog