Break Point Story :-
In the sixth episode of the Netflix docuseries “Break Point,” viewers witness Ajla Tomljanovic, a seasoned tennis player who has consistently ranked within the Top 100 globally over the past decade, in a vulnerable moment. Following her advancement to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Wimbledon tournament, she finds herself sprawled on an exercise mat in a mundane training room. Her father, Ratko, assists in stretching her hamstrings as she receives congratulatory calls from her sister and her mentor, the legendary 18-time major champion Chris Evert. Amidst the celebrations, the looming prospect of an ice bath adds a touch of dread to the occasion. Interestingly, Tomljanovic casually inquires about their accommodations, indicating the transient lifestyle inherent in professional tennis. Soon after her success, Ratko is depicted extending their stay in London through booking.com.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 1 October 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Drama |
| Episodes | 18 |
| Cast | Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens, Jr., Kevin McKidd, Caterina Scorsone, Camilla Luddington, Kelly McCreary, Kim Raver, Jake Borelli, Chris Carmack, Richard Flood, Anthony Hill, Scott Speedman |
| Director | Debbie Allen, Kevin McKidd, Chandra Wilson, Michael W. Watkins, Michael Watkins, Lindsay Cohen, Tony Phelan, Michael Watkins, Linda Klein, Allison Liddi-Brown |
| Writer | Meg Marinis, Felicia Pride, Jamie Denbo, Jess Righthand, Kiley Donovan & Beto Skubs, Julie Wong, Jase Miles-Perez, Krista Vernoff, Mark Driscoll, Beto Skubs, Zoanne Clack |
| Producer | Shonda Rhimes |
| Production | American Broadcasting Company |
| Certificate | 18+ |
This portrayal offers a glimpse into the unconventional reality of professional tennis players, who navigate the global circuit with a limited entourage consisting of coaches, physiotherapists, and occasionally a parent. Unlike athletes in other elite sports who may delegate administrative tasks to agents and managers, tennis players often handle bureaucratic challenges independently. While some tournaments may catch them off guard with unexpected success, the majority serve as reminders of their position in the competitive hierarchy. As Taylor Fritz, a prominent American men’s player, astutely observes in “Break Point,” the nature of tennis makes it difficult to find joy since every week all but one player end in defeat. This sobering reflection holds weight, particularly coming from a player who consistently outperforms the majority of his peers on the tour.
“Break Point,” helmed by executive producers Paul Martin and Oscar-winning filmmaker James Gay-Rees, emerges as a rare treat for tennis enthusiasts craving well-produced and accessible documentaries about the sport. Despite tennis boasting iconic figures like the Williams sisters, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, comprehensive documentaries about the sport have been scarce. Unlike other sports documentaries that often glorify triumphs and celebratory moments, “Break Point” takes a candid look at loss, placing it at the forefront of its narrative.
The series structure mirrors the tennis calendar, commencing with the Australian Open and culminating with the year-end championships in November. Each tournament offers moments of triumph for the players featured in the spotlight, followed inevitably by defeat. Whether thwarted by formidable opponents or grappling with internal pressures, these athletes find solace in small comforts amidst the rigors of competition. However, tears are shed, motivating them to redouble their efforts and persevere through adversity.
While “Break Point” may lack extensive coverage of actual gameplay, it provides valuable insights into the psychological and emotional struggles faced by players on the tour. The series captures the intensity of competition and the toll it takes on athletes, offering a stark contrast to the polished narratives often associated with sports documentaries. Viewers witness the vulnerability of players like Nick Kyrgios as they navigate the highs and lows of professional tennis, shedding light on the human side of the sport.
As the series progresses, it highlights emerging stars like Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas, positioning them as the future of tennis alongside other promising talents. Despite its pretensions to realism, “Break Point” faces the challenge of capturing the essence of a sport characterized by individualism and introspection. Tennis players operate in solitude, with no recourse to on-court coaching or team camaraderie. The game’s psychological battles unfold within the confines of the mind, underscoring the solitary nature of tennis.
In the final episode, viewers witness Tomljanovic’s historic victory over Serena Williams at the U.S. Open, a match that marked the tennis legend’s retirement. However, the triumph is tinged with ambivalence as Tomljanovic grapples with conflicting emotions despite her win. The absence of celebratory rituals highlights the solitary journey of a tennis player, reminding viewers that victory is often accompanied by a sense of isolation and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Overall, “Break Point” offers a refreshing departure from conventional sports documentaries, providing a nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by professional tennis players. By shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of the sport, the series offers a compelling narrative that resonates with both tennis enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
