The Challengers (2024)
The film follows a non-linear narrative, but here is a chronological summary of the events.
In 2006, Patrick Zweig and Art Donaldson won the boys' junior doubles title at the US Open. After watching her match, they both become captivated by Tashi Duncan, a rising tennis star. Later, the three meet at a party, and share a brief romantic moment in their hotel room, but Tashi quickly ends it. She teases that she'll give her phone number to the winner of the next day's match. Patrick wins, signaling to Art that he is with Tashi by using Art’s signature move—placing the ball in the neck of his racket.
In 2007, Tashi and Art played tennis for Stanford, while Patrick turned pro. Patrick and Tashi start a long-distance relationship, but Art sows doubt, suggesting neither takes the relationship seriously. This tension leads to a fight between Patrick and Tashi, and when Patrick skips one of her matches, Tashi gets injured. Patrick visits, but she pushes him away, and Art ends his friendship with Patrick to support Tashi.
By 2009, Tashi and Art had reconnected as coaches and players, eventually becoming a couple. In 2011, they are engaged, but when Tashi and Patrick cross paths at a tournament, they have a one-night stand, which Art notices.
In 2019, Tashi and Art are a successful couple with a daughter, but Art’s career is faltering. He enters a tournament, where he faces Patrick. Despite Tashi asking Patrick to throw the match for Art’s confidence, the match becomes a heated showdown. In the end, Art and Patrick embrace after an intense rally, leaving Tashi finally satisfied with the outcome.
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