Directed by the Italian filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers is the latest film in which Zendaya stars. She portrays Tashi, a former professional tennis player turned coach. Tashi is married to Art Donaldson (played by Mike Faist), a talented tennis player going through a rough patch. In an attempt to help him, Tashi signs Art up for a low-profile tournament called «Challenger.»
However, things get complicated when they encounter Tashi’s ex-boyfriend, Patrick Zweig (played by Josh O’Connor), at the tournament. Patrick also used to be Art’s best friend. This sets off a love triangle that stirs up old rivalries, endangering the relationships of everyone involved, both on and off the tennis court.
Gaby Cam has interviewed the lead actors of Challenger, Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor. In the interview, Zendaya, playing Tashi, discusses the complexities of her character, who both aids and challenges her co-stars, without casting judgment on her role as an actress. Furthermore, the actors have been asked about a recurring theme in the film: its portrayal of male psychology and behavior.
Inspirations Behind Challengers
According to El Tiempo Latino, the film traces back to the memorable 2018 US Open final, where Naomi Osaka clinched victory over Serena Williams. However, it was during the 2019 Wimbledon final, amidst an enthralling match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, that the film’s writer, Justin Kuritzkes, found inspiration for Zendaya’s character, Tashi Duncan. Who was she based on? None other than Federer’s wife, Mirka Vavrinec.
justin kuritzkes (screenwriter for challengers) mentioning he took a bit of inspiration for tashi from mirka federer (roger federer’s wife) pic.twitter.com/iJO51x5vNH
Why? Because he was captivated by the intense commitment she displayed during the match while watching her husband play. Consequently, Kuritzkes felt compelled to delve deeper into the emotions of those off the court.
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