“Tennis is a relationship,” says Tashi Duncan, played by Zendaya, in Challengers, a film directed by Luca Guadagnino. This relationship extends beyond just the game and its players. The essence of tennis, and perhaps competition in general, involves a trio: two competitors and an observer whose presence and scrutiny heighten the competitive spirit. Challengers cleverly blends elements of romance and sport. Early in the film, during a junior tournament, Art Donaldson and Patrick Zweig, portrayed by Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor respectively, become infatuated with Tashi, a rising star in tennis. Although they’re talented, Tashi stands out with her focused and unmatched prowess.
Both boys vie for her attention, leading to a flirtatious encounter where they all share a kiss, though Tashi promptly departs, ready to compete the next day. Patrick wins the first match, and he and Tashi start a relationship, while Art remains a dedicated friend, supporting Tashi at her matches even as Patrick becomes less involved. When Tashi’s promising career is cut short by injury, Art supports her through the ordeal. They marry, and she becomes his coach, guiding him to international success. Meanwhile, Patrick struggles in his career, but keeps in touch with Tashi. When Art’s career declines, Tashi suggests he compete in the New Rochelle tournament, where Patrick will also play.
The film raises questions about the underlying motivations for competition. Tashi and Art have acquired wealth from their successes, yet money seems not to drive them—Art appears indifferent to his fame. A deeper pursuit of excellence might seem the motivator, but this is contradicted by Patrick’s lifestyle. Despite his wealthy background, he wastes time in bars and sleeps in his car. Art, too, hesitates to reclaim his former glory at the cost of a relentless quest.
Even Tashi, seemingly the most committed, is willing to forsake professional excellence for a moment of passion. Georg Simmel’s 1903 essay, The Sociology of Competition, suggests rivalries often aim to impress a third party. It’s this third person’s presence that adds significance and tension to competition. Challengers exemplifies this dynamic. In the film’s sensual scenes, Art and Patrick’s desire for Tashi is interwoven with their own tension. Tashi is drawn to both at different moments.
Although Art seems to have “won” her affection, he remains uneasy about Patrick’s lingering presence. The boundary between athletic and romantic competition often blurs. Tashi warns Art, “If you don’t win, I’ll leave you,” leaving us to ponder if her encouragement is simply a tactic to drive his performance. Yet she seems to relish the attention and rivalry between Art and Patrick, both on the court and in intimate settings.
As the film reaches its climactic point, tensions peak and break. It concludes with a heartfelt moment between two characters, suggesting a genuine connection beyond the urge to compete for someone else’s approval. However, the public and performative nature of that moment raises questions over whether even reconciliation emerges from a desire to be noticed and to impress.