Gods of Tennis
The golden age of tennis, in the 1970s and 80s, changed the sport forever. Framed
through the world-famous Wimbledon tournament, this documentary series features unforgettable archive and exclusive interviews with the greatest players to have ever graced Center Court. These are heroes who broke boundaries and produced some of the most famous matches in the history of sport.
Watch Gods of Tennis and more acclaimed documentaries on BBC Select today. Restrictions apply*.
Gods of Tennis on BBC Select
Episode 1: Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe
It’s 1975 and Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe fight to become Wimbledon champions.
It’s 1975, and two tennis greats, Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe, are aiming to win Wimbledon titles but also, in their own ways, to change the world for the better. Having dominated the women’s game, winning several Wimbledons, King is
spearheading the drive for equal prize money and equal treatment of women, whilst Ashe focuses his attention on racial equality on and off the court.
Episode 2: Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe
The fierce rivalry between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe brings glamor to Center Court.
Crowds flock to see two tennis superstars face off against each other in the 1981 Wimbledon men’s final. The rivalry between sex symbol Bjorn Borg and tabloid bad boy John McEnroe is the fiercest the game has ever seen. Their showdowns in 1980 and 1981 are among the most memorable matches in men’s tennis. But their sporting prowess brings with it an intense level of media scrutiny.
Episode 3: Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
Cold War suspicions surround Martina Navratilova as she dominates Wimbledon Center Court.
It’s 1990, and Martina Navratilova has the chance to become the most decorated singles tennis player in Wimbledon history. Her famous rival Chris Evert is America’s sweetheart, heralded as t he perfect celebrity athlete. She is Navratilova’s most formidable opponent, with a reputation for incredible mental toughness. At the heart of their rivalry is Navratilova’s search for acceptance.
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