New Three-Part Series Revisits the Golden Age of Tennis
The 1970s and 80s marked a golden age for tennis that changed the sport and the world. Gods of Tennis, a new three-part series, explores how players influenced significant change on and off the court. The series airs Tuesdays, July 23 through August 6, at 9pm on CET and ThinkTV16 and will also be available on the PBS App.
Framed through the world-famous Wimbledon tournament, Gods of Tennis features archival footage from some of the most iconic players’ greatest matches alongside exclusive new interviews. Meet the heroes who changed the support forever including Billie Jean King, Bjorn Borg, Martina Navratilova, Arthur Ashe, Chris Evert and John McEnroe.
Gods of Tennis explores how the players not only revolutionized the game but dared to challenge the establishment and fight for social change. Each episode focuses on a different set of players and the social boundaries that they each pushed in their own ways. From race and ethnicity to gender and sexual orientation, the series explores how those identities influenced their lives as tennis players and as people.
Sports are a microcosm of society,” King said, according to a press release. “It reflects what’s going on in the world.”
Learn more about the episode details below.
Episode 1: “Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe”
Premieres Tuesday, July 23, at 9pm on CET / ThinkTV16
It’s 1975 and two tennis greats — Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe — aim to win Wimbledon titles and change the world in their own ways. Having dominated the women’s game for years, King continues the fight for equal treatment for women in sport. Ashe, who had grown up in segregated Virginia, uses his platform to shine a light on racial inequality.
Episode 2: “Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe”
Premieres Tuesday, July 30, at 9pm on CET / ThinkTV16
In the 1981 Wimbledon men’s final, crowds flock to see two tennis superstars face off, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. Their showdowns in the Wimbledon finals of 1980 and 1981 are among the most memorable matches in men’s tennis, but their sporting prowess brings intense media scrutiny. And while McEnroe’s antics infuriate the press and the Wimbledon hierarchy, it’s the calm and collected Borg who struggles to cope.
Episode 3: “Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert”
Premieres Tuesday, August 6, at 9pm on CET / ThinkTV16
It’s 1990, and Martina Navratilova – Czech-born but representing the USA – has a chance to make history. Her beloved rival, Chris Evert, is considered America’s sweetheart. This episode explores their intense rivalry, but at the heart of the story is Navratilova’s search for acceptance as both a player and a gay woman, culminating in a drive to become the winningest player of the court.
Watch a preview of the series: https://watch.cetconnect.org/video/preview-yqgs6n/.
