Challengers is a film of many interpretations; it is both polarizing and unifying in its surveillance of humanness. From the debated morality of its protagonists to the story’s open ending, there is not much the audience can wholly agree on. The core relationship between Tashi, Patrick and Art is the common thread that weaves itself through each theory and question the viewer is left to consider. While the audience may interrogate the material for concrete answers or insight, the beauty of this film is found in its constant speculation.
The story follows three young tennis players, whose lives become intertwined through the sport. Tashi is initially introduced as a love interest to Art and Patrick, a pair of childhood friends and tennis partners. As a skilled and tenacious athlete, Tashi is relentless in pursuit of her greatest desire: tennis itself. She describes the sport as a relationship between its players — something that can feel like love, if only for a moment. Patrick and Art find themselves inexplicably drawn to Tashi and to each other in this tale of love, loss, betrayal and connection.
While Patrick mirrors Tashi’s talent, he lacks her drive and determination. Patrick soon discovers himself at the very bottom of his dreams. Although Art has established great career success with Tashi as his coach, he continuously seeks her approval through his achievements. This causes him to slowly lose his own focus and passion for the game.
Tashi, now stripped of her ability to compete, grieves the loss of everything she once knew. The future she always envisioned for herself has been shattered with one misstep. Tashi’s unrealized potential is consummated through the legacy she’s built with Art. Their partnership provides her a sense of safety, comfort and control. While Art has become a vessel for Tashi to actualize her dreams, Patrick gratifies her need for a challenge. However, neither relationship alone can fill the void that Tashi’s love for tennis has left behind.
Since Tashi’s career-ending injury, Patrick and Art have gone from inseparable to strangers. Some fans may attempt to place blame upon a single character for the tragic outcome of this trio. Although no party is entirely faultless or solely responsible, it is apparent that time has witnessed each of these characters falling victim to their own passions.
The two former friends reunite to play one last tournament; this time, on opposite sides of the net. As the film approaches its climactic ending, Patrick, Art and Tashi are able to rekindle their passion through the game that first brought them together. While viewers may be left without a declared winner for this match, they are given a clear resolution. These characters have brought their absolute best to the tennis court and to each other. By virtue of this surrender, to and through the sport, their connection is ultimately restored. Tennis, at its best, is like a relationship. The story of Challengers comes to a close with this mutual understanding of love.
