Adult tennis lessons searches soar off the back of Challengers release
Google search data reveals that online searches for “adult tennis lessons” have exploded worldwide since the Challengers (2024) movie premiered.
Findings by analysts at Venture Smarter reveal that online interest in “adult tennis lessons” has increased over three times the average volume since the US premiere of the Zendaya vehicle on 16 April.
Challengers has bucked the trend of movies about tennis being blockbuster flops with crowds thronging to the steamy tennis romantic drama.
Zendaya’s latest movie was champion at the box office in its opening weekend, making $15 million in North America.
While King Richard, the biopic that focused on the father of Venus and Serena Williams, was honoured with numerous awards but wasn’t really a massive commercial success.
Previously, Battle of the Sexes told the story of Billie Jean King’s infamous showdown with Bobby Riggs and drew some critical acclaim but little attention from the average cinema patron.
The 2004 film Wimbledon, drew a mixed reaction from critics and a modest box office.
“Movies centred around tennis don’t typically generate significant box office revenue, but this movie has smashed it,” said a spokesperson for Venture Smarter.
“Challengers looks set to outgross tennis movies King Richard, Wimbledon and Battle of the Sexes.”
“And not only has it done well financially, but it has also inspired audiences to pick up a racquet and play tennis, which is great for our mental and physical wellbeing.”
Online searches for “kids tennis classes” have also shot up by 205%, which is three times the average volume, since the release.
READ MORE: ‘Challengers’ movie: all you need to know – and is it actually worth watching?
Tenniscore to the fore
The film hasn’t just sparked interest in the sport itself but also elements of the fashion that is on show on the court and off it.
Tenniscore has been tipped to become the hot trend of the summer, largely thanks to the star power of Zendaya and her tennis-inspired outfits donned on an incredible publicity tour.
Fashion resale app Depop has reported that searches for tennis skirts and polo shirts are up 52% and 53% respectively in recent weeks.
Tennis stars have influenced fashion since the early 20th century but it is no coincidence that this new rise in popularity coincides with the release of Challengers.
The link between high-end fashion houses and tennis is strong with Emma Raducanu serving as a Dior ambassador, Jannik Sinner working with Gucci and Carlos Alcaraz in adverts for Louis Vuitton to name a few.
While the Luca Guadagnino film has put the spotlight on tennis, the eye for style has long been part of the sport.