Netflix tennis series Break Point is here and this is what you can expect

Kevin Palmer
January 9, 2023

It has been the talk of tennis for the last year and now Tennis365 can reveal a sneak peak of what to expect from the Netflix series, Break Point.

We have been given access to the first five episodes of a show that takes viewers behind the scenes on the tennis tour, with the unprecedented access serving up some gripping viewing.

From the team behind the hugely successful Netflix show F1: Drive to Survive, Break Point does not disappoint as it opens tennis up to a new audience and here are some of the revelations we get to see in the opening three episodes.

EPISODE 1: Australian Open

Key Players: Nick Kyrgios (Australia), Thanasi Kokkinakis (Nick’s doubles partner, Australia)

This opener is focused around the enduringly fascinating Kyrgios, as he embarks on a run to the Australian Open doubles title with his close friend Kokkinakis.

The battles he lives through off court make for the most interesting viewing, we get to hear from his mother and see the beginning of his flourishing romance with Costeen Hatzi.

Kyrgios openly admits he may be close to retirement from a sport that drives him to the brink on and off the court, with the joy tennis brings him as he wins the Doubles title in Melbourne setting him up for a 2022 season that included a run to the Wimbledon Singles’ Final.

EPISODE 2: Australian Open

Key Players: Matteo Berrettini (Italy), Ajla Tomljanovic (Australia)

This episode takes us inside the romance of Berrettini and Tomljanovic.

We get to see their incredibly messy hotel room in Melbourne and see how they comfort each other as they enjoy contrasting fortunes at the Australian Open.

The passages featuring Berrettini’s adoring family in Italy are a highlight, as is the duo’s explanation of the battles they face in the heat of battle on court.

Tomljanovic suggests she will retire from the sport after her defeat against Paula Badosa in the first round, but Berrettini does his best to dispel her disappointment.

EPISODE 3: Indian Wells

Key Players: Maria Sakkari (Greece), Taylor Fritz (USA)

The best of the first three episodes includes Maria Sakkari reflecting on her brief ‘retirement’ from tennis and the emergence of Fritz as a winner in his home tournament at Indian Wells.

Sakkari’s story includes reflections on her mother’s success in putting tennis on the map in Greece during her playing career is given respectful coverage, with Maria’s dedication to make the best of herself highlighted by footage her work in the gym.

Maria Sakkari on Netflix's Break Point — Maria Sakkari on Netflix’s Break Point

She confirms she decided to ‘retire’ from tennis, only for her to contact her coaching team four days later to begin a new practice schedule, with the Greek star shining as she reached the final at Indian Wells.

Fritz’s story has the ultimate happy ending, as he lifts the title with a win against Rafael Nadal, but that is only part of the story.

After Fritz hurt his ankle in a warm-up on the morning of the final, his coaching team (including the highly respected Paul Annacone) are shown strongly urging him not to play the final against Nadal.

Fritz rejects their advice and goes on to pull off the biggest win of his career, with the Netflix show neglecting to reference the injury suffered by Nadal during that final.

NETFLIX BREAK POINT VERDICT

Break Point offers a great insight into life as a professional tennis player, but we need to see even more.

Tennis fans will enjoy the show and newcomers to the sport should be fascinated by the lifestyle and challenges faced by the game’s top stars.

Our sport is eager to shift the narrative away from established stars like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams and this show can help to do that.

We will review the final two parts of this batch of Netflix’s Break Point in the coming days, with the first five episodes available on January 13.