Netflix’s new hit series Break Point has propelled a new generation of tennis stars into the spotlight and plans to put the sport in front of a fresh audience, just like F1’s Drive to Survive.

A format has been created for these programmes to follow, and this format works exceptionally well.

Such shows allow for compelling storytelling and give the audience a deeper look into the lives of their idols.

But, for those who are not already engrossed in the sporting community, these productions offer an easy, comfortable route into a sport, highlighting the excitement behind the usual action.

It’s no secret that Drive to Survive did its job in welcoming a new generation of fans into the motorsport world. In fact, audience data reveals that the fourth season saw 4 million viewers watching just across its opening week.

In turn, this works wonders for consumerism, creating new fans who will purchase tickets, wear merchandise, and play their part in the fanbase.

Now, the sport of tennis is looking to reap the same benefits.

When Break Point landed on Netflix on January 13, fans were immediately launching the app to hear that famous Netflix open screen sound.

Viewers are taken on a journey as they are invited to follow the lives of some of the best players in the world as they travel across the globe for all four Grand Slams, the ATP, and the WTA tour.

Priory Tennis club player and committee member Jack Hankey believes the show will be incredible for the sport and can’t wait to see the effect it will have further down the line.

He began his journey into tennis aged, after following in the footsteps of his father, a national table tennis player.

“I’ve always said I don’t remember learning how to play tennis, I just remember going from the first time playing with my dad, to playing in national and international tournaments very quickly.

“I was on a scholarship programme with the LTA, and I was playing constantly, then I took a step back and began coaching in my late teens when it all became too intense,” he said.

Developing his coaching expertise, Jack began coaching at a club in Wimbledon. But, spending hours upon hours on the court every single day without playing eventually took its toll and he was desperate to get back playing.

Image: Jack by Chris Czermack

Taking the time to step away from the sport, Jack’s passion was incredibly strong when he dived back into tennis.

“I’ve got more passion now than I have ever had, even my career has been helped from the skills I learnt playing competitive sport.

“Andy Perry of Priory used to coach my mum, so he is a family friend and I’ve always loved the club. When I returned to the area, I contacted the chairman Nick to see if they needed any players.

“There was no guarantee that I’d be in the first team but that didn’t matter to me, I just wanted to play with people of a similar level to me.”

Priory have proven to be an amazing club, winning various awards, and earning promotions to assert themselves as one of the best clubs in Cheshire.

They’re a club that allow the people of Tameside to enjoy the wonderful sport of tennis, so when Break Point arrived on the scene, they were beyond excited to see the positives it may bring.

Break Point aka @Netflix tennis series' trailer is out!

See you january 13th 📺 pic.twitter.com/Bxcp1fi45n

— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) December 14, 2022

“I think shows like Break Point are incredible, they give the personalities within the sport much more exposure.

“These players may be role models, but these shows help to show that they are normal people. They just have a fantastic work ethic and a great amount of talent, they work hard and are committed.

“We’ve been blessed with a selection of the best players of all time, that are all active at the same time. These people are viewed as gods and goddesses, but it’s important to see this new generation who will soon become champions,” he said.

This concept was something that Break Point excelled in, sharing the stories of the newcomers on the scene.

A quest has now begun for the fresh talent to knock down the foundations that hold these generational legends at the top of the game. One of these talented young players whose name was amplified following the series was American Taylor Fritz.

An intense and focused player, Fritz’ hard-hitting game has taken him to four ATP Tour titles.

Now, these athletes are on a mission to prove that they are as good as the greats.

“In tennis there was this next generation, but they never really made it as quick as everyone expected, everyone expected the Kyrgios’ the Berrettini’s and the Taylor Fritz’s of the world to be dominating now and there’d be no more Djokovic, Murray, or Nadal.

“These players are much more relatable than the older legends, especially for the young people that will watch the show,” Jack said.

Increasing the percentage of young people in the sport is something that Jack believes strongly in, having seen the benefits of engaging in sport first-hand.

“I love the fact that my parents took me to play different sports, they always made sure the most important thing was that I was enjoying it.

“You learn so many transferable skills, I work in sales and the number of skills I’ve learnt from sport is fantastic.

“It’s so important to be involved in sport while you’re young, it does wonders for your personality and it gives you the confidence to grow as a person,” he said.

Break Point has successfully boosted the profile of tennis, propelling the upcoming world stars as they progress through their journey of becoming champions.

The show deals with real life issues: the struggles of battling mental health in sport, maintaining relationships as an athlete and the stress of living up to expectations.

It also shows the beauty of tennis, a sport that offers accessibility to all and offers a thrilling game.

Priory Tennis Club, based in Stalybridge, offer training sessions and games for all ages of the community. An award-winning team, they are welcoming and committed to moving forward in the sport.

“It’s the best club in Cheshire and it is incredibly welcoming. The teams are so strong, and the members come out in full force to support us playing.

“The committee are doing all they can to push the club forward and the work that everyone puts in is phenomenal. If you’re thinking about joining, don’t even think twice, it’s fantastic.”

The second instalment of Break Point is set to be released in June. Box to Box films will also release Full Swing (golf) in February.

Fans have already began to request other sports follow in the same footsteps of Formula 1 and tennis. 

Why doesn’t Track&Field have a show like @F1 ?

-Same format as the @netflix series.

-Follow the diamond league circuit.

- From practices, to agent meetings and race day to post race…shenanigans.

It would be a hit!

Just a thought.

— David Verburg OLY (@AdiVerb) January 31, 2023

What sport would you like to see on the big screen next?  

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