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Framed through the world-famous Wimbledon tournament, revisit the golden age of tennis in this three-part fascinating series. Meet the heroes who changed the sport forever and drove significant change away from the tennis courts.
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About the Show
Framed through the world-famous Wimbledon tournament, this series revisits a golden age of tennis during the 1970s and 1980s that changed the sport forever. Contributors include Billie Jean King, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Sue Barker, Clare Balding, Sir Trevor McDonald, Bjorn Borg, Pat Cash, John Lloyd, Tracy Austin, Jonathan Ross, Miriam Margolyes, Martina Navratilova, and Pam Shriver.
Episode 1: Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe
It’s 1975, and Billie Jean King and Arthur Ashe are aiming to win Wimbledon titles but also, in their own ways, to change the world for the better.
Back in the late 60s, Billie Jean King took up the gauntlet for women in sport. Having dominated the women's game for years, winning several championships, she is paramount in spearheading the drive for equal prize money and equal treatment of women.
Meanwhile, Arthur reaches the Wimbledon Men’s final with the opportunity to become the first Black man to win the Championship. His last-minute decision to change his game in the final against Jimmy Connors surprises everyone.
Episode 2: Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe
Crowds flock to see two tennis superstars face off against each other in the 1981 Wimbledon Men’s final. The rivalry between sex-symbol Bjorn Borg and tabloid bad-boy John McEnroe is the fiercest the men’s game has ever seen.
In the mid-70s, Borg begins to bring a new glamour and celebrity to center court and is regularly mobbed by hordes of screaming fans. But he is soon challenged by a young upstart from New York – John McEnroe. With little respect for institutions, McEnroe clashes with umpires and his explosive outbursts on center court become frequent.
Episode 3: Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert
It’s 1990, and Martina Navratilova – Czech-born but representing the USA - has the chance to become the most decorated singles player in Wimbledon history.
But in the years proceeding that final, Martina is viewed with suspicion by the American public, having defected from a communist country and being openly gay. In comparison, her famous rival Chris Evert is America’s sweetheart. She is heralded as the perfect celebrity athlete - Andy Warhol has painted her portrait and gossip magazines pour over her love life. Evert is pigeonholed based on her looks, but she is Navratilova’s most formidable opponent with a reputation for incredible mental toughness.
