Zendaya Reveals She Was Scared Doing Tennis Scenes In Upcoming Movie
Actress Zendaya has revealed her newfound appreciation for athletes as she takes on the challenging role of tennis sensation Tashi in the upcoming movie Challengers. The Emmy-winning actress, known for her dedication and talent, opens up about the fear and excitement she experienced while acting out intense tennis scenes in front of a live audience.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, Challengers promises to captivate audiences with its blend of sports, romance, and self-discovery as Zendaya portrays Tashi, a formidable tennis player who, after facing an injury, transforms into a coach while navigating a complex love triangle involving her husband Art, played by Mike Faist, and her ex-partner Patrick, portrayed by Josh O’Connor.
Speaking to Elle, Zendaya’s honesty shone through as she discussed her feelings of apprehension during the tennis scenes. “The more I had to pretend to do tennis in front of a camera with an audience, the more terrified I felt,” she shared with a hearty laugh. While she was not even using a real ball in these nerve-wracking scenes, she said the pressure of performing as if at the prestigious US Open left her grappling with fear.
““I’m just doing the form and footwork and getting my swing right and doing it in front of a whole bunch of people as if it’s the US Open, and I’m terrified,” she added.
Luca’s praise for Zendaya’s dedication and skill is nothing short of remarkable. He stated, “We edited the movie and we almost actually don’t use any of her double. She’s so good.”
Zendaya’s portrayal of Tashi is a testament to the complexity of human nature. Exploring the psychology of her character, she delved into the decisions Tashi makes and the motivations behind them. “I still don’t understand the decisions she makes, and we had so many conversations about the psychology of her and why she is that way,” Zendaya said.
Furthermore, Zendaya’s portrayal of a strong, conflicted character challenges the status quo. “What was important to me was that she was unapologetic about it. Sometimes characters who are messy and conflicted and wield power over other people are reserved for [actors] who don’t look like me, so when I get an opportunity to play a character like that, I’ma take it!” she added.
As Challengers approaches its release, Zendaya’s journey reminds us of the power of pushing past our fears, the importance of hard work, and the value of embracing complex characters that challenge societal expectations.
