Overview
Borg vs McEnroe is a 2017 biographical sports drama film, focusing on the famous professional rivalry between tennis players, Björn Borg and John McEnroe at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships, culminating in their encounter in the men's singles final, one of the most dramatic tennis matches of all time. The film, a production between Sweden, Denmark and Finland, was directed by Janus Metz Pedersen, from a screenplay written by Ronnie Sandahl and stars Sverrir Gudnason, Shia LaBeouf, Stellan Skarsgård, Tuva Novotny and Robert Emms. The film opened the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.
Synopsis
In 1980, disciplined Swedish tennis champion, Björn Borg and abrasive American upstart, John McEnroe prepare to compete at Wimbledon. As the number one ranked player in the world, Borg is under enormous pressure to win his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. Living in Monaco with his fiancée, Mariana, Borg is uncomfortable with his celebrity and Mariana struggles with the lack of control over their lives.
Taking up tennis at an early age, young Borg is suspended due to angry outbursts on the court. Retired champion and Davis Cup captain Lennart Bergelin notices Borg's potential and his unusual backhand, and becomes his coach. Borg struggles with his temper and clashes with Bergelin, who is pressured to enter 15-year-old Björn as the youngest ever Davis Cup player. Bergelin relents, but urges Borg to hide his emotions and channel them into his game.
As a child, McEnroe idolizes Borg and is a gifted student but struggles with his parents' high expectations. By age 21, McEnroe is tennis' number two ranked player and a rising star, determined to win his first Wimbledon title. In sharp contrast to the famously unflappable Borg, McEnroe is prone to aggressive outbursts and confrontations with umpires, much like Borg in his youth.
From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).