Season Two of the Netflix Tennis Documentary Is Light on Depth
Break Point (2024)
A Quick TV Review
The first season of Break Point in 2023 was an eagerly anticipated entry to Netflix's sports documentary library that mostly succeeded in offering an engaging, if introductory, look at some behind-the-scenes drama of select tennis stars' on-court ambitions during the 2022 season. How would the second season, released just ahead of this year's Australian Open, stack up?
A Quick TV Review
The first season of Break Point in 2023 was an eagerly anticipated entry to Netflix's sports documentary library that mostly succeeded in offering an engaging, if introductory, look at some behind-the-scenes drama of select tennis stars' on-court ambitions during the 2022 season. How would the second season, released just ahead of this year's Australian Open, stack up?
Well...not as strongly. Though announced fairly early last year, the second season's six episodes (compared to the first's 10) feel lighter and certainly less revelatory.
There are a couple of notable exceptions. Maria Sakkari, a returning subject from season one, remarkably let's her vulnerability show as her mental confidence is shaken in a rough patch mid-tour season.
Also, the focus on another returnee, Aryna Sabalenka, offers a strong rebuttal to the 'Netflix curse' seemingly affecting season one's cast, as she opens season two with a championship in Melbourne and closes with a number one ranking after the U.S. Open.
Otherwise, there is a cursory feel to Break Point's season two coverage. Other returnees, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, don't have the compelling moments on-court season one showcased to color this turn's backstories.
While segments on series newcomers Holger Rune and Tommy Paul offer some depth on their respective backstories, others on Ben Shelton, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula feel somewhat short shrifted. And, whereas season one featured a robust roster of experts offering narrative and commentary, it's up to retired star Jim Courier to be the sole returning voice - another comparative lightness issue.
I'm also curious to the decision to avoid mention of the unique, tense year that Sabalenka had in '23, where 'handshake gate' was a significant issue. Relatedly, there was no mention again of the general playing conditions Sabalenka (and other Belarusian and Russian players) found herself in still after Ukrainian war-inspired restrictions.
Which highlights another curious production choice...Tokyo 2020 champion Alexander Zverev's inclusion. While his comeback from injury was a compelling tour storyline, the fact that abuse allegations dogged him still in 2022 might have sent producers looking beyond Zverev as a subject. That they didn't was curious, particularly when Break Point showcased Zverev's angry emotions getting the best of him after a disappointing loss. That a charitable foundation appearance by Zverev was included felt very distractingly PR-driven.
All that said, the on-court action was filmed well...and sounded well (tennis is a feast for the ears, too, after all). And, it's always a treat to see a personal side of Olympians, as aside from Zverev, Tiafoe, Paul, Sabalenka, Pegula, and Sakkari were also at Tokyo 2020). Plus, as of the time of this writing, the 'Netflix curse' doesn't seem to affect this year's cast in the Australian Open...yet.
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Make sure to check out Games and Rings' looks at other Olympic-related shows, films, and books under the A Quick Review tag.
There are a couple of notable exceptions. Maria Sakkari, a returning subject from season one, remarkably let's her vulnerability show as her mental confidence is shaken in a rough patch mid-tour season.
Also, the focus on another returnee, Aryna Sabalenka, offers a strong rebuttal to the 'Netflix curse' seemingly affecting season one's cast, as she opens season two with a championship in Melbourne and closes with a number one ranking after the U.S. Open.
Otherwise, there is a cursory feel to Break Point's season two coverage. Other returnees, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz, don't have the compelling moments on-court season one showcased to color this turn's backstories.
While segments on series newcomers Holger Rune and Tommy Paul offer some depth on their respective backstories, others on Ben Shelton, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula feel somewhat short shrifted. And, whereas season one featured a robust roster of experts offering narrative and commentary, it's up to retired star Jim Courier to be the sole returning voice - another comparative lightness issue.
I'm also curious to the decision to avoid mention of the unique, tense year that Sabalenka had in '23, where 'handshake gate' was a significant issue. Relatedly, there was no mention again of the general playing conditions Sabalenka (and other Belarusian and Russian players) found herself in still after Ukrainian war-inspired restrictions.
Which highlights another curious production choice...Tokyo 2020 champion Alexander Zverev's inclusion. While his comeback from injury was a compelling tour storyline, the fact that abuse allegations dogged him still in 2022 might have sent producers looking beyond Zverev as a subject. That they didn't was curious, particularly when Break Point showcased Zverev's angry emotions getting the best of him after a disappointing loss. That a charitable foundation appearance by Zverev was included felt very distractingly PR-driven.
All that said, the on-court action was filmed well...and sounded well (tennis is a feast for the ears, too, after all). And, it's always a treat to see a personal side of Olympians, as aside from Zverev, Tiafoe, Paul, Sabalenka, Pegula, and Sakkari were also at Tokyo 2020). Plus, as of the time of this writing, the 'Netflix curse' doesn't seem to affect this year's cast in the Australian Open...yet.
~
Make sure to check out Games and Rings' looks at other Olympic-related shows, films, and books under the A Quick Review tag.
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