You are here:

Unmatched

Name: Unmatched
Director: Lisa Lax, Nancy Stern Winters
Released: 2010
Duration: 52 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2010

TV-G

Director

Lisa Lax, Nancy Stern Winters

Runtime

52 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film provides a powerful look at women's ability to drive the story by focusing on two of tennis's most dominant figures. It moves beyond traditional domestic clichés, highlighting the intellectual and physical strength needed for professional success. However, the biographical focus limits the scope of diversity. While Navratilova's heritage and identity add important layers, the narrative remains centered on a specific, historically Western-dominated sporting era. Ultimately, the film succeeds as a study of how individual identities intersect with broader cultural shifts, even if it does not aim for extensive diversity.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Unmatched have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights Martina Navratilova as a key figure for LGBTQ+ visibility. It touches on identity within the changing social landscape while focusing on athletic rivalry.

How does Unmatched portray gender?

Excellent

The documentary showcases female athletes as strong, high-stakes competitors. It challenges traditional views of female passivity by emphasizing their intense strength and professional success.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Unmatched?

Fair

The film focuses on a specific interpersonal dynamic within the tennis world. Navratilova’s Czech heritage adds ethnic diversity, but the film does not explore a wide range of racial backgrounds.

How does Unmatched represent religion and culture?

Good

The film looks at evolving social norms through professional sports. It examines the shift from strict 1970s structures to a more modern, subjective understanding of identity and behavior.

Does Unmatched include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in this documentary.

Present on Screen

Highlights female athletes as strong, high-stakes competitors.
Challenges traditional gender stereotypes through intense competition.
Offers meaningful visibility for a foundational LGBTQ+ sporting icon.

Limited or Absent

Does not explore a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Focuses narrowly on a specific interpersonal rivalry.
Provides no representation for physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

The first time Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova stepped onto a tennis court together, the world scarcely noticed. Only a few hundred spectators saw the pert 18-year-old beat the scrappy 16-year-old Czech in 1973. “I remember that she was fat,” Evert recalled. “She was very emotional on the court, whining if she didn't feel she was playing well. But I remember thinking, if she loses weight, we’re all in trouble.” Said Navratilova, “My goal was for her to remember my name.” Eighty matches later – amid the extraordinary growth of women’s tennis – Evert not only remembered, but became a tried and true friend and confidante, remarkable considering the two appeared to be polar opposites in upbringing, life styles and personal relationships. Through a series of personal conversations, this documentary will tell the story of one of the greatest one-on-one sports rivalries and capture these two extraordinary athletes’ views on tennis and an ever-changing world.

How are these scores produced? →