Challengers: An Intense Courtship Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom and director Luca Guadagnino discuss their shotmaking on a romantic drama involving tennis pros. By Sarah Fensom L 56 / JUNE 2024 uca Guadagnino's Challengers is framed by a fierce tennis match between Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O'Connor), former friends and doubles partners who now find themselves on opposite sides of the net during the Challenger Tour. A mix of flashbacks and contemporary scenes off the court gradually illuminates the men's shared past, which revolves around their mutual romantic interest in Tashi (Zendaya) - Art's coach and wife, and the keenest spectator in the stands.