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Racquet is a comedy sports film from 1979 starring Bert Convy as Bobby Riggs, a former tennis champion who is past his prime but still yearns for the thrill of the game. Set in the world of professional tennis, the film follows Riggs as he makes a bet with his wealthy friend, the beautiful and wealthy Barbara O'Neil (Edie Adams), that he can turn a young, unknown player into a champion within a year.

To accomplish this goal, Riggs selects Chris Coles (played by rising star Lynda Day George), a talented but temperamental young female player who is struggling to find her place in the hypercompetitive tennis world. Riggs takes Coles under his wing and sets out to teach her everything he knows about the game, including his signature trick shots and court antics that make him a crowd favorite.

As Riggs trains Coles, he also tries to juggle his personal life, such as his estranged wife and his attempts to woo Barbara. He also faces challenges from his old rival, the arrogant and successful Jack Noah (played by James Cromwell), who is skeptical of Riggs' ability to mold a world-class player out of Coles.

As the year progresses, Coles shows signs of improvement and begins to win matches. She gains the attention of the tennis world and becomes a sensation, with Riggs by her side as her coach and mentor. However, as Coles continues to succeed on the court, tensions rise between her and Riggs, and she begins to question his motives and the true nature of their relationship.

Racquet is a lighthearted, feel-good sports movie that blends comedy with drama and romance. The film is filled with exciting tennis matches, colorful characters, and a touching story about the power of determination and mentorship. Convy delivers a standout performance as Riggs, playing the aging but charismatic tennis star with aplomb. Lynda Day George shines as Coles, imbuing the young player with a fiery spirit and fierce determination that makes her a force to be reckoned with on the court.

The film is also notable for its satirical edge, poking fun at the excesses of the tennis world and celebrity culture. Riggs' outrageous outfits and attention-grabbing antics are a nod to his real-life antics, including his infamous "Battle of the Sexes" match against Billie Jean King. The film also skewers the wealthy elites who dominate the sport and use it as a platform for their own interests and agendas.

Despite its comedic tone, Racquet also delivers a touching story about the power of mentorship and the positive impact that one person can have on another. Through Riggs and Coles' relationship, the film shows how a veteran player can inspire and guide a young athlete to reach their full potential, both on and off the court.

In summary, Racquet is a fun, entertaining sports movie that offers a mix of comedy, drama, and romance. With its colorful characters, exciting tennis matches, and heartwarming story, the film is a must-see for anyone who loves the game of tennis or sports movies in general.

Racquet is a 1979 comedy with a runtime of 86 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.4.