'Challengers' Ending Explained: Tashi's bold decision with Patrick pushes Art toward much-needed victory
Contains spoilers for 'Challengers'
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK: 'Challengers' aims to showcase tennis as an incredibly cool sport, and it achieves this goal admirably. The film primarily revolves around an intense Challenger match between former best friends Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh O’Connor).
However, the modern-day soap opera isn't a breezy watch. With its toxic love triangle driving the story and a climactic match that defies the laws of physics, it presents plenty to unpack. After viewing 'Challengers', you might find yourself questioning what exactly you just witnessed.
The film closes with a gripping tennis showdown between Art and Patrick, spectated by Tashi. This particular match holds immense significance, impacting their futures.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino, the film stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O’Connor, who deliver spectacular performances. Critics have praised the film, particularly its impactful ending.
Tashi asks Patrick to throw the match, a revelation that adds tension. Initially hesitant, Patrick agrees after a night with Tashi. He had earlier proposed she leave Art to coach him, deepening their rift.
Tashi declines but later threatens to leave Art if he doesn't win. During the match, Patrick hints to Art about his affair with Tashi, igniting their rivalry. In the climax, Art clinches victory and embraces Patrick, marking a significant moment of reconciliation.
Here's a breakdown of the 'Challengers' ending, including the resolution of the high-stakes match between Art and Patrick.
Why did Patrick and Art hug after the final tennis match in 'Challengers'?
Art and Patrick were deeply invested in the final tennis match, each with their own motivations. Patrick sought Tashi's support after asking her to coach him, even though she wanted him to lose intentionally. Meanwhile, Art aimed to regain his confidence, winning the match to impress Tashi before retiring formally.
Despite their years-long estrangement stemming from Tashi's injury, Patrick's candid revelation to Art and their shared history brought back feelings of camaraderie.
Their 'Challengers' match likely evoked memories of their pre-Tashi tennis days, and Patrick's honesty about his relationship with Tashi prompted Art to reassess their bond. Art likely realized he could defeat Patrick while also reconciling with him.
Art knows Patrick and Tashi slept together by the end of 'Challengers'
Art isn't innocent in the complex dynamic between himself, Tashi, and Patrick. His past doubts about Patrick and Tashi's relationship during college, driven by selfish motives, only added fuel to the fire.
When Patrick decided to disclose his affair with Tashi to Art once again, it wasn't out of remorse or concern for Art's feelings. Instead, Patrick aimed to provoke Art, possibly to gain Tashi's favor as his coach.
The revelation changes the game for Art. With Tashi's ultimatum looming over him, learning about her betrayal could lead Art to reconsider their relationship. Winning the match may give him the confidence to walk away, or he might choose to stay despite the betrayal, especially since he emerges victorious in the end.
Why did Tashi want Art to win against Patrick so badly?
Tashi was a tennis fanatic, and she lived through Art's tennis journey. Tennis was everything to her, and if Art didn't excel, it reflected poorly on her too. She pushed him hard so they both shined. If Art fell short in tennis, Tashi's feelings toward him cooled.
Tennis was Tashi's lifeblood, more of a companion to her than Art was. His worth in her eyes was tied to his tennis prowess. That's why she asked Patrick to intentionally lose; she wanted Art to have a shot at winning the US Open and possibly prolonging his career.
Tennis meant that much to her. If Art gave up on tennis, Tashi gave up on him.
What does 'Challengers' ending mean for Art, Patrick, and Tashi?
At the end of 'Challengers', Art and Patrick hug it out, hinting at a potential shift in their relationship. Despite Tashi's betrayal, Art might not freeze her out, realizing they rely on her more than she does on them, especially when it comes to tennis.
Instead, Art and Patrick could reconcile as friends, allowing Art to retire while Tashi coaches Patrick. They might finally leave behind their past conflicts and move forward positively.
Tashi might choose to leave Art for Patrick, but if she's honest about her feelings, it could end cleanly. Art might retire peacefully, freed from tennis, unless the match reignites his competitive fire.
Is there a post-credits scene in 'Challengers'?
'Challengers' doesn't include a post-credits scene hinting at what happens next for the characters. This choice fits the film's tone, allowing viewers to speculate on the trio's future.
Will their complex and toxic relationship dissolve, strengthen, or evolve into something new? The absence of a post-credits scene encourages audience reflection on the characters' potential paths.
'Challengers' trailer
'Challengers' is all set to hit the theatres on Friday, April 26