Untold: Breaking Point

Untold: Breaking Point is a riveting addition to Netflix’s Untold series, a collection of sports documentaries, which uses the medium of cinema to delve into the often unseen or ignored segments of notable sports personalities or notable sports events. Released in 2021, this installment focuses on the story of Mardy Fish, the former American professional tennis player.

Mardy Fish, widely regarded as one of the best American professional tennis players of his time, is the subject in focus, but Breaking Point goes beyond his accomplishments in tennis. Fish ascended to the zenith of his career in 2011, becoming the top-ranked American player in the ATP rankings. But the Untold series does not stop at just showcasing his rise to fame, the victories he secured, or the accolades he earned in his career.

Underlining the story of Mardy Fish is an exploration of mental health in the world of sports, a subject often marginalized and unaddressed. Following a heart condition that required surgical intervention, he began to experience severe anxiety. The documentary provides an intimate, striking study into Fish's struggle with mental health disorders and the toll it took on his professional and personal life. However, this is not merely a tale of anguish and struggle. At its core, Breaking Point also narrates a story of resilience and bravery in confronting and dealing with one's inner demons.

The documentary features insightful and candid interviews, not only with Mardy Fish but also with his close family members, such as his brother Tom Fish and his father Tom Sr., his former coaches, professional colleagues, and sports journalists. By interloaving segments of emotional interviews, Breaking Point allows the viewer to cultivate a deeper understanding of the often unspoken trials that tarnish the shine of professional sports. This intimate approach personalizes the battle with mental health, erasing the distance between viewer and subject, and breaking the illusion of invincibility often associated with professional athletes.

While Mardy's career in tennis serves as a backdrop, Breaking Point's heart lies in illustrating his battle away from the court. To illustrate Mardy's lived experience and his journey towards coping with his mental health issues, video clips from his career are interspersed with interviews in a seamless sequence of events. Also included is an exploration of how his anxiety disorder was triggered and the impact it had on his ability to perform professionally.

The film examines the pressure and stress of the sporting world and the expectations placed upon Fish, which eventually result in the exacerbation of his mental health condition. The discussion expands further by touching on the less talked about mental health issues plaguing athletes worldwide. Hints at the stigma against openly discussing mental health in sports and the isolation experienced by those affected give the narrative a universal resonance.

Directed by Chapman and Maclain Way, the makers of the hit documentary series Wild Wild Country, Untold: Breaking Point is made with incredible sympathy and perceptiveness. Their astute storytelling, which combines elements of suspense, drama, and inspiration, does justice to Mardy Fish's inspiring story.

Kevin O’Connor, a well-known sports commentator, also plays a crucial part in providing expert commentary and professional insight into Mardy's career. His narration provides the technical understanding of the various ups and downs of Fish's career, enhancing the viewer’s grasp of his professional successes and struggles.

Untold: Breaking Point, while certainly an involving watch for tennis lovers, resonates with a wider audience, transcending the boundaries of the sports documentary genre. It is a powerful narration of the human story, a narrative about overcoming personal hardships, and raises much-needed awareness about the mental health struggles of professional athletes.

Overall, Breaking Point is an emotionally packed, eye-opening film suited to sports lovers and casual viewers alike, illuminating not just the journey of one athlete, but also the broader discussion about mental health in professional sports.