Original subtitles

Luke Hollis has the chance to make all his dreams come true tonight. A player

known for his power.

And gutter. Are you kidding me?

That is a garbage call!

Garbage! As a loose of root, he brought tennis into a whole new era. But after a

series of injuries, rumors of money trouble, and a career approaching

age, one thing has always eluded Hollis.

A major tournament victory.

But tonight, that could all change.

A full house has gathered here to watch Hollis compete in the final match of

this grueling tournament.

This could be a chance of a lifetime to secure his name in the 10th Hall of

Champions.

It's the biggest match of his career. Does Hollis have what it takes to be a

winner?

Feels good. Feels good.

So good, in fact, that I get to say this.

I would like to take this opportunity to officially announce my retirement from

the game of tennis.

Yep.

Headed back home to Florida.

Got some big plans coming.

Trust me, trust me, when it comes to the future of tennis, Luke Hollis will

absolutely be a part of it.

of my top client.

Might I remind you, Amy, that this was the plan all along.

We go out on a win, we don't overstay our welcome.

And secure your legacy as a champion, I know.

But you sure you don't want to secure your legacy as a two -time champion?

You don't want to conquer Wimbledon?

Cooper!

We don't play with the outlets.

Have I been allowed back at Wimbledon after last year?

Do you want to pay 10 % of my fines?

Yeah, absolutely not.

Oh!

Rival Toby Thicke, he's also retired in Florida.

Sure not interested in a grudge match?

We could command an impressive exhibition fee.

Amy, I'm headed straight home in the morning.

It's the last thing in the world I want to think about.

Oh, yeah, a nice Christmas with the family.

I bet they're so proud.

Um, how did they respond to the plan?

I haven't told them yet.

Luke. I cried.

I cried. Apparently they're stuck in meetings back home. Some last -minute

thing? Sounded intense.

And don't let me keep you. I've got four kids to take care of and another client

who just discovered Twitter. God help me.

Congrats again, Lukey. I hope you're celebrating a big win.

Thank you, Amy. Yeah, I should probably get back to the party. Okay, bye.

the intro to pickleball. My name is Caroline Letts, and I am the head

pro here at Sandy Lake Racquet Club. Now, one of the best things about this

sport is how easy it is to learn.

Seriously, I played tennis for years before I could play in a real match, but

promise you this.

Before the end of day, I will have each and every one of you playing a real,

legitimate game of pickleball. How's that sound?

I can't promise we're all going to be as good as Nancy and Barb over here.

Now, you better listen to Coach Lapp. She taught us everything, you know. All

right, ladies.

Why don't we take our place on the court?

Let's do this.

So happy you're here.

Okay.

Let's go.

I was talking with the developers earlier.

What's the verdict?

Well, they want to start construction right away.

So if we can't raise enough money by the end of the year, we have no choice but

to sign the deal.

Their wrecking balls will be here in January.

Well, that gives us a few weeks, okay?

This club, it's not a lot to the community.

We're not going out without a fight.

There's too many luxury condos in Florida as it is.

We so appreciate everything you've done for this place, Caroline.

Aw.

It's not up to you to save it.

Hey, we're going to make it happen, okay?

We've got more infants every day. They go, fund me, it's picking up steam. And

they're not going to advertise this about monetizing the live stream of the

tournament.

Something big is around this corner.

I can feel it.

Okay. All right.

See ya.

Oh, looking good, hon. Just sagging a bit on your left.

Okay, um, how's that?

Oh, no, no, no. It's sagging on your right.

Thanks, mother.

What's that, honey?

Yeah, nothing, Mom.

Yeah, I think it's sagging a bit to the right.

Wow, my gosh.

Give your mother a hug. Good to be home. Oh, my gosh. Look at you. How you

doing? I'm so good.

Oh, my gosh. How was your flight?

Oh, it was easy.

It was your first Christmas in a long time. I know. Did you make the cookies?

I did the special cookies.

Oh, honey, your father turned your old room into a workout room. Hope you don't

mind sharing.

Welcome home.

Hey, what a match.

We were shouting at the TV. Well, a bit of a surprise hearing about the

retirement, though.

We should talk.

Yeah. It's really great to have you home this Christmas.

Yeah. It feels good to be home, too.

I got something to talk to you guys about a little bit later.

Okay.

Oh.

The prodigal son returned.

Interesting seeing you here.

Don't you have some boyfriend's family to annoy this Christmas?

Well, now that you're retired, don't you have a bingo game to catch?

Or better yet, golf clubs to monogram?

Don't you have a sad story to write about a sad girl who reads sad books and

nobody understands her?

Yeah, well, even if I wrote that story, we both know you couldn't read it.

Hey, listen, if I was you, I'd go to bed now because Dad is up and at him at 6 a

.m. on that bike every day.

He's very disciplined.

You have fun with that.

you'll find the prices at six luxury pre -owned vehicles are a real boom, grand

slam. And that's the Toby Thicke guarantee.

I can't believe that is your biggest rival in tennis.

Okay, everybody set?

You guys comfortable? See the TV? Yeah? Yeah.

Great.

The Sandy Lake Racquet Club has been owned and operated by the Hollis family

over 30 years. And during that era, it has trained thousands of young tennis

players, including...

A certain champion.

Yes.

Thanks, Mom.

But now it's time for a new era.

The era of the Luke Hollis Champion Center.

Yeah? It's the rebrand the club has been missing, right?

It's time to turn Sandy Lake into the elite academy that the next generation

tennis stars, the ones who pay top dollar, by the way, cannot ignore.

And since I'm leaving my professional career, I can take over and you guys can

finally retire, just like we've always planned.

Well, what do you think?

Don't, Jordan.

No.

Luke, there's something we need to tell you.

Why? Why did nobody tell me about this? Florida has enough luxury condos as it

is. I totally agree.

Luke, sweetheart, we wanted to tell you we also knew you had a big year last

year, and we just didn't know when we would see you next. Honestly, you should

be thanking us. Well, you've been off traveling the world. We have been stuck

here dealing with accountants and staring at spreadsheets. Yeah, and I

have helped. Son, son.

COVID hit us really hard. Yeah.

In our business, there's just so much overhead. And that long without revenue?

The developer made us a deal that we couldn't ignore.

This way we still get to retire. Just lose the club that's been in our family

for 30 years?

When does this deal go through?

The first week of the new year?

Yeah. Okay. All right. So that gives us what? Two, three weeks? That's not

impossible. Come on.

Do you think that we have just been sitting around on our butts waiting for

to come home and save us all?

We have been working tirelessly on this for the last six months. We have gone to

the city and applied for historic property status.

We set up a GoFundMe page. I mean, Caroline's running a giant tournament on

Christmas. Who's Caroline?

Oh, she works at the club. She's quite wonderful.

Yeah. You're going to like her.

She's so classic. He doesn't even know who she is.

Okay, guys. Let's take it down a notch. He'll calm down.

He'll calm down.

Can't nobody tell me who I'm gonna be

And that's why I'm here. We're going to work on drop shots.

Can I help you?

Um, yeah, yeah. You can tell me what the hell happened to my tennis court.

Your tennis court?

Yeah, the one I've been training on since long before you ever showed up.

Oh.

You must be Luke.

Yeah. I've heard so much about you.

Well, Luke, uh, your tennis court, which fit two players at a time?

Or... One, if he's entitled enough, has now been converted into four pickleball

courts, which can fit 16 players at a time. But if you're looking for a tennis

court, there are plenty on the other side of the facility.

Or you can play with Barb if you'd like. She's looking for a partner.

Look, if you and the Golden Girls want to play long games at the nursing home,

that's great.

But not here.

Like I said, there are plenty of tennis courts on the other side of the

facility.

Lucky for both of us.

Oh, Carolyn, where'd all that fat come from?

Um, I have no idea. Barb, I'm sorry you had to see that.

I can see why they call him Luke's brute.

Oh, Jamie has to go.

I paid good money to see that butt on the pickleball court.

All right, can we just, let's work on this drop shot. Let's focus, gal.

Jory, son, I've got to keep my streak alive.

Coffee's on downstairs.

Don't get this body by accident.

You know, I tried to convince him to move that bike to the garage.

Maybe stubbornness isn't the only thing you inherited from your father.

Throw some gray hairs on your little chin.

I am really sorry, Luke.

It was always our dream to have you carry on the club.

But when you made pro, I guess we assumed your dreams changed.

And they did, didn't they?

Playing professionally was a dream come true.

But there was always more.

So it was another match.

So it was another win. And at some point, coming home and running the club,

became the thing I was really looking forward to next.

Really? More than winning a major?

Yeah, maybe.

You know, there was a point that I could have helped out more with the money.

Please.

You know your father.

He was far too stubborn to borrow money from his own son.

He was only too proud to add pickleball courts to the club.

But it really helped. I mean, it helped us out a lot when we needed it the most.

Yeah, we can discuss that part later. But in terms of the money, how bad is

Really bad.

Whoa. Yeah.

What happens when we factor in my prize money?

Oh, you mean your prize money after you pay your taxes, your reps, all your

fines, and your bad debts over the last five years? Hey, they said NFTs were a

sure thing, okay? How was I supposed to know? Okay, okay.

It definitely helps, but it's three weeks until the deal closes. It's not

to be enough in time.

What else do we have?

Well, we have the GoFundMe page, which is helping, and we have the tournament.

We have a tennis tournament?

A pickleball tournament, actually, on Christmas Day.

And all the proceeds go to the club.

That cannot be the plan.

Even if we get hundreds of entrants, that's not going to... We already have

a hundred entrants.

And you're right, it won't.

Jordan here, though, had the idea of live streaming the tournament so the

viewers we get, the more money we raise.

People actually watch Pickleball? Way more than you think. Fastest growing

in America.

And with a name like Luke Hollis, we could get more viewers.

Ah, that's a great idea.

Absolutely not.

I'm a tennis player. I'm not going to join this glorified Zumba class named

after the worst ingredient on a sandwich.

Um, actually, it's named after a dog. I thought it was both. Okay, both of those

are worse.

And why do you care, anyway?

I mean, there are plenty of country clubs in Florida. You can get a job

anywhere. I don't want a job anywhere else.

And excuse you, she has worked here way longer than you.

You have no idea what she's put into this place.

Well, anyway, Christmas is less than two weeks away.

But if you come up with a better idea, you just let me know.

Anything?

Sandy,

hey, what's going on?

Yeah, look, I got a little situation here, and I need your help. How would

feel about coming to Pinecrest this Christmas?

Florida.

Pinecrest, Florida.

Nope, totally cool.

Yeah. All right, thanks.

Keith Hoffman, what's up, buddy?

Oh, been a minute. Been a minute. Look, give me a call back when you get a

chance. I've got a great investment opportunity for you.

Okay?

Call me back.

Please.

Hey, Amy, it's Luke.

Let me call back when you get a chance, okay?

Thanks.

Amy, Amy, you are the best.

I told you we'd be working together again.

I'll have to call in a few favors, but I think we can make this work.

Leave the details to me.

Are you sure about this?

Yeah, I'm sure.

That was nice.

Oh.

I'm still better, though.

I know how to save the club.

Do you?

Talk to me.

Look, I know that you and I both play sports that are diametrically opposed to

one another.

Oh, you are such a drama queen.

But we do have a shared interest in keeping this club alive.

Now, just get off the phone with my agent.

connected in the sports broadcasting world. Someone at PIC TV owes her a

They can really scale up this whole live streaming.

Camera crews, full coverage, ad partnerships, whatever we need.

And they'll pay for the rights to stream it.

Enough for us to keep the club.

Okay, sure, but what's in it for them?

Me. I'll, you know, lend my name and likeness to the tournament. I'll be in

the promos. Amy says I'm still trending after the win. Oh, and I'm glad that's

not going to your head. Okay, sure, but...

What are we advertising that you're doing?

You're not exactly known for your charming personality.

I'll be the host, okay? I can emcee. I'll do interviews. I'll drop hot takes.

Yeah, this tournament is about our community here, okay? I'm not about to

it into the Luke Hollis show.

Hey, hey, hey.

Amy! Long time no talk.

Oh, really?

Well, that's good news.

Great news, actually.

Yeah, he mentioned it.

Oh, okay.

You sure?

Yeah, well, if that's the way it's got to be.

Great. Bye.

That was Amy, obviously.

And? Did she lock in the deal?

Yes.

Pick TV has agreed to pay for the exclusive rights to three more

That's great.

Yeah. But not to the club.

The payout will go to the winners of the tournament.

They want to attract top talent from across the country.

What? You're going to need to play.

And you're going to need to win.

No, no, I'm hosting. I'm not playing, remember?

Don't you get it?

You're the draw.

Nobody wants to see Luke the Brute's skills with a microphone.

They want to see a big -time tennis player actually playing this new sport.

And if you really want to save this club, you have to get good enough to win

money. I'm not worried about that.

This is a serious...

Tournament with serious players can't risk losing.

Caroline can coach you.

Today is the 13th, which means you have 12 days.

The 12 days of Christmas.

Cute, but I don't need her help.

Oh.

Sure about that?

Fine.

I'll work with you.

For the club.

For the club.

Surprise, you're actually on time.

I should say I had an early wake -up call.

Look good, feel good, do better.

Look good, feel good, do better.

Hey, I have an idea.

What if you and I, we just play a game of singles right now, and if I win, then

I probably don't need your coaching, and then I'll be freed up to do more

important things like marketing the tournament.

Oh, that's kind of hard to win a tournament when you don't know the rules

game.

Besides... In our case, pickleball is a doubles sport.

I don't play doubles.

Oh, well, you do now.

All right.

Do you know what makes pickleball unique from tennis?

The dumb name.

Sure. The courts may be smaller.

The net may be shorter. And, yeah, the ball is made of plastic and has holes in

it. But the kitchen.

I'm sorry, what? The kitchen?

Mm -hmm.

Who is coming up with these names?

The kitchen.

It's a seven -foot deep area closest to the net.

A player cannot hit a ball out of the air from inside the kitchen, which means

no signature Luke Hollis slam when you're standing at the net, okay?

You've been watching me play?

Look,

you can slam as hard as you want, just not when you're inside of the kitchen,

all right?

Now, your opponent is going to know.

Not to serve you meatballs that you can smack.

No.

You're going to place it inside of the kitchen, and you're going to have to be

patient. You've got to pull back on your power, and you've got to play the ball

softly, off the bounce.

The kitchen is everything, okay? When you're in trouble, it's a safe place to

put the ball and reset the speed from fast to slow.

All right?

Fresh start.

You want to win this.

You have to rely on finesse, not just power.

Okay.

Not bad.

Wow, this is so difficult.

I am falling asleep. What's this type of hitting called again?

Uh, thinking.

Yeah. I know.

Okay. Okay. No, all right. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

I think I know what to do.

Dink me.

Dink me?

Yeah, no one says that.

What, are you afraid to dink me?

Oh, absolutely not.

All right, now, dink me again.

Yeah.

Let's do something else, huh?

Servings put away.

Yeah, sure.

After we dig 500 more times.

Whoops, didn't miss that one.

There you go, kitten.

Woo!

Welcome,

everybody, to the annual 20th Annual Santa Showdown.

Please help yourself to some refreshments if you haven't already. And

forget to buy your raffle ticket.

Okay.

Sure about this?

Seems like a lot of risk for the club and maybe for you too.

What other choice do we have?

It's the only option that'll cover the cost.

Okay, well, I'm not going to stop you from trying. But I just want you to know

your mom and I, we've made peace with it all.

She's even been planning for the final Christmas gala since summer.

It's closure for her.

Come on, Dad.

I mean, didn't it feel satisfying training together, working our way up,

building a name for ourselves in this place?

I mean, ever since I was six years old, tennis has been my life, and this place

has been my home.

What about the next kid?

He deserves a place in this world, and a coach who knows how it all works.

Okay.

Fair enough.

I appreciate the effort, son. I really do. I just want to make sure you're

it for the right reasons.

I just can't believe that now I'm playing pickleball.

All right, all right. Neither one of us can afford to look at it that way.

Besides, I gotta say, it's kind of fun.

Okay, what's up here?

Guys, guys, what's... Line dispute.

Hang tight.

Hey! Come on, fellas!

How about a little bit of Christmas spirit?

No, no swearing on the court.

No, no, no, no!

Is that your knee?

How was your first practice? Did you and Caroline get along?

Yeah, we're best friends now.

Yes, I'm sure you were as charming and empathetic as ever.

Listen, I actually like Caroline, and she's doing like a million things here

this Christmas, so can you please just do her a favor and not hit on her or try

any other funny business while she's at work? Believe me, that is not something

you need to worry about.

Why not?

Are you, like, dating someone else or something?

I've spent the last 15 years of my life in hotels, gyms, and on whatever court I

could find that hasn't been the most relationship -friendly lifestyle.

That actually sounds kind of tough.

What about you?

Are you dating?

Oh, ew, no.

The dating pool here is not exactly my type of pool. I'm not interested in golf

bros who flip houses or tennis Neanderthals who are only interested in

last name.

Been in locker rooms with tennis players. Don't date tennis players.

Noted.

Okay, well, bye.

You promised me that the 16 -millimeter would change our game. Yeah, but Phoebe,

how many classes have you taken?

You know, I always say, it's the player, not the paddle.

Then why aren't we winning more games?

Yeah, well...

Takes a lot of training to compete at this level. Oh, I'm sorry. Okay, wait,

wait. What are you saying? Are you saying that we are not good enough to

compete? No.

No. Come on. You two are some of the best players we've got here.

Seriously. Everybody here is talking about how you two are the team to beat

the tournament.

And you know what? If that paddle isn't working for you, let's switch it out for

one that does the trick, huh? How's that sound?

Really? Yes.

Yeah, and you know what? When you do find a paddle that you like, let's book

hitting session together.

No charge.

All right, then. All right, then. Okay. Okay, up top. Good.

Good stuff, guys. Okay. Okay.

That's real.

I

overheard

that little scuffle earlier. You okay?

What? Phoebe and Isaac.

Yeah. Fine. I mean, you're always going to get annoying customers like that.

It's kind of a workplace hazard.

Well, your dinks are looking better.

We're going to pick up pace.

We will.

But for now, it's all about restraint and... Vanessa.

What happens when I'm against someone who won't play the soft game, huh?

I'm going to need some power, right?

I can't just roll over every time someone threatens me.

Yeah, you know, it doesn't always work to go all Luke the Brute on everyone,

okay? Some situations require more tact and, yes, restraint.

You catch more flies with honey.

But if you want to win, you're going to have to seem like a bee.

Barb,

what was that?

What? We were just trying to help.

You spend too much time here.

When was the last time you went on a date? All right, that is none of your

business. Besides, when would I date, huh?

Besides, he is not my type.

You won't say that?

Smoking hot?

All right, ladies.

Settle down there.

I think this might be your best short story yet.

Really? Okay, well, it's just a first draft, so it could definitely use a

polish, so... No, the characters feel real. The dialogue's funny.

All the period details. Seriously, it's great.

I just have one quibble.

The ending.

Why doesn't she take the leap into the city?

I don't know, because it's the honest ending.

Mm -hmm. I mean...

There would have been serious repercussions if she just up and rode

sunset. Right.

See, honest ending.

Not the happy one. I get it.

Hey, thank you for reading it.

I know things have been kind of crazy for you lately.

Are you holding up?

The days are definitely full.

And now with Luke bringing in the production team to run the broadcast,

starting to feel even fuller.

We couldn't save the club without it, so it's kind of a necessary evil.

I'm sorry that my brother is a necessary evil.

No.

His bark is worse than his bite.

Seriously, you are doing so much.

Is there any way that I can help at all?

No, you're sweet, but I got it.

Speaking of, I gotta go.

Gotta get back.

Are you sure that you don't want to put Luke to work?

Trust me, it's easier if I just do it. Okay.

I'm serious about that story, though.

That character deserves a happy ending.

Yeah, I think there's a way you can do that and still make it feel honest.

I believe in you.

Bye. Bye.

Okay. No training today.

We're going on a field trip.

Okay.

Whoa. Some serious fanatic.

All these people are here for pickleball.

Welcome to Garfield Park.

Are you the mayor?

Well, yeah.

You have the club. I have the park.

The

whole

neighborhood's here, huh?

Uh -huh.

I mean, when's the last time you saw a senior play a gym rack?

I gotta admit, that's pretty cool.

This is actually where I first started playing.

There's a real community here. I think that's what drew me to the sport.

How did you find pickleball in the first place?

Well, I was a tennis player like you.

Yeah, I was pretty good too. Got a scholarship to play college at Cornell.

Are you serious?

Yeah, Jordan, yeah.

She was a freshman when I was a sophomore, and then we reconnected when

back here.

She's actually how I got this job.

Wow.

Surrounded by Ivy Leaguers.

Well, sort of.

When I was a senior, my mom got sick.

ALS.

So I ended up transferring and moving back home to be closer.

Caroline, I'm so sorry.

Anyway.

ALS acts fast, you know.

But before I knew it, she was gone.

And those were some, yeah, some pretty hard times.

Like, I didn't pick up a racket.

I hardly left the house.

And then one day, I was on a mental health walk, I don't know, maybe five

ago, and I saw this place.

I know pickleball is kind of silly, and it's supposed to be for old people, and

the sound of the ball has been annoying neighbors across the country. But, I

mean, it's given me friends, structure, and community, and

a reason to get out.

Hey, people.

It's been this one good thing during some pretty tough times.

I'm really glad you found it.

Or, it found you.

That is what has been so great about working at the club. You know, I get to

share all this with more people.

Oh.

Duties of the mayor.

I gotta... Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

What's up?

There's a shipment at the front door and they need you to sign for it. Ah,

Katie. You okay?

Oh, me? Yeah, I know. I'm totally thriving. I even got my Christmas

up and... Huh.

Hey, aren't you supposed to be teaching right now?

Ah. Ah.

Didn't get the shipment.

Hey, guys, I'm so sorry.

Good stuff, guys.

Nothing better than a nice third shot drop.

Hey, what did we say? What did we say? All right. Now is not the time to be a

banger. This guy is about placement, not power.

That's right. Swing through the ball. Toes out of the kitchen there.

All right. Nice.

Hey, Toby Thicke here, two -time Grand Slam champion and native Floridian.

When I'm not cruising to victory on the court, I'm cruising the I -75 in one of

my finest luxury pre -owned vehicles, and you can too. Come on down to Toby

Thicke's luxury pre -owned.

Ah, I see that you've beaten me to it. Well, I figured you'd be hungry after

your power zone ride this morning.

It's been nice having an extra set of hands around the club.

And I'm getting reports that the members feel the same way.

It's been a real trip being back as an adult.

I've really loved getting to know the club, members, seeing how it all runs.

As a kid, I don't think I appreciated just how special it all was.

And I think it's made me realize that that's what meant so much to me growing

there, the community.

So, yeah, I don't know. Maybe if we do save the club, it's not about the Luke

Hollis Champion Center. It's about something, I don't know, bigger.

Well, I really hope that's the case, son, but I want what's best for you, not

just the club.

I mean, the opportunity to teach will always be there, but the opportunity to

play, to compete, that's a limited window.

Of course, but... I think you know, if it wasn't for my knee, I would have

played until they dragged me off the court.

I'm just... Well, I think you're going to miss it more than you know.

I know I do.

I don't want you settling too early.

I don't know, Dad.

It doesn't feel like settling.

I want it.

Okay.

Maybe just, I don't know, sleep on it.

Oh, that's definitely cooked.

Luke.

I'm not sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

Hi, Amy.

Disruptive Pick TV, and this thing is gaining traction.

There's a lot of big players coming in for that prize money. A lot of viewers

expected. They're sending in the Whittiers to host.

That is big.

Okay. Yeah, so not only do you need to win, you know, for the money, but if you

lose, there is going to be a lot of witnesses to the end of the short -lived

Luke Hollis retires as a winner.

to your legacy, poof, gone.

Right. Well, then I guess I'd better win.

Thanks for the update, Amy.

Always love hearing from you.

Yeah, anything for my favorite ex -client.

I gotta go.

Dinner!

Yeah.

No one's been practicing.

If you ever need a soft game, you need to match up a soft game.

Oh, okay.

All right.

Yes.

Lovely.

Excuse us, guys.

You're going to need to leave.

I'm sorry, what's going on here?

Oh, we're here for training. For the tournament.

The one we're going to win.

We booked the course.

It's ours now.

Oh. Can you not just use that one over there?

That one's haunted.

We lost one there.

Uh, you know what? I must have forgotten to book this one.

My mistake.

No. No, you didn't.

I saw the court sheet. This one's ours.

Don't give in to these clowns. Oh, uh... Wow!

Um, I pay my membership fees, and I am not going to be bossed around by some

who likes to play with her boyfriend all day.

Hey, it's very mom.

Well, I'll tell you what.

Why don't we play for it?

Winner gets to court.

Bring it on.

This

is

a bad idea.

These two have been awful to me since day one. This is going to be fun.

Okay, but just remember, stop the game.

Out!

Out! That was out.

We can drink all day, baby. Yeah, we can.

Let's go.

Hey, remember how we've been training this whole time about not using all your

power?

Yes, yes. Well, your soft game is looking good, but so is theirs. So, do

mind going full Luke the Brood on these guys?

Hello. Hi.

Can we hurry this up, please? Because I've got Pilates.

Yeah, I think I can do that.

Get that game Hey

Good game, you guys. Really, you played well.

I'm teaching in the clinic next session if you want to work on anything.

Thanks a lot, Mom.

Now this court's haunted too.

Nice one.

You too.

Thanks.

Oh, yeah, that's just good.

You know, I'm your coach,

right? We should probably establish some boundaries.

Yeah, yeah. We wouldn't want things to get unprofessional.

You know, we should keep it very... Very nice.

I could really use a sign.

hot chocolate on a perfectly warm day.

So,

you take all your girlfriends here?

God, no.

I haven't had a girlfriend since Jess Rose in high school, and that lasted

two weeks.

Really?

So no tennis star?

Bachelor lifestyle.

I could only dream that to be true.

Seriously?

And no girlfriends at all?

Okay, I don't think I've had a relationship last long enough to

something.

Whenever the first chance to exit off the highway came along, I took it.

And I know that sounds bad.

Look, when I played tennis, winning was everything.

If I wasn't competitive, I'd be out of a job.

And when it came to relationships, I just had a hard time turning that off.

Every fight, every disagreement, I just had to win. And I don't think that made

for long -term dating material.

No, I get that, though.

I could be like that when I was training.

Although, sometimes I think I could have used more of that competitive edge.

Well, what about what happened to you catching more flies with honey?

Maybe that's the problem.

Not a problem.

Trust me.

Yeah, well, you know my story.

Everything with my mom and my dad checking out, and I just never wanted to

myself in a relationship like that.

So, it became easier to lock it down, you know?

Well, of course you know. Mister, I don't play doubles.

I do, I do, but...

To be honest, I don't think I could have gotten through these last two weeks

without him.

When did you become such a softie?

What happened to Luke the brute?

Right here.

We've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty.

Wow. Does he have that same sense of humor when you two are dating? Yeah.

Testing. One, two, three. Testing. Works great, hon.

Okay, good, honey.

Oh, make a handsome date to the gala tonight.

Oh, I didn't know tonight was the kind of event where you bring a date.

You can.

You want to.

How's your father?

Is he going to make it down for Christmas this year?

Oh. Actually, turns out his new girlfriend's family insists that he stay

Hamptons for the holidays.

So, looking like another solo Christmas in the Lutz household.

I'm so sorry, honey.

Hey, would an early Christmas gift get you back in the holiday spirit?

Check this out.

I think you should wear this tonight. I think it would look gorgeous on you, and

if you like it, I want you to keep it.

That's beautiful, but I couldn't.

Oh, come on, please. Anytime I've worn this, Jordan insists, like, Mom, that's

not your color. You can't wear green.

Oh, don't you want to keep it in the family?

That's what I'm doing.

Thank you, Tom.

All right.

You and Bert have just been so...

I don't know that I'm ever going to find boxes like you guys again.

Well, if... Things go the right way. You won't have to.

Right? Yeah. And then maybe some of that might depend on Luke.

What might depend on Luke?

Just that his quick, you know, the game. If he plays good, where is he? I'm

going to go find him. Okay.

Yeah.

And that is enough.

Are you two dating or what?

Yeah.

Everyone's talking about it. And they're asking us.

And we don't have any good gossip. And we're the ones who are supposed to have

the good gossip.

So, spill.

What are you talking about?

Oh, please.

You think the story shed is soundproof?

Pretend all you want.

We're on to you, Holly.

It's going to be a big gala.

What?

Yes,

it is.

Right?

I know, but it's a side right now. No.

Hi.

Okay, so I missed my prom for Junior Nationals, so I don't really know how.

Just goes, but, um... Will you go to the dance with me?

The dance?

And then the gala that we've been working on the last few weeks and that

in... three hours?

Yeah. That dance.

But not as my coach. Like, as my date.

As my date.

I'd love to.

Yeah? Mm -hmm.

Okay.

It's very pretty.

Hey, you almost ready? We're leaving in ten. Yep. All right.

How do I look?

What?

Oh, nothing. I just have never seen you this nervous before.

You look nice.

Or less repulsive than usual.

And a compliment.

What has gotten into you?

I don't know.

I guess you catch more flies with honey.

You sound just like Caroline.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me. I was going to tell you tonight at the gala. I

promise.

I mean, I guess it was obvious.

I was just in denial. I hoped that there was some other reason that you two were

always out later.

Why she was always over here after work. Literally any other reason.

We were hiding it. And you've been so nice recently. I mean, obviously

was going on.

Can you just promise me that you'll be careful?

I mean, Caroline has put absolutely everything into this club the last few

years. And if you ruin this for her... I know. I know. And you better win the

tournament. Okay? You owe her that. Okay. I know.

All right?

What about you?

I mean, I know why Caroline is putting everything she has into the club, but is

it really your thing?

What do you mean?

Come on.

You're writing.

All your books, all the stories that you got published in college. I thought

you'd be in Los Angeles by now, like your favorite author, Joni Mitchell.

Joan Didion?

Yeah. Yeah, her.

What are you doing back here in your hometown, huh? Nobody reads here.

Okay, well, clearly this isn't obvious to you, but not everyone gets to follow

their dreams.

Especially if your last name is Hollis and your dream doesn't involve tennis.

I'm really sorry, Jordan.

It's fine.

It's not your fault.

Yeah, but there must be something we can do.

Hey, did you, um, did you actually read those short stories that got published?

I don't know if I understood them, but yeah, I read them.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in one.

Oh,

someone brings a knife.

He looks like Tom Selleck. No.

Timothy, shut up.

Luke, you ought to try one of these. I created it.

It's a barbarita.

So delicious. What are you talking about? I created it. It was named after

Okay. Where's your hot date?

I'm not sure. She said she would meet me... There.

By the tree.

Yeah, cool.

I'll just mingle with the old people.

Oh, hi, honey. Hi, darling.

Hi. We heard that, yeah.

You look incredible.

Oh, well, you're looking pretty handsome yourself.

I, uh, I got you something.

Uh, that's too much.

Thank you. Should I open it now?

No, let's save it for the right moment.

Good call.

Yeah. Yeah, it's too early to be opening presents, huh?

You want to dance?

Yeah.

Oh,

I told you he'd do it. Finally.

Good for them.

So, you missed your prom.

For a tennis tournament, huh?

Does that mean that you never got to slow dance with someone special?

Never.

Did you?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah, I slow dance.

Just not with someone special.

So I guess that's the first for both of us.

Why don't you have Christmas Eve dinner with us?

My mom...

Cook's a huge feast.

We'd love to have you.

Really?

Yeah, that sounds wonderful.

Is this on? Can you guys hear me?

Hi,

everyone. Donna and I would like to thank each and every one of you who came

here tonight. Your support and patronage has meant the world to us. When we

started the Sandy Lake Bracket Club, We could never imagine it would bring us

the joy it has over the years.

I would like to especially thank my daughter, Jordan, for all the time and

effort she sacrificed being here.

You mean so much to this family, more than you'll ever know.

Hey, I would like to also say thank you to Caroline Lett.

The work establishing the Pickleball program has been a wonder.

So thank you.

Thank you, Caroline.

And of course, this Christmas, we also have someone else special to thank, my

son, Luke.

So, if the lights are still on, this time next week, we would like you and

your vision to be in charge of Sandy Lake.

I would like to make a toast to Luke,

and the new future of Sandy Lake Racket Club.

Congrats, Hollis. You absolutely deserve this.

Not really yet.

Oh, it will be.

I mean, did I take your partner?

He's got some hands to shake.

No, please.

Thank you, Caroline.

I'll be right back.

Yeah. All right.

Thank you.

Yes.

There he is.

Luke, my man.

Me and this guy go way back.

Junior circuit days, right?

Keith Hoffman.

Glad you made it. I still want to talk to you about the investment opportunity.

I've got some exciting updates for you.

Are you sure?

We've been hearing rumors.

What rumors?

About the future of this club. About tennis and that other sport.

I can neither confirm nor deny.

but I can say this.

Tennis is here to stay at Sandy Lake.

I knew it. He is a devious one.

So get this. Luke calls me up and says, hey, I got this investment opportunity.

He's got big plans to turn this entire place into a tennis academy.

Every court dedicated to serious players only.

You know what that means?

If Luke the Brute is in charge, Pickleball's gone for good.

You know what? Good riddance.

You guys want to get a drink?

Thank you so much for coming. Have a great night.

Hi, folks.

Thank you for coming. Merry Christmas.

Have you seen Caroline?

Yeah, she left a while ago.

What did you do?

Hey.

Hey. Caroline wanted me to let you know that she's super swamped today, and at

your regular court it's going to be closed so that these guys can get set up

tomorrow. But, tennis court one is open if you want to get some swings in.

Okay. Did she say anything about why she left the gala like that?

You know, she didn't.

I couldn't get much out of her, though.

I think it's just crunch time, you know?

Oh, does she need any help?

No, I got her.

You go practice. I'll see you later. Yeah, see you.

Bye.

Thank you.

putting in those edits you suggested.

Yeah, don't bother. You were right the first time. Sometimes the honest ending

is not the happy ending.

Merry Christmas Eve to you, too.

You got it. Coming in hot.

Coming in hot.

Thank you.

All right.

That's beautiful, honey. Thank you.

So this is enough fuel for tomorrow, right? Oh, absolutely. More than enough.

It's delicious, Mom. Oh, thank you. Well, honey, Dad made the potatoes.

I've got to give some credit where credit's due.

Too much garlic, though? No. Why don't you leave them?

That's what I want to say.

Oh, Luke, if it's about the magazines in your closet, we already found them.

No, I'm serious.

This Christmas with you guys has been the best one that I can remember in a

really long time.

I'm so sorry that I've been gone the last few years.

I used to think that it was all about winning, that to go fast, to go alone.

And I just, I missed so many Christmases and birthdays and family vacations

because I just, I wanted to stay sharp and keep training, win.

And I think that I didn't realize it until this last match, got the win that

wanted most. But yeah, it's pretty lonely out there on that podium.

And I'm sorry that it took me so long to understand that.

Jordan, I'm sorry that so much has fallen on your shoulders since I've been

gone.

It's not fair that I got to go out and pursue my dreams while you have been the

responsible sibling. I am the older brother, and I just need to start acting

like it. So I have a friend with a guest house in Silver Lake. He owes me a

favor.

There's the contact.

You know, for that big move to California.

Wow. Thank you.

Yeah.

Mom, Dad, I don't take your decision to leave things to me lightly, okay?

No matter what happens tomorrow, I want to stay committed to the legacy and the

community that you guys have built.

And if I can't do that at Sandy Lake, I'll find somewhere else to do it.

Thank you.

curiosity is there another reason why you're wanting to stay like certain

someone get special mom okay okay let's go for a bit no i'm just curious okay

i'm just asking let's eat let's eat thank you so much

Hey,

you guys. Yeah?

We're closed for Christmas Eve.

What are you doing here?

Oh, oh, oh, yeah. We're just checking out the courts. Yeah.

I thought I'd come see the place where I'm going to crush my heel and tie my

blue collar. Thank you.

I'm sorry. And you are... Hmm?

Oh, I thought you recognized me. Toby Thicke.

Toby, no?

That doesn't matter.

Former big -time tennis pro. Currently I sell pre -owned luxury vehicles, which

is fantastic.

Tomorrow I will be Luke Hollis' worst nightmare.

Take care.

Bells are ringing and pickleballs are digging, so you know what that means.

the first ever Christmas Day Pickleball Tournament, hosted here just south of

Miami at the Sandy Lake Racquet Club in the little hamlet of Pinecrest, Florida.

From Pick TV, I'm Tom Whittier. And I'm Susan Whittier. And we are here for what

should be an electric day of pickleball competition.

Pickleballers from all across the country have convened for what I'm told

biggest pickleball tournament Florida has ever seen, thanks to one specific

player, Luke Holland. And we've got him right here.

Luke, you are hot of the biggest win of your tennis career, announcing your

retirement. What brings you back to the court so quickly? And for a sport you've

never played, I mean, is it that easy?

I promise it's not as easy as it looks.

And I'm playing on behalf of this very special place right here, Sandy Lake

Racquet Club.

There's also a lot of pickleballers here eager to take on a big -time tennis

player at their own game.

Do they have a chance to win today?

Well, I have a great coach, Caroline Letts. And she's also done a fantastic

of getting this whole tournament on its feet. So, yeah, I think my opponents

will have a harder time with her than me today.

Oh. Well, good luck out there, Luke. We hope you prove them all wrong.

Thanks, guys.

From Pick TV, I'm Tom Whittier.

And I'm Susan Whittier. And we'll see you on the court.

Hey, you two.

I'm excited to see you on the court.

Yeah.

Hi, guys. I've got you on your number two up.

Hey, there you are.

Where have you been? I sent you, like, 80 texts.

Um, yeah, you know, I just didn't think about how stressful it would be to run

the tournament and play in the tournament. Oh, yeah, I bet. How can I

I got it.

Yeah. Oh, wait, um, I know we haven't talked much since, but, um, you left us

gala, and I think you might really be interested. You know what? I gotta help

check in. What's up?

Why don't you go warm up, and I'll see you on the court. Okay?

Oh, there it is.

Yeah. You guys, this is so great.

Yeah. Could have used this for Roland Garros. Hey, we tried, but the French

weren't having it. How are you feeling, champ?

Out of all my matches, I don't think I've ever been this nervous.

Oh, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Mom, if we don't win all of it, all those years of work that you and Dad put

into this place, all our future plans, it's all gone.

Oh, when you put it that way. We'll be proud of you no matter what.

Bring it in. Come on. All this hug time. Here we go. Good,

good, good, good, good, good. Okay.

Go in, because Dad's love may be unconditional, but mine isn't.

All right. Good luck.

Let's go, son.

Go get him!

All right, here we go.

Jump in, Dad!

Got it.

Oh, yes!

Oh, I can't believe my eyes. If it isn't Luke, the brute coming to play. Took a

ball with the rest of the weekend warriors.

Wow. That isn't my nemesis, Toby Thicke. Yeah.

Good to know you still smell weird. I don't smell weird. I smell like

and bobcat musk, actually. So just drop that, Hollis, because it's pouring now.

We all get it. Got it?

Oh. Yeah, see, you noticed my paddle.

I'm starting my own pickleball brand.

I'm going to have t -shirts, too.

Big deal.

Those are going to smell weird, too? Yeah, they don't smell weird, though.

don't. They smell amazing. I don't know. What is the smell weird thing? They

don't. Yeah, yeah.

Anyway, if pickleball is going to take over the market, we're going to need a

little startup money to get us going.

You don't happen to know where we could win some today, do you?

We're going to play in this?

Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, yeah, we are. We are.

Yeah, my cousin signed us up under her name, Tinley Grace.

Say hi, Tinley.

Sorry.

Tinley's a three -time pickleball champion on the Southern Florida Country

circuit, so you'll find she's not as friendly on the court as she is now.

It's just kind of her thing.

But anyway, you should go.

There's been a lot of games to win today.

Yeah. Oh, and remember, you never beat me at tennis, and you're not going to

beat me here.

And I don't smell.

See you, buddy.

The

games

are almost underway.

But before we begin, we've gotten word that Luke Hollis is not the only former

professional tennis player to enter the tournament.

That's right. It appears that Tobias Thicke...

Hollis' longtime tennis rival has now also entered the tournament alongside

cousin, the young phenom, Tenley Grace.

Now that should offer some serious competition.

If those two make it into the finals against Hollis and Letts, that will be a

real clash of the titans. Nope.

And I've just gotten word that tournament is about to begin. Good luck

the pickleballers.

Paddles up!

Hey, you good? You didn't get a warm -up in? Yeah, I'm totally fine.

You ready?

Yep.

Yep. Come on!

Whoa!

Yeah! That was fast.

You really haven't beaten him?

Nope.

Well, here we go.

Yeah, here we go.

Zero, zero, two.

Cut. You got this.

Okay, I don't know what's going on or if you're mad at me, but we've trained

really, really hard for this. You really want to lose in the first round?

You're right.

Let's talk it.

Got to get down, living it up. Never touch ground, never enough.

Got to get down, living it up. Never touch ground, never enough. You're

me good.

You're making me good.

Everything, everything's alright, alright.

Staying up all night, all night. All my troubles staying good, fine, good, fine.

Took the match.

Moving on to the next round with an air of fervor in their feet.

And the Texans surrendering.

That was close.

We pulled it out. Great game.

Hey, hey, hey. Can we just talk real quick? I would love to just clear the

Let's just focus on the tournament.

One game at a time. All right?

It's been a great day of pickleball already. And the competition is heating

Hollis and Lips have had a rougher go at it than expected. It's been a fight all

day. No easy win here.

Meanwhile, the picks on the other side of the bracket are just wowing through

the competition.

Ain't nobody that can do it like us.

And that's what makes us victorious.

Oh, and what an hour by Luke Hollis. And the crowd is loving it. I mean, I am

too, if I'm being honest.

And Caroline Lett will go on to face the big cousin right here on center court.

Thank you.

That was insane.

An earned body bag?

Where'd you learn that?

I saw it on YouTube once.

I'm going to be out of a job soon.

Hey, look,

whatever happens in this next match, I want to thank you for taking the time to

play in this tournament.

We would not have all this if it weren't for you. I couldn't do this without

you. Okay? Or your coaching. I have never hit so many dinks in my life.

Ladies and gentlemen, find your places.

The championship match is about to start.

One more match.

One more. Then we get to keep the club.

Oh, I can't wait to crush thick.

We beat them here, that's what they're going to remember.

Yeah? All right.

Let's go.

at the gold medal match here at the inaugural Dig the Hole Sandy Lake

Club Christmas Day Pickleball Tournament.

That is a mouthful, isn't it? Oh, it sure is. The gold medal match will be a

single game, win by two, winner take all. And we've had a huge influx of

tuning in to watch.

So the pressure is on for Luke Hollis. Does he have what it takes to win in

new sport?

Well, let's find out.

Pick the serve.

Here we go.

Whoa,

big miss by Lett. You don't see that every day. No, you don't.

Oops.

Yes. This is easy.

A couple of points into the match, and things are not looking great for Hollis

and Lett. They're already down 4 -2, and something feels off.

These two are not clicking.

The current score from the Whittiers, 7 -2.

Oh, no!

Huge misstep from Caroline Letts. That's what I'm talking about!

That's what I'm talking about! My court!

My court!

Certified pre -owned, zero down. Seriously, guys, I'll get you into

nice. And that brings the current score to 8 -2 for Thick and Grace. Hard to see

a way back for Hollis and Letts at this rate. This could be the point of no

return for these two. Okay, time out. Time out.

What are you doing?

Come on. Hey, wait. We've got a game to play here.

We need to talk.

In private. And Hollis calling a clutch timeout. Oh.

Can they bring it back?

The question is, can they?

Okay.

What the hell is going on out there?

We're so close. Are you trying to make me look stupid in front of the entire

country? Well, a team is only as strong as its weakest player, so maybe you just

don't have what it takes to step up and play for anybody but yourself.

This is why I don't play doubles.

This is why.

It must be so nice to be Luke Hollis, huh? All the fame and attention and the

freedom to do whatever you want no matter the consequences for anybody

Do you know what I have sacrificed to make this work?

What I have done to save your club. And what do I get in return?

You take everything I've built and you just out the window. And without a shred

of consideration.

Yeah. You make a great partner, Luke. What? What are you talking about? We are

in this together. Yeah. Yeah, until tomorrow when all this becomes an elite

winners only keep the low lives out of tennis clubs and me and my community

around the streets.

Look. It's your right to do whatever you want to do with this place, okay? Fine.

I just... It's because you haven't given me hope.

What are you talking about?

I explained everything in your Christmas present.

Wait, what?

Oh.

The Christmas present. In the Christmas present. I explained everything in the

Christmas present.

Open it. Here.

You think you can just solve everything with a Christmas gift? Oh, my God,

please, Caroline, just open it.

I've already submitted the plans to the city.

I'm making more pickleball courts.

The club is going to be half pickleball and half tennis, and I would love it if

we could both run them together as co -owners.

If that's okay with you.

Well, that would have been really nice to know a lot earlier than now, you

idiot! Well, I gave you the present two nights ago and you just left it at the

party! Oh, everything from today makes so much sense now. You were so mad at

weren't you?

I really was.

Oh my God, the tournament.

We are losing so bad.

We have to win.

Then we have some work to do.

What is that? Is that a matching shirt? You got his matching shirt?

Come on. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

And they're back.

Hollis and Letts coming back onto the court wearing matching shirts. Oh. And

holding hands. Holding hands.

Which begs the question, are they courting?

Are they pickleball courting?

You get all this money for us.

Let's do more accounts.

Hollis and Lentz facing an 8 -2 deficit.

They have their work cut out for them.

Oh, they sure do.

We're looking at a different game here, folks. Hollis and Lentz giving Thick a

run for his money.

Oh, let's go!

Thick pickleball, right?

Wow, things are definitely heating up.

New team on the court.

Someone grab an equipager, because these

two are on fire.

Here we go.

It's been a story of two halves tonight, folks. Hollis and Letts coming up from

behind to bring the score to 14 -13, but now they're facing a must -win point.

If they want to win, they'll need two hard stops right here, one point to get

the serve back, and one more for the win.

13 -14 -2.

Oh, and here's another dinking rally.

Just in to fix it, Stella.

Get Hollis and let's hold on.

Whoa, an expert shot from Luke Hollis has saved the match.

14 -13 -2. And the serve goes to left.

Oh, this could be it, folks.

Back to the dink. Here we go. One bad dink and it's game over. Caroline, I'm

hoping I need to get off my chest.

It's right now really the time to talk.

I'm so sorry for how dangerous it was at the beginning of all this.

I had no idea how good it could feel to be in this with someone else.

You helped me reconnect with my family, with Jordan, with myself.

They seem to be having a full -on conversation while dinking.

Oh.

Damn it, Luke.

Look, I'm really sorry I got us into this mess, okay? But honestly, if I'm

to be in a mess with anyone, it's you.

From the moment we met, it brought something out of me.

Something that makes me stronger.

I know this isn't the best time to say this, but... Caroline... I

love you.

I love you, too.

Oh!

And that's the whole side of the facility, our new pickleball court.

I can't stress enough how excited we are that you are on the team.

With all these new pickleballers, you're going to be...

Super busy.

Caroline, we need you with Luke. What happened? I don't know. We were on the

back pick -a -ball courts, and he just went down. He keeps calling for you. Oh,

my gosh.

Okay, we'll tell you when she's coming.

Luke! Oh, my gosh.

Luke! Luke, hey, hey. What happened? Are you okay?

Caroline, let's... Will you marry me?

Oh my god.