My relationship with tennis is shaped by the fact that I came to it later. I didn’t have the same structured, high-pressure experience that a lot of players grow up with. Because of that, I was able to fall in love with it in a more natural way. Instead of competition and status, I was drawn to the way the sport could bring people together and the beauty of it.
That curiosity deepened when I encountered Joseph Sr.’s lifelong work and OTA. I was truly inspired by Joseph Sr.’s ability to use tennis as a tool to transform the community he came up in. That was the initial spark. Through that, I met Joseph Jr., his son, through social media. In a world where results, rankings, and performance define so much of an athlete’s identity, I wanted to flip that narrative. I was drawn to the idea of someone being inspired not by trophies, but by watching their father build something meaningful: a tennis non-profit rooted in access and community. It became a story about legacy, purpose, and redefining success.
Creatively, I went in with a strong sense of what I wanted the film to feel like, more than a rigid plan. I knew the emotional core I was chasing, but I tried to stay open to discovery. My amazing team of collaborators also helped shape the film, as their exquisite taste and artistry helped define it. In the edit, it all came together in a way that felt true to that journey.
A major shift occurred during the making of the film when Joseph Sr. unexpectedly passed away. That changed everything. The film naturally became more of an ode, a message from Joseph Jr. to his father and a reflection on the lifelong work he left behind. It added a layer of emotional depth and urgency that shaped the final piece in a profound way.
Being the world’s #1 tennis player is an incredible achievement, but what legacy will you leave behind? How will people remember you, not for your titles, but for the impact you’ve had on others? Joseph Sr. devoted his life to helping people, and in doing so, he left a mark far greater than any ranking. Rest in peace, and may his work continue to inspire, uplift, and touch lives, just as it did for me.
