Andy Roddick acting debut arrives in pickleball comedy The Dink

Andy Roddick’s acting debut has landed on Apple TV, and the former tennis champion is taking his first screen swing by playing a version of himself in the pickleball comedy The Dink, Variety reported.

The film stars Jake Johnson, who told Variety at Monday’s premiere that Roddick’s comic instincts carried over to the set. Johnson said he and Roddick already knew each other from appearing on each other’s podcasts before the movie came together.

According to Johnson, the production considered hiring a comic actor to pretend to be an athlete before choosing Roddick. He credited producer Ben Stiller with suggesting that Roddick be offered the part.

Johnson told Variety that Roddick initially doubted he was the right pick, describing the tennis star as self-mocking about the idea. Johnson said the team pushed ahead because they believed Roddick fit the role.

Who does Andy Roddick play in The Dink?

Roddick plays a version of himself in The Dink. The role marks his first acting appearance, according to Variety.

Johnson leads the movie as a former tennis professional who joins a pickleball club while trying to win approval from his father. Pickleball, a paddle sport played on a smaller court than tennis, has become a ready-made comic playground here because the story puts tennis-world pride next to a fast-rising recreational craze.

Johnson told Variety that Roddick handled the pressure of acting well, pointing to the demands of his athletic career. He said Roddick was open, funny and willing to work with the rest of the cast and crew.

Director Josh Greenbaum also backed the casting call. Greenbaum told Variety he spoke with Roddick over Zoom and came away believing the former athlete could handle the part.

Greenbaum added that playing oneself is still a performance, even when the role is close to real life. He said Roddick did strong work in the movie.

Who is in The Dink cast?

The Dink is directed by Josh Greenbaum and features a cast built around Johnson’s lead performance. Variety reported the ensemble includes:

• Jake Johnson
• Andy Roddick
• Ed Harris
• Chloe Fineman
• Mary Steenburgen
• Aaron Chen
• Clio King

The movie is now available to stream on Apple TV, giving Roddick a new arena after his tennis career: the sports comedy lane, with a paddle in hand and a cast of pros around him.

This story draws on original reporting from Variety.