Here’s how a story can make your heart break — even for a multi-millionaire who, on the surface, has accomplished the elusive, American tightrope act of “having it all.”
First, make him impossibly likable, not in a sanitized way, but in a how-could-you-not-like-him way.
Second, give him everything: money, talent, a championship, a great city to live in, respect and adulation — from his peers and the public, the perfect amount of fame, and a wonderful dog named Rocco.
Then, make sure the viewer knows what he really wants. Have him play through injuries. Have him randomly pop up on courts halfway across the world and spawn a hashtag.