Forever Young, a new documentary by filmmaker Geoffrey Reed, tells an extraordinary true-life story of resilience, friendship and the unifying power of tennis.
At the heart of the film is Henry Young, now 102 years old and without peer as the world’s oldest competitive tennis player. Henry’s journey is not only a celebration of longevity and sporting spirit, but also a powerful reminder of how tennis can be a force for good in times of global crisis.
In February 2022, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, triggering the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. As the humanitarian toll mounted, the tennis world was moved by the story of Ukrainian player Leonid Stanislavskyi. At the age of 97, Leonid held the Guinness World Record as the world’s oldest competitive tennis player, continuing to play while living under constant threat in the bombed city of Kharkiv.
Reed, a close friend and tennis mate of Henry Young, soon realised something remarkable. Henry was six months older than Leonid. Outraged by the invasion and frustrated by a sense of helplessness, Reed had an idea. One that would combine tennis, humanity and hope. What if Henry challenged Leonid for the title, using the match to raise funds and awareness for Ukraine war victims?
Henry agreed instantly.
Thus, The Clash of the Centurions was born. Reed and his team began filming Henry’s challenge to Leonid, capturing a story that quickly resonated around the world. At the time, Leonid was refusing to leave his Kharkiv apartment due to heavy shelling, adding profound emotional weight to the unfolding narrative.
Australia’s national newspaper later described The Clash of the Centurions as the best “good news story” of 2022-23. Tennis Australia and the Australian Open also embraced the idea, announcing the event at the Adelaide International, where Henry famously took to the court with Jannik Sinner, coached by South Australia’s own Darren Cahill.
The story reached its emotional peak in January 2023, when The Clash of the Centurions was staged on centre court at Rod Laver Arena. In front of a sold-out crowd of 15,000, Henry & Leonid played together as the world’s oldest doubles team taking on Sascha Zverev and Frances Tiafoe. The charity event featured a constellation of tennis stars including Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Marta Kostyuk, Alex de Minaur and many more, all united in support of Ukraine.
Following the 2023 Australian Open, Tennis Plays for Peace, an initiative supported by the ATP, WTA, ITF and all four Grand Slams, had raised more than $US 4 million for Ukraine war victims.
Forever Young goes beyond the match itself, documenting Henry Young’s extraordinary life. The film features his appearances on The Front Bar and The Project, as well as a series of remarkable achievements both on and off the court. These include skiing at Mount Buller, winning the ITF Super Seniors Singles title in Majorca, being inducted into the ITF as its first competitive player aged 100, co-piloting a jet fighter, and receiving an OAM from Her Excellency Frances Adamson just days before his 102nd birthday.
World Premiere Details
Forever Young will have its world premiere at The Capri Cinema, Goodwood, at 3:00pm on Sunday, 8 February 2026.
Tickets are available via Humanitix, with part profits donated to Tennis Plays for Peace, supporting Ukraine war victims.
Following the screening, Henry Young, Geoffrey Reed and David Penberthy will appear on stage for a live Q&A with the audience. The first public release DVD copies of Forever Young will also be available for purchase in the foyer for $25 (mail orders $30 including postage), with part proceeds again supporting Tennis Plays for Peace.
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