Carrie is a retired professional tennis player who holds the record for 20 Grand Slam titles. Known by the media as the "Battle Axe" for her ruthless playing style and cold demeanor, she values victory above all else. She decides to come out of retirement in 1994 to defend her title and prove she remains the greatest player in the world.

Javier is a former professional tennis player from Argentina who emigrated to the United States. He coaches Carrie from a young age, instilling in her the belief that she is destined to be a great warrior like Achilles. He pushes her to be the best, though he eventually tries to teach her to find joy in the sport rather than just focusing on victory.

Bowe is a 40-year-old professional tennis player who never retired. He struggles with a temper on the court and a reputation for arguing with umpires. He agrees to practice with Carrie, aiming to revitalize his own career and learn from her expertise.

Nicki is a highly skilled tennis player who ties Carrie's record of 20 Grand Slam titles, prompting Carrie's return to the sport. As an Asian woman in tennis, she faces significant racism and intense public scrutiny. She admires Carrie's past accomplishments and relishes the chance to play against her.

Gwen is a sports agent who manages Carrie's endorsements and professional arrangements. As a Black woman in a predominantly white industry, she operates under a different set of rules and expectations than her clients. She is highly organized and supportive of Carrie's ambitions, even when they threaten existing sponsorship deals.

Alicia is Carrie's mother and Javier's wife. She dies in a car accident when Carrie is young. She prefers that Carrie grow up to be kind and happy rather than solely focusing on greatness.

Paulina is a top-ranked tennis player who becomes Carrie's first bitter rival in the 1970s. She frequently manipulates the press and makes excuses about injuries when she loses, earning sympathy from crowds and turning them against Carrie.

Lars is a tennis coach who briefly trains Carrie during her initial run. He encourages her to jump frequently during play, which ultimately leads to a severe knee injury that forces her early retirement.

Ingrid is an active professional tennis player on the tour. She is openly critical of Carrie's decision to return to the sport, viewing it as disrespectful to the younger generation of players.

Natasha is a fast, highly ranked professional tennis player competing in the 1995 season. She serves as a major obstacle for Carrie during the French Open.

Briggs is a sports radio commentator who frequently critiques Carrie. He expects female athletes to maintain grace and poise, openly disparaging Carrie's aggressive playing style and referring to her with derogatory names.

Gloria is a former professional tennis player who serves as a sports commentator. She defends Carrie against her male co-hosts, pushing back against the derogatory language they use to describe female athletes.

Brandon is a tennis player known publicly as the "Nice Guy of Tennis." He engages in an intermittent affair with Carrie while his marriage is rocky, repeatedly leaving her and contributing to her fear of rejection.

Nina is a successful swimsuit model and the wife of Brandon Randall. Her marriage experiences severe turbulence during Brandon's affair with Carrie.

Mary-Louise is a wealthy, older junior tennis player who faces Carrie in an early tournament. She serves as Carrie's first major challenge on the court.