Mark vs UNDEFEATED Ira - NTRP 4.5 Match Play (Part 1)

[@ericburness3116]

Essential tennis not playing around while they still have use of that court. What a match up!

[@EssentialTennis]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@marcorenato1814]

“Schrute Farms” :D Ira’s t-shirts always make me laugh

[@EssentialTennis]

He's always got the best shirts!

[@MarkSansait]

BEETS

[@jaysontang]

it says a lot about being in shape and having a plan, for all those guys over 30, get in shape, to play your best tennis!

[@MarkSansait]

Working on my fitness still >:(

[@NickFoxVids]

This is the best (read: smartest) set from Mark to date on this channel in my opinion. Early ET Mark seemed content to swing big from the baseline no matter what. That doesn't fit against Ira and he's adjusted really well.

[@MarkSansait]

MUST. HIT. BIGGER.

[@knotwilg3596]

Data 1st set: Ira W 11 - s f2 s f3 fp6 d3 a s f4 O9 s E 18 - f7 f3 f3 f2 f8 b4 df df df f3 f2 f4 f3 b6 fp4 f5 b3 v7 Mark W 10 - v16 d11 v5 a f2 v5 f3 O9 f3 v10 E 7 - b6 df b7 b9 f10 f3 f4 Interpretations: 1) Mark is being more consistent, making less errors (7 vs 18 = -11) while having approximately the same amount of winners as Ira (10 vs 11 = -1) 2) 8 out of Ira's 11 winners come from short points (1-3 shots) and 5 of those from serve 3) 6 out of Mark's 10 winners come from longer points (>3 shots) and 4 of those he ended with a volley 4) other than 3 avoidable (and perhaps incorrectly called) double faults, 11 of Ira's 18 errors come from forehands, and 4 of those on 3rd ball. This is partly to be explained by Ira's running around the backhand 5) Mark's errors are evenly distributed, as he doesn't avoid the backhand, but he makes very few on early shots Recommendations: Ira should try making less errors, by 1) stop serving flat on 2nd and start kick serving 2) focus on getting 3rd ball forehand in court, pressuring without overdoing it Qualitatively speaking, I find Ira to be too static in posture and recovery. A more dynamic rhythm could help him. Mark should obviously keep doing what works for now :)

[@MarkSansait]

POGGERS STATS!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you as always Knotwilg!

[@joshuablack771]

I appreciate Mark for stating all types of devices we could possibly be watching this content on haha.

[@cassiacarpio692]

You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, and saute it. There's shrimp kebabs, shrimp Creole, shrimp gumbo, pan fried, deep fried, stir-fried. There's pineapple shrimp, lemon shrimp, coconut shrimp, pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, shrimp stew, shrimp salad, shrimp and potatoes, shrimp burger, shrimp sandwich. That- that's about it.

[@MarkSansait]

@@cassiacarpio692 RUN FOREST RUN!

[@InfinityX2]

I always choose to receive. I see it as a free game to learn and try out things, it’s a bonus of you win it. Also (on my level) serves in first games are usually less pace and less accuracy.

[@MarkSansait]

I think statistically you have a higher chance of being broken in the first game of a match than any other time in a singles match.

[@westennis]

Mark's net game was on point. Looking forward to the next set!

[@MarkSansait]

So am i!

[@tylerpoe5655]

Mark I am just like you. In singles I always choose to return first. For me it helps set the tone in my head that I'm not afraid of them to serve at me, and if I manage to break I can throw a 125 mph bullet down at them to get out quickly

[@MarkSansait]

:)

[@tylerpoe5655]

@@MarkSansait hopefully I'll get to play you one day to battle it out! Love your game

[@tandinh5293]

These are probably my four favorite to watch🎉

[@dankauffman3456]

Great set, Mark. Nicholas Fox was right, this is the smartest set I've seen you play.

[@MarkSansait]

It's because I ate a salad that day.

[@drunkrealtor]

To answer Marks question about electing to serve or return first against a bigger server like Ira, I think in this case serving first is better. I'd rather them feel that pressure at 4 serving 5 in order to stay in the set. But if it's someone with a weaker 2nd serve I also generally return first to get an early break and crush moral

[@MarkSansait]

:)

[@-Munditimum-]

Really looking forward to this. I thought Cole was undefeated as well? Cheers.

[@michaeltreis9751]

We lost in doubles. Ira has never lost a singles or doubles match on this court.

[@EssentialTennis]

Cole lost a doubles match. Ira hasn't lost singles or doubles!

[@-Munditimum-]

@@EssentialTennis Oh, sorry I wasn't aware you were including doubles...cheers!

[@-Munditimum-]

@@michaeltreis9751 Thanks Mike. I wasn't aware this statement included the doubles matches. Cheers.

[@michaeltreis9751]

@@-Munditimum- I gotchu 😎

[@sarapratt1261]

Insightful commentary from Topher. Especially about the balls that come right back to you. I have trouble with the return of serve coming right at me. I probably need to split step!

[@MarkSansait]

I hate up the middle shots :(

[@dayostical]

We finally get the long-awaited Ira vs Mark matchup, although Ira's lack of fitness makes it a bit more predictable. Still, thanks to both players for agreeing to do this on camera!

[@MarkSansait]

yeeeeee

[@MarkSansait]

OH. MY. GERD.

[@scottbroady3159]

LOCK UP DAUGHTERS! LOCK UP YOUR WIVES! LOCK UP YOUR BACK DOORS! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

[@michaeltreis9751]

Aghhhhhhhhhh too much bwehhhhhhhh

[@EssentialTennis]

Let's go! 🔥

[@Jokertoto2190]

Mark really made some mental improvements in his game. He also went from being a player who mainly relied on hitting heavy from the baseline, and really good defensive speed to keep up with rallies to a more All-Rounder type of player who can do it all! I'm starting to think that Doubles game with Scott, Ian and Ira helped him to improve his net game! He looks much more comfortable at the net now!

[@twistedemise]

I absolutely love these videos! Can't wait for part 2!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, stay tuned for part 2!

[@benoit5227]

Very smart first set from Mark, Ira seems to be less in shape and it makes a big difference

[@markoshun]

"I wanted a bagel, got a bread-stick.. carbs are carbs'. Best trash talk award.

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely 🤣

[@georgebasham2279]

Not a fan of that. Let your racquet do the talking, no need to rub it in.

[@funvidman]

@@georgebasham2279 George, it's for the camera, not to the opponent. Ira isn't affected by this during the match, what's the issue?

[@DillPlays]

@@georgebasham2279 trash talk with your friends is super fun

[@georgebasham2279]

@@DillPlays I can't say that's a millennial thing because Larry Bird was said to be the greatest trash talker of all time LOL.

[@mareenicola3710]

I don't think I have seen Mark come into the net so often before. I like it. His game is looking really good, lots of variation in his shots and well set up points. Still alot of games were quite close, and here's hoping for an even closer second set. :)

[@jeromep4148]

Mark, your display of “fitness” was really super impressive.

[@MarkSansait]

FITNESS ENCHILADA IN MY MOUTH

[@Cesarini77]

Very smart game plan from Mark. And Ira came with a bazooka for serves. 120mph? Wow! Btw, cool shirt, Ira!

[@josephallen5528]

What shoes is Mark wearing? Great playing!

[@steven93537]

Sick first video can’t wait for part 2 love all the videos you put out! I wish I lived closer and could be there the last day.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@BackoftheLineTennis]

In most matches there is a considerable level difference in fitness, I wil always give the nod to the fitter player. All other things somewhat equal, fitness allows for stronger defense so more balls in play. Good stuff so far though.

[@MarkSansait]

I love fitness. Fitness tacos in my belly.

[@BackoftheLineTennis]

@@MarkSansait I believe any size pizza, is a personal pizza. Don’t be tryna limit me to those little snack sizes!

[@jeanpauljeanpaul2530]

@@BackoftheLineTennis I’m surprised that all of you at Essential tennis are so serious about tennis, but not one of you are fit. Winter is here, squat, deadlift, OHP, burpees, and suicides sprints are in your future.

[@-Munditimum-]

If the 2nd set follows the momentum of the first set, then we'll have one of the most awesome matches of ET, at least in my opinion. Thank you ET team. Cheers!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, stay tuned!

[@MarkSansait]

15:18 yo u throwing shade at my volleys? LMFAO

[@Moon_Sage64]

I’ve been waiting for this match.

[@kathleensullivan3926]

I agree with Mark's strategy of always receiving first. It puts pressure on the opponent early.

[@dougmilesmedia]

Solid first set by Mark.

[@noor9651]

Great first set by Mark.

[@thomasdickey9852]

Should be a good one. I like Mark in a long battle.

[@EssentialTennis]

It's going to be a great one Thomas!

[@AntCohenJr]

@@EssentialTennis 🧢

[@willecutlip]

That was, without a doubt, the best set of tennis I've ever seen Mark play on the ET court! Bravo!

[@arielmaldonadorubio543]

Oh yeaaah!! I was waiting for this one!!

[@DrElectron1]

Based on apparent fitness, I predict Mark will win the match. Only chance Ira has is to raise his first serve percentage and keep points short. Ira really needs to come to net behind good approach shots but that may not be in his comfort zone.

[@MarkSansait]

Im as fit as current Andre Agassi

[@danielchile76]

Such a good match - Ira has no legs, he said it, he is stuck to the ground with little to no agility displayed. Mark is light and always in motion. I think that may be the main difference on this set

[@gretchenlittle6817]

I love seeing a match with two one-hand backhands! Personally I like Ira's better because his gives me a mental picture of how to hit my own -- Mark might have a "better?" one but I could never emulate it. And yes, Mark, I agree about choosing to receive. I have an okay serve but I'm more comfortable concentrating on breaking my opponent in the first game.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great one-handed backhands just look 🔥

[@seanadelt2713]

what racquet is Mark using these days. Looks like a Bab VS?

[@MarkSansait]

Yessir

[@livelove6797]

mark, i'm nowhere near as good as you, but i think you could benefit from trying to get your serve toss to drift less to the left! seems like you could maintain better balance on landing and maybe get more power if you let the ball drop down more above your right ear? (only pointing this out because i have the same problem!)

[@b-dogs1038]

Yeah. It’s Mark from here on. 6-1 is a bit of a crushing

[@dabarons001]

Major props to Ira for having twins and playing that hard. Much respect ✊

[@EssentialTennis]

Yes! He’s always goes all out!

[@lindasoderquist4452]

Did Ira have twins? Great post-partum recovery!

[@neroroseumu3023]

This Going to be a real test 👍 Undefeated streak on the line. Classic in the making. 👍 🎾

[@EssentialTennis]

Hope you enjoyed it Nero!

[@christobt]

Is mark on the pure aero vs? How do you like it man? Always wanted to try it and compare it to my Gravity pro

[@MarkSansait]

Not perfect, but I love it. I never hit with any Gravity.

[@youngsuit]

my serve is pretty much what my game revolves around, so i usually choose to serve first because it's usually a very fast way to go up 3-0 if im confident

[@youngsuit]

often* not usually, depending on context

[@bwiz6514]

Ira's a guy with 5.0 strokes and 4.0 movement. If he takes a notion to get fitter and clean up his movement he'll destroy these guys.

[@MarkSansait]

We shall see :)

[@jeanpauljeanpaul2530]

He’s one of those guys who won’t improve his fitness because it’s hard to do. This is the definition of laziness.

[@SuperLuLu57]

Marks racquet journey is fascinating Yonex Ezone 98,+ Hyper G > Head Prestige ISO + Baseline and now Babolat Pure Aero VS? we need a video on why his gone through all of these...

[@andrewlubbers3198]

I know that the Head racquet he was using was giving him hand problems, so he swapped the the Babolat Pure Aero VS

[@SuperLuLu57]

@@andrewlubbers3198 I know the Yonex Ezone was also giving him tennis elbox but I wonder if it was just because strong tension plus Hyper G which I have played with its a brutal string

[@michaeltreis9751]

He had the head racdical pro not the prestige

[@SuperLuLu57]

@@michaeltreis9751 apologies Big MIKE 😂 the radical pro in that red color

[@michaeltreis9751]

@@SuperLuLu57 your good. Lol I think it was the 2019 edition. Because mark didnt like the new ones color edition.

[@lsfire3489]

Did mark switch racquets to babolat pure aero vs from his radicals? When did that happen?

[@grimson]

I love Ira's game. Such smooth, easy power. But maybe caring for the twins has taken too much out of him, because this level of fitness and lack of movement/split steps etc was just too much to overcome that set. Interested to see if he can turn it around. Great strategy by Mark to get to the net more.

[@invalidnumbers654]

9:45 i would poop my pants if i saw that ball flyin at me after the point was over LOLOL

[@georgebasham2279]

Mark playing some high energy, athletic tennis, that shoe string volley was sick! Ira so smooth and powerful, but being a parent of a baby will sap your energy, if he got some decent sleep and up'd his cardio a bit he could easily dominate most opponents.

[@georgebasham2279]

And a parent of newborn twins is DOUBLE trouble. 😀

[@danielurriola]

Ira's legs were unplugged. Mark has done a great job keeping the ball in, and also showed a lot of stamina. Ira has tennis IQ enough to change the pace.

[@jamescalloway5965]

Ohhhhhhh sh!t! I like this matchup power vs power. Can’t wait to watch

[@EssentialTennis]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@fingersm]

Switched to new Aero VS . Great raquet!

[@EssentialTennis]

🔥😎

[@yoshikay8787]

“Carbs r carbs!!!” That’s a gangsta quote!!!! 😝

[@charlesdang2557]

Is it just me or is Mark's game getting better? He's showing all-around brilliance today. Ira just needs to get under Mark's skin and destabilize him, but hasn't found the right weapon yet. Let's see if he finds it in part 2

[@EssentialTennis]

He's been playing ALOT of tennis!

[@errorcode1133]

If not a secret, how do you make scoreboard?

[@xband]

This is pretty much how I lose all of my matches. Up 40-0 on and off serve and then lose the game. Hitting balls out from no mans land from pushes combined with my margins that add to plummeting consistency thats where it is. I dont have solutions for a defensive opponent. Interested in the second set.

[@scottbroady3159]

WAIT…WHAT?

[@EssentialTennis]

Oh yes...

[@riderone8552]

Is Mark changing racquet again ?

[@eddiethomas7948]

Mark’s slice backhand is the difference maker in this match. He’s neutralizing Ira’s power in an impressive way. If Mark tried to bang with Ira, he’d lose. He’s playing a very smart match. Plus he appears to be more fit and is chasing every ball with Rafa like intent. Can he keep it up another set? Ira has to adjust and I’m not sure Ira has another play style.

[@YuzukiEba]

This is not 4.5 and its not even soft sandbagging. If mark doesn't win 4.5 nationals I'll be worried for him.

[@28mcavanaugh]

@marksansait made a racquet change!?!?

[@EssentialTennis]

You never know what he's going to do!

[@waltertesh4970]

I’ve always advocated that the best 2nd serve is a 2nd 1st serve.

[@t1vannas]

Mark hitting a Pure Aero these days? What the? Can we get a gear update?

[@samguilmard4825]

Always serve first for me! Go out strong and serve on the side you warmed up on - win the game and then make them serve on a new side that feels weird :)

[@EssentialTennis]

Good thought process!

[@JW-bw8nj]

That's why I always choose to switch sides if my opponent wins the toss and elects to serve first 😉

[@bunerzissou]

Interesting that Ian says this is a different style from Mark, but I feel like this is how he used to play and got super aggressive

[@rodf9000]

My feeling was that Mark is too strong and if he played well would win fairly easily. I expect a similar result in second set. Ira says he had leads in all the games, but his legs aren’t there after 2-3 points? That won’t cut it vs Mark who can run all day and make you hit lots of balls. That and the fact that Mark can handle Ira’s biggest serves and forehands is why he won so easily. I don’t see how Ira can turn things around, only chance is Mark loses it and I don’t see that happening, he’s too steady and determined.

[@MarkSansait]

yeeeeeee

[@rodf9000]

@@MarkSansait maybe less beer and more conditioning for Ira? 😆

[@SpiritDonkey]

I like when Ira wears tighter shorts.

[@josep9599]

Mark switched to a Pure Aero VS?

[@terrycoffman9442]

Ian where are you guys located?

[@EssentialTennis]

Milwaukee

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

Ira up 40 : 15 and then hitting 3 double faults in a row - Mark winning 6/7 points at the net (without even counting the S&V at 18:57) - what the heck is going on here? ;-) I think Ira will get more into a rhythm, win a close 2nd set and take it to a 3rd set

[@guilhermealmeida570]

Why Ira Its not moving? He appears to be tired

[@leisurefarm]

gosh, Ira looks tired and droopy after

[@DonYang73]

New JamesBond movie “The man with no second serve”

[@MarkSansait]

Still a better movie than Quantum of Solace

[@Tlcunha81]

Cole has been defeated? Who did he loose to?

[@architennis]

Someone on here said he lost in doubles.

[@michaeltreis9751]

The Wisconsin Paul Bunyan vs The Wisco Super Saiyan

[@EssentialTennis]

Love it! 😅

[@pablogutierrez4817]

The biggest difference between the two is running speed. I think Mark beat Ian easier than Ira beat Ian. So, Mark is my choice to win.

[@justiceisanillusion5602]

For a minute I thought I was watching Jason Jung vs Reilly Opelka

[@VicDamoneJr82]

my man IRA eating good!

[@bryanbrammer4353]

Love watching these matches but as the months go on, I’ve noticed the videos are longer due to more talking. Going back to the “booth” after every point for commentary kinda drags the content out making it less interesting. Just my two cents.

[@PolarBearProblems]

Ira’s double faults hurt my heart.

[@MarkSansait]

I dont mind.

[@alng16]

When will Essential tennis meet Tennis Troll?

[@mikebrendan3766]

Mark is just keeping the ball in play. Ira should be crushing him.

[@EssentialTennis]

It’s a tough game style!

[@architennis]

Not if Ira likes pace, doesn't like to see slices, and readily admits he's gasses after two to three shots.

[@MomentumTennis]

Mark. PLS. BREATHE :D

[@MarkSansait]

🍕🍕🍕

[@wkozwkoz6255]

maybe if Ira's 1st serve statitics were much higher he could win.. but as for now it's a straight way to loss

[@TeeLau]

I feel Ira can go bigger, pucher's chance right.

[@jasoncowell5133]

No disrespect to Ira, but he needs to lose a little weight and start moving a little better. This is killing his game. He has the serve and strokes even without sufficient energy or proper feet placement/positioning. I would love to see a more committed version let loose. Props for getting out there guys and giving what you can though. 👏

[@tennnis498]

Parenthood 101

[@canadiantennispro]

bring out the Blahs Mark !!!!! lol i gotta skip to part 2 lol

[@davkarimz]

Who says 40 all? Never heard that

[@willecutlip]

Ira looks to have lost his Dad-bod? 💪🏻😎🎾🎾🎾

[@EssentialTennis]

When you have twins, they keep him busy!

[@oldatarigamer]

Ira is very straight with little knee bend on his groundstrokes, so you can see he doesn't have his legs under him.

[@miguelroda8779]

Ira could run more efficiently. Sometimes the balls asks a more diagonal run and he never goes for it, ending up late to the ball.

[@davelee6002]

I think one of those double fault calls against Ira in the 3rd game was sus.

[@maxm17]

Looked fair to me

[@af02271]

Isn’t mike undefeated as well?

[@RobTennisBeckenham]

Nope he lost to Cole. Cole is undefeated though.

[@michaeltreis9751]

In singles yes but he but we lost in doubles

[@EssentialTennis]

Nope, he's lost before

[@livelove6797]

topher, your watch is set an hour ahead! careful!

[@livelove6797]

...or is the ET clock set an hour behind??

[@sebosanova3047]

Hard to compete when playing with such lazy footwork as the one shown by The UNDEFEATED Ira so far. Focusing on split steps, velocity & co are more important than focusing on hitting the ball heavy. To hit the ball nicely it's much more efficient with the feet in action ;) It would be surprising if Mark didn't win this match with more or less ease...

[@Truzian]

Love Topher but Topher McGee has to be one of the worst names I’ve heard in a while

[@tennispals]

Ira - if you cut off that beard you might lose 10lbs and be faster on a tennis court. :)

[@vanderszpak]

carbs are carbs xd