My First USTA Sectionals Match! (Ian & Ira 4.5 NTRP Matchplay)

[@drewmccoy1446]

Makes my day whenever I see you guys post a new match - the tennis content you guys put out is unmatched. As someone also in that 4.5-5.0 range (as best I can ascertain being in a different country with a different system) I find this level of tennis eminently more relatable than the pro’s - although that’s fantastic too. Thanks for continuing to put yourselves out there!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, we’re happy to help!

[@mattstevenson7949]

Ian, this is the best I've seen you play in a while. Serves were solid, taking over the net. Love to see it!

[@bradfordstoll5191]

100 percent agree! If he brings this level of play in mixed, he’ll be a force! And I definitely don’t take anything away from Beth’s play (her backhand is a thing of beauty) but I’d love to see him with a more mobile net player!

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the support!

[@Sam_varon1]

Iras confidence in the beginning “the balls aren’t gonna be coming back clean” “I’m hitting aces” then double faults two in a row 😂😂

[@EssentialTennis]

Always have to come out with confidence! 😅

[@terrytens4967]

yes

[@kenkrehbiel1931]

Posting the losses and your post match diagnosis take A LOT of courage, what with all the KZbin trolls. But for us developing players, its so valuable. Thank you for continuing to push great content!

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the support very much, Ken!

[@benmuschol1445]

thanks so much for posting! started off thinking i watch these videos just for educational purposes, but found myself fist-pumping and celebrating when y'all were winning key points in the breaker like i do with my favorite sports teams. sorry about the result but looking forward to the rest of the matches!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, Benjamin! Thanks for cheering us on

[@YashKMusic]

I'm gonna keep calling out Ian's foot faults until he fixes it 😅 nice doubles!

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

Does this look like 4.5 level to you? Yash, I think we can beat these guys! And I am still only 3.5 :)

[@bradfordstoll5191]

@@vladimirgetselevich4704 as it’s been stated before, the looks of player skills does not determine their rating…winning does! If you’re still a 3.5 it’s because you’re not winning enough!

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

And I am still ready to put $50 and play together with Yash, whom I am personally know and who is solid 4.0 player and me 3.5 player to play against them for money prize :)

[@grimson]

@@vladimirgetselevich4704 Yes, it very much does. Watch the volley exchanges at the net. Now go record 3.5 tennis and compare how it looks on video (NOT how it feels when you're playing it).

[@vladimirgetselevich4704]

@@grimson Well, I am still officially 3.5 But my dynamic rating is about 3.6 in singles and 3.7 in doubles. So next season, I will be upgraded to 4.0. But yes, you are definitely right, on video it is different from internal feelings.

[@stephen4763]

Ira - had a similar match last night. Won first set. Down 5-2 IN 2nd set but came back only to lose a 7 point breaker. Serving to win the 3rd set breaker and lost the last point on a DF. Arggggg! And my serve was on all match. They had trouble returning the entire match. But hey saw this match and it happens. Like the way you and Ian talked it thru to analyze what went right etc and kept it positive afterwards. Good stuff. Definitely trying to model my “tennis behavior” after you. You are such a good sport. Thanks for being a good role model for all of us.

[@paulwal222]

Ian, can you please make a video on how to foot fault without getting caught? I feel like this could really boost my serve potential. Thanks man! Keep up the great work!

[@layron4681]

😂

[@rohit2512ddun]

Great doubles and tough loss.. Ian's fitness and matchplay is awesome ...he covered so much of court moving forward and backward...

[@weekendhacker]

Ian said they 'didn't have to do anything special, just make them play' but I feel like he was trying to do too much like he was playing singles.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Passion!

[@garfgo]

Made my day to turn on KZbin and see this match posted. This is a tough match to analyze, Ian & Ira have better technique overall but it goes to show what can happen if you hang around and keep returning balls. Ian's net play was really good and I love seeing Ira put the hammer down, but you just needed a few more serves in and a couple less errors and this thing swings the other way.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, garfgo!

[@Nick-rv1ts]

Great match, guys. Tough loss. Felt like it was yours to lose, with some close misses. Ian, I've been watching the channel for a few years and I think you're now playing some of your best tennis that I've ever seen!! Keep it up, boys!

[@melfox215]

I totally agree. Ian would probably defeat his 2020 self like 6:1 6:1.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your support, Nick!

[@RobBrown1991]

"You can poach but I don´t think I´m running anywhere" haha as a first sentence that was funny, especially considering how confused the mixed doubles communication was for the first couple of matches.

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@stephenw_153]

Totally, Ira had a different view of what poach meant for the server for sure. Ian's definition of poach is all in committed to switching before the receiver even touched the ball.

[@rishinatarajan2887]

I feel like Ian played really solid but Ira looked a bit tight and wasn’t hitting his usual powerful shots. Still, it was a pretty solid game.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Rishi!

[@brianricketts4320]

At 10:18, look at the guy serving to the right. That is a crazy 2nd serve toss.

[@hsy2448]

That’s Kyle I think, he’s their teammate who has an insane serve.

[@tysonhabein8655]

Just as a doubles player I think it would drive me crazy to have Ian saying "you got it" on a ball coming straight to me as I'm lining up my shot. Communication is key but over communication is harmful if it distracting to your partner. I assume Ira is used to it and so it doesn't bother him but for me I'd have to tell Ian to chill out on mid point commentary. Saying good shot as well while the ball is still in play could be called a hindrance by your opponents

[@jimj7333]

I love all of these videos and instruction. Not sure you always need to tell your partner it’s yours when the ball is 5 feet over your outstretched racquet. I’m sort of guessing he can see that and if he can’t…

[@nathanmiller6051]

I watch this and think to myself this is tennis life, down in the trenches, this is real, this is tennis, this is what we love, geat job guys thanks 👍🎾❤️

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the support, Nathan!

[@briankronberg]

You did well when you pushed them wide. You did well when you pushed the ball deep and allowed the chance to poach. Ian, your foot faults are a problem. You both tried for too much serve, getting them in and wide is all you needed. I'd say where you really had a problem was giving them so many easy volleys. Now, that is because they did well keeping the ball low so you had to hit up, kudos to them for that. You should have switched in some both back on serve. Let them do the easy return and come in. That gives you an easy shot at a lob. This is a good play against older people that like to crowd the net. Forcing them to cover lobs will kill their legs.

[@EssentialTennis]

Great comments, Brian!

[@Jacob-rq5zb]

Great job guys great match! Ian you gotta watch your foot faults on your serve

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

Is anyone really calling foot faults in a match?

[@joniozq]

@@Tennisbull-match-statistics Opponents won't unless it's egregious. The "Officials" at sectionals will call your footfaults if they see it. But they're roaming and don't see all the points.

[@dangthanh1210]

Hi Ian. May I know the name of the software you used to edit and display score at the corner for this video?

[@13021J]

Great video, real edge of the seat stuff. Ian I think this is the best I’ve ever seen you play. When is the next video out?!?!

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the support! Next video out today!

[@edwardypark]

Is it me or is Ira like the Big Lebowski of tennis. He’s chill but then surprisingly hilarious. Great content guys. Nice playing.

[@EssentialTennis]

Absolutely 😅

[@tennnis498]

I think you mean “The Dude” from the movie Big Lebowski. The Big Lebowski is the old guy we only learn about later in the movie. It is surely a twisted Coen Bros plot. Maybe my favorite movie.

[@dxgi3737]

Ian, your job is deep analyses of tennis play. You are are great very intense player. Just play, your friend Ira is backing your decisions. I really enjoy these videos...Good match.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks DX!

[@micheleg5097]

@@EssentialTennis It will be interesting if you follow up with an analysis of this match now watching it back! & compare that with your immediate post match analysis :-)

[@NufTon]

Hey I don't want to be disrespectful but I am not sure if this has ever been pointed out but Ian tends to bring his back foot forward and foot fault a decent number of times when serving. In Ian's first service game alone, I noticed 6 pretty clear foot faults when he brings his back foot forward. They were at 3:06, 3:22, 3:42, 3:57, 4:17, and 4:37. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the match and appreciate the content !!

[@williamstuart9486]

I don't think the camera angle shows it one way or the other.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for wwatching, Theodore!

[@weplayyouratepickleball7498]

I'm about 5 minutes in and its looking good. Does it look like Ian is foot faulting when serving to the ad side? 3:22 and 3:56.....?

[@b-dogs1038]

Love the ‘Quality content not pretty’ post match wrap up=Very authentic. Ian: ‘I know you think I served fantastic..’ Ira: ‘well I wouldn’t say fantastic but good enough’ . That right there is comedy gold.

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@nolanisaacs5587]

I can't tell you how big my smile was seeing this video on my feed😅🤷🏼‍♂️

[@emit520]

Underrated winner at 7:34. Great reflexes to get that overhead back as a winner

[@spanielsan71]

Ira. You're genius. 2 doubles and you don't care. Just keep on banging them in. Such a great attitude. Player

[@-Munditimum-]

Honestly we have to give the opposing team for keeping their game tight good level of credit, especially since I felt like they were a level or 2 below you guys with their stroke production. However, I know that you guys were probably with some nerves, unfamiliar territory, probably not rested well enough etc. but still did pretty awesome. Great game overall. Thank you ET for the video as usual. Cheers and have a great weekend!

[@EssentialTennis]

100%, all credit to them!!

[@gindio1]

Level or two below? You do realize those are 4.5 sectionals. Those guys are not there by luck.

[@noor9651]

Great stuff.... feels like you both played really well. Probably needed more foot on the neck, rinse and repeat thoughts after the first set. Thank you both for sharing!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Noor!

[@scottrussell7068]

Nicely edited video. Good tennis. I enjoyed watching.

[@fdctrumpet]

Didn't know there was an 'Ian dialing things down' mode. Interesting to see.

[@ASMRaphael]

That was so great! :) I loved it! :)

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Shaunsweeney-Kubach71]

You have great hands Ian, this was an amazing match my friend.

[@pfpvilano]

Ian we play a similar style of doubles. Very active at the net always moving. While singles is definitely a different animal, a really good doubles match can be taxing on the body as well.

[@ted4ty]

this happened to me last week. easy first set, ton of confident. 2nd and 3rd set they changed and were solid. and my partner and i helped then out a lot with double faults and rushing in for points, not covering.

[@clintonsmurf6496]

Entertaining match guys. Honest and sportsmanlike play. No intentional head hunting to take an eye out. Seemed like other team was very consistent in baseline cross court play, and put more pressure from mid court. Punching ball back with velocity and depth. Their mid court was what I noticed the most. Usually not giving back floaters, mix of aggressive shots, and placement to the corners. They'd often hit low to mid court, get a softer return, then start putting on the pressure to get more softer balls back to reset offense or get a forced error. Good tactics overall. How to combat that I dunno lol.

[@micheleg5097]

Can't wait to see the next match Ian & Ira! Woohoooooo!!

[@alexsdg3441]

Good match guys. it is your very first sectional and you guys played well enough and got some good experience. Since I am also at your level (4.457 :+), it was so much fun watch you guys play. Good luck to you and hope to see you again.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Alex! More to come

[@walterhayley7252]

I think it was Mark's fault! Seriously, I need to watch this a second time to see what went wrong after the first set. I thought you were on your way to a fairly comfortable win. Ian, your hustle at 19:00+ chasing down that lob was absolutely amazing...

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Walter!

[@The-Student]

Your foot faults are terrible @19:53 you're a foot and a half in the court

[@terrytens4967]

Ian, you are so lucky that your opponents didn't call for a line judge with all of your foot faults

[@amieres]

19:00 Incredible get by Ian

[@faiz31887]

That intro got me pumped. Music from Gran Turismo 7 trailer

[@cmonman89]

Each set is a new life! The little mysteries that contribute to the shifts in mojo of a match are so fascinating. After the first set, it looked like you two were going to win the match with relative ease. But it seemed you two were becoming tighter as the match progressed and the other team was becoming more comfortable with their foothold in the match. And of course, by the tie breaker, you two were playing woth more tension for fear of losing the match while the other team was playing freely and aggressively in hope of stealing the match with a comeback. imo, different mentalities drove the result here and not skill level or tennis ability.

[@ProjectsandReviewsZone]

Spot on. The other team may have had more time with the USTA format so getting into a super they had the advantage big time.

[@EssentialTennis]

Well said!

[@chubun6631]

I think the lesson here is don't flight in on the same day you play. I think you did more than your share but Ira was a nonfactor in that match.

[@EssentialTennis]

Definitely adds a challenge!

[@glennlachapelle8726]

Ran into this in my area w/ USTA. Does anyone know why the screens can’t be drawn to separate the courts? All regular season they are drawn.

[@ianbuick8946]

Screen are annoying when you have to run to get a ball. Like fish in the net.

[@glennlachapelle8726]

@@ianbuick8946 that may or may not be. Personally, loose balks from other courts are worse. The question was about why the USTA required it.

[@derosa67]

You and Ira didn't seem your movement was in sync for alot this match

[@EssentialTennis]

It’s tough when we haven’t played much together, but we worked through!

[@MAELOB]

Spot on, they should have done more set up plays either with signals or talking before each serve.

[@kananiy5175]

I felt that Ira was out of position too often. For example, if you are on the baseline and you see your partner at the net crossing, you should automatically cross to cover the open court. Ira did not do this leaving a whole open court to one side. Also, when you both were at the net and they lobbed over Ira, Ian went to cover it but Ira just ducked and stayed there, leaving the other side of the court wide open. Maybe it was the long drive and Ira was tired? Also, not playing with each other much will make it difficult as well.

[@snstyvr7597]

Ian’s run at 19:08 … beast!!

[@EssentialTennis]

I'm tired just watching it again!

[@daniellee3551]

i enjoy the post match conversation. definitely something i can relate to. collaboration during match is critical. it's difficult to find the right balance between offense and defense.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watcing, Daniel!

[@grimson]

Strange match. Ian, you've posted so many videos about effective switching, communication, and strategies in doubles, and it seems Ira just wasn't interested in any of that and just wants to play one up-one back and hit big forehands. He has an awesome forehand, but doubles just doesn't reward pure power that much. When the match turned against you guys, I expected a bigger strategic change. Bummer. Better luck next time out!

[@EssentialTennis]

Ya, it's a good comment, Goalie. Ira doesn't like a lot of switching/running around. I know that and it's totally fine with me.

[@ObjectiveCoder]

Why are the side nets open? I would be so frustrated if balls kept going over to the other court/getting balls in my court all the time.

[@timothybreen8956]

Great match! If you want to hear what a supportive partner sounds like…Ian is it. Loved the positive vibes and the awesome in-point communication!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the support Timothy!

[@tritang7298]

Wow, don’t know the result, only one and a half set and Ian was crisp. The serve, the return placement. Impressive Ian.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the support Tri!

[@kikibeldandy]

Anyone noticed the foot faults with ian serves?.

[@samackin6032]

Ira's post game comments were SPOT ON. The opponents cut down on their errors too from the second set and into the 3rd TB. Like Ira, I thought for sure you guys were going to win in straights but kudos to the other guys they stayed in the match. And Ira was also correct when you, Ian, talked about "dialing it down" and Ira basically said you didn't need to do it. But in the heat of the match, stuff like that gets missed and I've always found constant communication especially on changeovers is a good thing.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, samackin!

[@georgebasham2279]

Doh! You guys snatched defeat from the jaws of victory! Some great points both teams though, thanks for sharing.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, George!

[@tusharchaudhary4541]

Claude, Ian and Ira in that order takes the podium.. great fight on both sides.. kudos all !

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed the match!

[@Hurry19671]

You are the better double. But still the second set and the deciding tiebreak, what a rollercoaster! You delivered great but finally too many points went wrong. and the weaker team won. life sucks sometimes haha but next time you guys will win, just keep.on going!

[@anthonydecinque8348]

Can I ask why the side nets aren’t drawn to keep the balls from rolling onto other courts? I saw a lot of lets being called. But I assume there’s a reason the nets are open.

[@joniozq]

I think most people prefer open courts since there's more room to run down balls. It's easy to call lets, giving free points because the net is in the way is worse.

[@vincetennis4572]

@@joniozq Those courts look like they have plenty of space compared to some indoor courts I've seen. If you're hitting it on those angles in doubles you should be winning all those points anyway. I think the lets would be a more frequent disruption of play.

[@its-my-life]

Great match! Many thanks for the video! I wonder why they do not close the net courtains between the courts. Would have avoided many of the balls rolling over to/from the other courts. Strange.

[@CountBrass]

The footfaults are a serious problem. Fortunately, there was no umpire or ref. I would also suggest working a lot on doubles tactics and gameplay. Court positioning was often very poor and made the match much harder than it needed to be, given that you are far better players than the other team.

[@fdctrumpet]

Where were the other team matches? I would think they would be on a connected court, no? Maybe it was because of the staggered starts

[@michaelbarca169]

Seems like when Ian poached he got a lot of balls, but didn't always do enough with the volleys. Maybe even some softer low, shallow volleys with more slice, which forces the other team to hit up into an easy put away. (to the back player) or hard and low to feet of the net player. But not just mid court volleys into their hitting zones.

[@EssentialTennis]

Ya, I totally agree with that, Michael. I have to finish more aggressively.

[@ProfessorBoooty]

11:30 IRA - "I AM USEFULL I CAN DO A LINECALLS". Your teamwork lvl is low right now but it is fun to see how it grow through the time.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@neverdown222]

Great Match. The opponent in black shirt really tighten up his game in the 4th quarter to closed out the set.

[@PedroGarcia-vv3kx]

Boy, I can relate to thinking you got an easy win and end up losing. Maybe I missed it but did you guys communicate where your serves were going? Reason why you didn’t try I-formation? I thought it was effective on your mixed doubles video. Thanks for sharing.

[@EssentialTennis]

We didn't plan locations much, no. Thanks for watching, Pedro!

[@aesbinz9894]

The elder gentleman is simply hitting bombs on serve and groundstrokes on the later part of the match, and the other guy simply knows where the ball is going and has a good hands on the net, wonder how long are they partner and looks like they know each other well. Also does this tournament played after your mix double Ian? Great video and looks like your 1st lost as a team with Ira.

[@financeoholic]

Great match!

[@bradfordstoll5191]

Maybe it was just the day but Ira did not look as comfortable in this match as he did when you guys played Mark and Scott. And unfortunately he did not outlast them in the cross court rally’s. Great match all in all, and your opponents we’re definitely in sync with each others game. Good luck in your future matches. You guys have a good combo of solid serving, Ira with an above average baseline game and your net prowess!!

[@mareenicola3710]

'if a cold one comes.... I'm drinking it' - that's the attitude to have :)

[@mareenicola3710]

Ian and Ira I really enjoyed the game, you win some you lose some. Next game should be even more interesting...... 👍😊

[@28mcavanaugh]

Really love the videos! The honesty and transparency of how matches really feel to us mere mortals. You guys were def better players better technique and serves. They just played ugly and somehow won. Wow!

[@EssentialTennis]

He ended up being SUPER solid!

[@tksf3w141]

Ian was less aggressive after the first set, but still played well throughout the match. Ira was flat-footed and made no adjustments to apply pressure on the other team. In Ian's defense, it's hard when your partner just stands in the same spot. Not sure why the opponents were underestimated, but hopefully the overconfidence ends and the Ian-Ira duo understands that at 4.5 or even strong 4.0 level, you have to do something special to win, especially in doubles.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your comments, TKS!

[@prmdshinde]

Good match. Where did the sectional 4.5 happen?

[@bigjimcomedy9158]

Hello from Sweden! Nice gaming and Ira looks like Opelka from afar. I am training to be a professional ATP-player. You are one of my teachers on youtube. What do you think of my daily schedule for seven days a week minus running on sundays? morning 1. running 1,6 miles. 2. 30 minutes wall training 3. jumping 500 times 4. doing tennis footwork 5. 100 situps, 10 push-ups 6. 100 shadow serves evening: 1. Running 0,6 miles. 2. 30 min wall training. 3. Doing 30 minutes footwork

[@drspidey4739]

Also felt you guys let them get grooved with crosscourt return. No Aussie/I formation.

[@jeremi7214]

Great match! Ian, you might want to step back from the baseline 6-8 inches when serving from the Ad side.

[@ProjectsandReviewsZone]

My experience with USTA matches is the more you blow out the other team the more you will end up in a super tiebreak. Ira showing up from a long drive in the morning did not help. Underestimating the other team's big mistake as they are there for a reason. The pressure to win your court for the team is real. Most of my matches are night matches then you go to Sectionals and Nationals and are playing 8am matches lol. So much is stacked against you before the first serve is even hit. lol.

[@neroroseumu3023]

Great doubles match guys 👍 🎾 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 Boy mates I Enjoy doubles so much, Always exciting and challenging. The guy in the dark top with white cap 🧢 His Serve style is very similar to my own Simple but effective. Can't wait to see more matches to come Great effort Ira and Ian 👏 👏 👏 Take this lose and gain experience for your next match That's what I do in tennis 🎾👍 🇬🇧

[@silviolporto]

I saw a lot of Ian foot faults

[@rucas10]

In my previous comment, there may have been the wrong idea that it was for Yan that you lost, none of that, Yan played very well indeed! The only message I want to leave is this: each one of you must close and defend the side that belongs to you unless it is inevitable and imperative. If you notice, that's what they've always done. That was the only aspect where they were better than you, and that's why they won.

[@keithstringer1140]

Do they have a Singles tournament? Doubles gets a little too boring

[@matthewshepherd5390]

6:46 not sure about that call 🧐

[@jessicamyidolxo]

Wow, great match.

[@EssentialTennis]

It was a good match, a tough loss for us.

[@jakewilliams5018]

Was it nerves ? Seen you guys play against some juniors who were higher level than this and you guys dominated.

[@deedlespeedle2444]

ian with the fast hands wow

[@jassielrodriguez2613]

I was so not expecting this result? How did that even happen?

[@leenixon901]

Is this the same Ira who was apart of the Essential Tennis awhile ago?

[@ayokay123]

Ian has flawless foot fault technique. Takes a helluva lot of practice to perfect that. Ian's got pretty good game aside from that, although he's gonna get burnt down the line if he poaches so aggressively against better players. Surpised Ian/Ira lost, although most of the fault does lay with Ira.

[@melfox215]

Ira didn't look like his normal self. He looked sort of tired or is it nerviness? I remember the great match between Scott&Mark vs Ian&Ira. During that match Ira was playing really good in many ways. In today's game, Ian was the go-to-guy and his shots kept them in the 2nd set, while Ira was producing some unforced errors without creating much pressure with the big shots he usually has. Their opponents didn't look very strong at first, but especially their many low shots were very difficult to handle (Ira's low volleys were inconsistent) and they've played their best level during match tiebreak. Had Ira played his normal level, Ian and him might have won 6-2 6-1. These things use to happen. To anybody.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your thoughts, Mel!

[@pranesh76]

It was a good match. Very close and could have gone either way!

[@torranceclark1260]

Ian WOW!!!! Huge Foot Fault!!!

[@oleksiyr.2685]

So unexpected, but really welcome

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks fo watching!

[@pingli5949]

first set was good.

[@pigletbb]

Good job guys, wish Ira has a mic too!

[@EssentialTennis]

Wish we could’ve! Stay tuned for more to come!

[@nicogoebel4071]

Tough loss! Ira was probably feeling the drive. How did mark and scott play their singles?

[@rucas10]

It was a pity ! 😪 Yan played extremely well, serving with quality, but alternating the very good with the less good at the net, not because he missed volleys, but because he sometimes opened his corridor. Ira was not at its best level, but it didn't compromise. In spite of that, it was enough not to leave the position so many times where you lost some points, playing a little more for safety, and I have no doubt that in 5 matches you win 4. Although the opposing pair have played well and are going up the level of play, your pair is without arrogance better than theirs: in the service, the bottom of the cut and especially at the net you are superiors. Here and there, there are things to improve, but it was enough to have been more prudent, as I said earlier, keeping your positions close to the net, ie not trying to intercept/guess what was coming from the other side, which is why you lost several decisive points, and only that aspect would have been enough to have won the match. Now is to win the next one. Let's go guys, we're all rooting for you ! 👏👏✌✌👏👏

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate your thoughts, Rui!

[@ChristopherCooke321]

Ira, after you won the first set, you should not have changed tactics. You won the set after all. In other words, don’t change a winning strategy until it no longer works.You guys had a mental lapse at the beginning of the second set,which allowed them back into the match. They then built up their confidence (the younger guy especially) and lifted their play. That was the difference

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Christopher!

[@johnklatt6935]

I'm thinking you 2 just have not played together enough recently and your opponents had been playing together a long time.