My TOUGHEST opponent yet - NTRP 4.5 Match Play

[@EssentialTennis]

Just posted an update video on how my ankle is doing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpOsY4l6ba6ef9k THANK YOU so much for all your support!

[@jmn4276]

yikes. Ankle.

[@jonasjohnathan6074]

a trick : you can watch series at flixzone. I've been using them for watching loads of movies recently.

[@allenjoaquin7803]

@Jonas Johnathan Yea, have been using flixzone} for since december myself =)

[@alexanderbranson9578]

@Jonas Johnathan yup, have been using Flixzone} for years myself :D

[@melvinjackson4096]

@Jonas Johnathan yup, I've been watching on flixzone} for since december myself :)

[@LetsBuildThatApp]

What an awesome match and love the post game commentary from each player. Makes me wonder why we don't have this for ATP sets, it would make for some juicy trash talking from our raunchy players.

[@MarkSansait]

I would love to see Medvedev and Tsisipas on these in English 😁😂

[@jaysean9589]

Seriously would make for some good stories but they might start faking things for narrative if so.

[@manuttemanutte]

Great idea. Would be really fun, interesting and a lot to learn from.

[@elevendct1102]

sort of exists, look up UTS, and it's very bad idea for pros. very trivial comments from pro players, pro tennis is playing not talking

[@jdmalanga]

Best line of the match was when your opponent said: “I shouldn’t have eaten the whole pizza at lunch, just half a pizza!”

[@MarkSansait]

Lou Malnatis (Chicago Style Pizza) sprouted in the Milwaukee area. I couldnt pass it up even on a match day

[@brianricketts4320]

@@MarkSansait That was awesome. I have been there, always seems like a good idea at the time until your are playing a match later. Great match by the way.

[@simiuciacia]

I can picture Kyrgios saying something like that 😂

[@melfox215]

I am not a native speaker, but my impression was that it's not about his lunch, but a sort of metaphor to not try to go on winners too early and play more patiently and prepare the points. Maybe Mark can tell us what really was going through his mind in that moment. ;)

[@xawee7254]

@@melfox215 Wait it wasnt just pizza?

[@pickleballbyjustin]

"The Olive Garden Of Serve Return's" that is hilarious 😂 I'm using that

[@MarkSansait]

Just like the Unlimited Breadsticks at the OG, I will allow you to have this.

[@pickleballbyjustin]

@@MarkSansait 😂🎾

[@julioribeiroamaralribeiro8088]

😁😁

[@senorzed6483]

i didn't get it tbh, what does that mean

[@harterjay]

@@senorzed6483 Olive Garden sucks

[@pjm_219]

OMG! Ian, I hope your ankle is ok! That was a hell of a match. Wow! Your opponent was too good! 👍🏼

[@jhampdoc]

Finally! Def high level 4.5 play in my area (North Florida). Mark has one of the best weight transfers on his forehand I’ve seen in awhile so it not a surprise he was pushing you back. Hope the ankle is alright! 😃

[@MarkSansait]

Thanks John! As a singles tennis player, my weaker side is actually my forehand... but I have been working on it for the past year and a half.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thank you, John!

[@jhampdoc]

@@MarkSansait Loved the Zverev serve comment(s)! :)

[@pedrokoury1352]

Can I just say, the editing is amazing. The video is not just instructional but highly entertaining. Also, Mark is very funny! Keep up the amazing job. I've recommended this channel to a friend just now.

[@davelee6002]

My heart goes out to you Ian. I've long dealt with the same issues from basketball, and was just thinking yesterday that tennis will now be my safer sport to play for the rest of my life.... Speedy recoveries to you Ian, it couldn't happen to a better guy.

[@timothybreen8956]

This match was a perfect illustration of what you talked about tennis perception. Your game looked really strong against Mark vs. the Mystery Opponent . I loved how you analyzed your strategy and adjusted it to better compete. Hope the ankle heals and keep up the great work!

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@lamestraw6409]

@@EssentialTennis I felt this was your strongest display to date. Your shots looked more crisp than the previous matches and many points were hard for your opponent to win (which he also conceded). Looked like you gassed a bit out towards the end, not coming to the net as frequently anymore - neither on his nor on your serve. Conditioning is the easiest (and dullest) to train though :) Hope you feel better soon, as well - looked nasty.

[@boarini2003]

Loving this whole series of videos. Very entertaining to see the confession cam and how you capture the mental and strategic ups and-way more interesting than regular tennis technique demos everybody does.

[@jonathanjeong]

Honestly, it's really nice to have the player interviews every couple games. Provides a lot more insight into the strategy. Being mic'ed up the whole time is fun!

[@aimfreakify]

Wow! This was so entertaining. First and foremost, just wanna make sure you’re okay and recovering. You fought hard. Secondly, I love the banter back and forth on this one. Extremely fun to listen and watch both you and Mark. I think I LOL’ed a couple times. Keep up the good work Ian! You’re killing it with these challenge matches. Thank you! Sending good vibes

[@MarkSansait]

🤗

[@chrischo7464]

Was watching RG but as soon as alarm went off came here . Mark is solid on both wings thanx !!

[@Floodland-bn3ol]

"Should we get James?" If James is a friggin ankle doctor then, yeah, get his ass over here.

[@EssentialTennis]

😆😆

[@MarkSansait]

"JAMESSSSS, JAMESSSSSS WE NEED A MEDIC" was what I was screaming in my head.

[@ΜάρκοςΒουγιουκλής]

Oh no. Hope you are already doing better with your ankle! It seemed so painful and frustrating! The video was great. You gave your best self and you truly committed in the game! I hope it was a minor injury and tbat you get through it soon and be back on your feet again. Thanks for your bravery and sacrifice! Apart from that, we learned a lot out of this video and of your opponent! ❤️❤️❤️

[@NN-rn1oz]

Playing the total opposite of MEP before playing MEP? Interesting.

[@EssentialTennis]

Definitely the opposite...

[@AcingTennis]

"Eat half the pizza - not the whole thing" THIS IS WAY TO CLOSE TO HOME. HAHAHAHA.

[@MarkSansait]

me: just one more slice. one more

[@colinbyer3018]

Ikr 😂😂hilarious

[@colinbyer3018]

Mark Sansait 😂

[@BackoftheLineTennis]

Every pizza, is a personal pizza...if you try.

[@MarkSansait]

@@BackoftheLineTennis THE CHAD 47 INCH DEEP DISH PERSONAL PIZZA

[@Dom-yv4nq]

That ankle roll hurt me just watching it so I can imagine how painful it was. Ian I wish you a full and speedy recovery.

[@ILVOFNS]

Ian, I've been a viewer and fan of your channel since you launched it. As a former 4.0ish competitor and coach at the D1 level, I truly appreciate and value your world class instruction and willingness to show yourself - good, bad, and ugly on the court. Please keep up the excellent work! Mark, your game is solid. I enjoyed watching you play.

[@MarkSansait]

Thank you my friend!

[@palake750]

Really enjoyed this. Get well soon! Mark is such a strong player. You were not supposed to be in any of those games, with him being tournament tough. Impressed with your net game. Mark really bullied you around from the baseline, but your net game pressured him, Your movement and stamina looked top notch. All that training with Eric paid off. Kudos to him. .

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@dacalvaryyy]

Just something about watching tennis alone in my room with the lights off and the door locked makes me very self conscious about what my family or others outside of the room will be thinking of me without knowing the context of the video I’m watching...especially when they hear “come on”, “yeah!”, “ugh”, “ahhh”, “that’s so good”, and “wide” ... what could it be ? I don’t know let me know if you relate . 😂 Great Videos by the way I enjoy the content and match plays! ✅

[@Bakugo24]

headphones are a great buy 😂

[@shouryanadda9604]

This should be telecasted on T.V Uncontrollably excited 😎😎bro

[@RS-on5zg]

I feel like I'm your coach! You're making great progress, Ian. The positives: You didn't back off shots and you changed tactics after the first set. You've obviously also been working on your fitness. Things to work on: Return of serve and reduce double-faults. Good things happened when you pushed him out wide and moved in. Also the c&c strategy was definitely applying pressure. Excellent match. Hope you're on both feet soon.

[@qmcqueen2429]

Get well soon Ian!! I hate that for you. You played amazingly with a lot of heart! I hope your recovery is speedy and painless

[@robA2345]

When I see these slightly skewed matchups it reminds me of myself in that I get beat hard at just the next level up in terms of opponent quality and its almost like a mirror image because especially the first set you played 2-3 good shots but then went long or netted the volley to give up the point but how much of that is the opponents play and how much is in your head are questions I often ask myself. Great video.

[@robA2345]

Injury aside of course!! Get well soon.

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@cldavis33]

Great tennis Mark and Ian. Mark - you don't let one bad shot go by without accessing, and refocusing your mental intent to stay on track. Thanks for sharing your thought process. It's those little things that people don't see that make a big difference in close matches.

[@MarkSansait]

Thanks my man!

[@sdog8i840]

The face on the opponent there. Looks like a poster for a UFC fight

[@EssentialTennis]

Time to rumble...

[@EssentialTennis]

That's exactly what I was going for 😂 -James

[@mikecapp7864]

I like how Mark takes the racquet back on his forehand, holding with the non dominant hand late into the set up. Adds stability and a feel of control.

[@dmoore764]

"The net's too high" That's one of my go-to lines

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@mitchellsewell275]

So relate to the ankle turn. Taking to wearing supports whenever it is a real match. The stress of coming to the net and volleying takes its toll especially on the ankles.

[@rainieroparrales3960]

​Really nice match! Mark play with a lot of intensity and i like that. Both of you try to play the best you can!!! I appreciate a lot this type of match!!! I hope you can recover fast IAN and continue with the nice practice, i love how you are evolving from the first match to this.

[@MarkSansait]

Thank you! Intensity and footwork is all I have at this level!

[@hooha1692]

I made my wife subscribe lol. I REALLY really hope you can get to 250k. Not just for the free lesson but also because your channel is wonderful. I've been watching for years and you've really lived up to your motto this whole time.

[@mohanish]

Damn Ian 🔥 @4:30 Rafa-like running banana forehand passing shot

[@MarkSansait]

I could do nothing but applaud that shot. I thought I played the smart point approaching off the short angle!

[@evelineshum4525]

Wow - what a great match to watch. Ian's improvement is obvious, and a great to see the various strategies prove out. Can't wait for the next video to see how bad that ankle roll was. Heal fast! Thanks, both!

[@schmidti19]

Mark is amazing 😂 "Didnt knew that angle existed" 😂😂😂 Maybe a rematch? Did watch the hole video because he's so funny

[@MarkSansait]

There may or may not be a rematch in the future

[@juanmlarios]

First, I love these matches. It's really cool to see the coaching side by side with the preparation for matches. I hope your ankle heals up quick, I know about ankle sprains. Props to you for changing the tactics. You did have more of a chance in the second set to stay in points and change the dynamics to make him more uncomfortable in his groundstrokes. But keeping it real, this is what happens when a strong 4.5 player steamrolls a weak 4.0 player. You are getting better so keep going and keep the videos coming!

[@jordyjordyjordyjordyjordy]

"Eat half the pizza." Hahahaha this guy is great, would be great to see him back!

[@MarkSansait]

He did invite me back 😀

[@shirleyzhou5156]

Ian, I'm so sorry to see your ankle injury. I enjoyed watching the match. You played very good! I wish you a quick recovery!

[@alng16]

Where’s the Most annoying player match? Can’t wait for that one!

[@EssentialTennis]

Update on that soon.

[@MarkSansait]

I am the most annoying tennis player. However Ian will be facing the Most Exhausting Player soon hopefully ;)

[@alng16]

Hahaha i meant the MEP..just saw the video..great match! Hope your ankle is fine Ian

[@k0olmini11]

Great playing. I like the people you’re are bringing on for these matches, they really bring a positive and enjoyable vibe to these matches. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Ian!!!!

[@MarkSansait]

Yay! Someone likes me!!!!

[@ReidVV]

Your resignation at 19:50 is unwarranted. You are right there with your improvement. Don't be college Ian. You just started working on this and look at the level you're playing. You're doing exactly what you set out to do, getting better. Much better. Keep pushing. You goals are set high. Be OK with not getting to them quickly. You 100% identify what you need to do to get to the level you want to be at and you are also 100% capable of reaching that level, or very close. So maybe you're not going to be Fed, Rafa, or Joker. So maybe you don't consistently beat 4.5 to 5.0 players 10 years younger than you. Look at where your game was and where it is. Soon those 4.5 to 5.0 players are going to have their hands very full playing you every time you walk on court. Soon you're going to win SOME of those matches. What you're doing is HARD and YOU'RE DOING IT. I see it and so should you. What I see you doing has inspired me and I know it sounds odd but it should inspire you, too. You're on the road to being the best you can be and that's a perfect goal. Go, Ian, GO!

[@badrikrishnan7811]

This is real right here, this is how you fight those demons.

[@julioribeiroamaralribeiro8088]

Perfect!

[@BrianMark75]

Such a good video. Seeing the change in tactics and hearing what's going through both sides with the thoughts and commentary... it makes a huge difference in how I think about being on court. I hope the ankle heals quickly. That looked painful. Been there, done that.

[@melfox215]

Man. Ian! Are you okay? That injury reminds me of that one of Michael Stich back in the days. Hope yours is not that severe. It's so frustrating to see the injury happening like 2 points shy of the end of that match. The match itself seemed to be quite intense, especially the first set where u did very well (backhand and forehand) and executed many things like you had worked on with Eric. What I like best is your approach in the 1st set where you set the tone and just fell short in closing out well prepared rallies. The idea to switch to chip&charge and serve&volley was a way to modify, but regarding the many missed opportunities in set 1, maybe not necessary. As you competed more in set 1, I'd say the adjustment didn't work out and your strategy in 1st set had already been good. Mark is a good player and his decent topspin forehand is a shot you haven't prepared for. So it might have been difficult to adjust to it. In order to that it has been a good performance and a progress regarding the matches against Ira and Sean. Best wishes on recovering from that injury!

[@bazza2540]

Hey Ian I've noticed against the big servers Scot Ira and this guy you get your racquet on a lot of returns but it kinda spoons in your hand a bit. I'd recommend adding a tiny amount of weight, like 2grams, to the head at 3 and 9 o'clock for a more stable racquet face. I personally found it made a huge difference to returns and dont really notice it on other strokes

[@MarkSansait]

me? a big server? 😊😊😊😊

[@Abe-Lau]

Ian sounds like that cool CHARACTER in video games WHEN he talks OuT of Breath. 😎

[@MarkSansait]

ExaCtLy

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@nikol7951]

Hope you're OK Ian! Get well soon. Well played to both Ian and Mark! This match was really fascinating from a psychological perspective from both sides. I feel both of you were being too negative on yourselves, not realizing you are only one or two points away from turning the match around (or dominating), by mainly letting the other player self destruct psychologically. Too much energy was used being self abusive. I know this, as I have done this plenty of times to myself when playing, instead of staying present, clear minded, taking it shot by shot, and changing tactics when needed. Thank you both Ian and Mark for expressing how each of you were feeling (as well as tactics); there were lots of teachable/learning moments.

[@Yuchch]

Have you already played the MEP? Hows your ankle doing?

[@TennisTrollChannel]

Get better and please be careful with it. On week 3 with similar fall. Smart to raise it onto a chair immediately. Hope you recover quickly.

[@fdctrumpet]

First glance of the last point and I thought you hurt your back or something with that Matrix move. That stinks with your ankle. I was out a good 4-6 weeks on a similar injury a couple of years ago. Your opponent did say he was going to light you up games before that if you kept coming in - called his shot as that was right at your chin. Fun to see different styles. One big difference was serve return, both returns in play and the quality overall in the match.

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching, Chad

[@samt8513]

Wow Ian, you got my subscription. Hope your ankle gets better! I really like this type of video style where you narrate your thoughts throughout the match.

[@brianricketts4320]

Best line of the match. "Should not have had that pizza for lunch. Eat half the pizza, not the whole thing." - Mark. HAHA. Been there, always regrettable.

[@MarkSansait]

No RAGRATS. Not even a letter!

[@gordogordo1698]

Good job Ian. I appreciate you showing this though you were overmatched. You did very well at the net, you missed no overheads, and your net rushing forced Mark into errors. While most of us would love to have Mark's game you showed that you could make him have to play tough.

[@realkevinmiller]

"The Olive Garden of service returns..." haha

[@Widmer09]

Tough match! Mark plays like a 5.0 on my book. Hope you recover soon. I did rolled my ankle on the court 3 months ago. I was off for 6 weeks. It took 8 weeks to feel normal again.

[@MarkSansait]

In all honesty, I am kind of baffled the USTA doesnt rate me as a 5.0. But hey, I'll stay at 4.5 as long as I can!

[@carlosrios1498]

I need the titanic song playing in the background as soon as Ian rolls his ankle. Get well soon 🙏🏼

[@MarkSansait]

"Near, far, wherever you are I believe that the heart does go on" *queue Ukulele*

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@rich.e]

lol. so harsh!

[@LongyTV]

This is very entertaining. I am quite hooked on to these matches you are posting. Great learning too.

[@bcchristopher688]

Love the serve and volley and return and volley. Definitely hard to hang with such a hard baseliner. Great 2nd set changes. First set, still many times hitting groundstrokes off the back foot. I am sure the conditioning training you have been doing is helping. Keep it up.

[@MarkSansait]

it definitely took me out of my element. I havent seen serve volley and return volley in a long time!

[@muratmert3360]

It is great to see Ian practice hard and play competitive tennis. Good tennis by both players.

[@EssentialTennis]

🙏

[@jeffcollett4819]

Sorry about your ankle. Hope it isn’t too bad. My daughter said “Daddy, he said a naughty word!”

[@coryhoi7764]

Great match, very fun to watch. Thanks for showcasing all the different levels of tennis and levels within each level. Hope you are ok!

[@_luisespinosa_]

I'm more excited about this than Roland Garros quarter finals!

[@MarkSansait]

Made my day! Cheers

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your support, Luis!

[@Topspin1]

🤣🤣

[@preciousdevere288]

So am I wow!!!!!!!!!!!

[@darnellcaballes]

hehe yeah, watching this with djoker vs khach in the background....

[@vanessamenard4134]

First let me agree with others below, I wake up and am LOOKING for your content! I watch before I hit the courts, before breakfast, before my day starts! Second let me agree with Mark, your game is right there. That first set could have gone much differently. I think you just need more play against this level of player - because this is your level. Your comments at 4-1 in the second were right on, to play at this level you have to have offense. I think your ball depth, weight and net play provide that. But then at 4-1 you went back out and had already given up the work for the day!!! And finally, that looked like a pretty good roll. Had a basketball player do that in our last league game of the year, we got ice on it right away and he played our first playoff game a week later. Taped pretty aggressively and he was slower, but still went for 12 points in our loss to the eventual state champion.

[@aquadiaryofficial]

How many of you watched 2nd set with more anxiety that Ian would comeback? Ian, hope you are feeling better. 🙁

[@MarkSansait]

Even while watching this, I had to have some whiskey in my morning coffee to make sure @essentialtennis didnt have a comeback. But I wish it didnt end this way :(.

[@JM603]

Love watching these. So interesting to hear the in match commenting from both players.

[@biglenny8258]

Looks like a yoga instructor

[@MarkSansait]

I wish I was a yoga instructor lol

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@f4llvortex576]

Fr

[@tennisparisbrothers8001]

Hi Ian great video love the match!! However we both think on your forehand you are leaning back which gives away a lot of power!! Move forward (ideally pivot forward ) obviously this is from a 17 year old and 12 year old point of view but that's what we think love to hear your response also would love to hear your feed back on our tennis!!

[@oc_g2236]

Aye it’s mark sansait, love his string reviews

[@MarkSansait]

🥰🥰🥰

[@tad1980]

god this is painful to watch even 6 months later.........i hadn't realized that Mark doublefaulted on match point!!! it's all his fault!!!! (PUN ALERT). great to see your amazing 2021 comeback!!!!

[@zatterene1189]

Dude what a cliffhanger :). Hope everything is ok with you

[@Embur12]

I'm a hack, but I love the game. Ian is was great to see you junk balling him. I'm always happy to hang around with a stronger player, as sometimes they make unforced errors getting frustrated that they aren't putting you away quicker.

[@FootFaultTennis]

Damn, you know how to make it dramatic don't you. Interesting match to watch.

[@MarkSansait]

This production quality was top-frickin'-notch. Props to James, @essentialtennis!

[@EssentialTennis]

James and Tyler both do amazing work!

[@mozezman]

Amazing match and commentary. Great study for someone like me trying to improve. Thank you.

[@anacap007]

Oh man, hope your ankle is fine.

[@drunkrealtor]

First time watching a video from you, and I think the odd game video commentary is awesome. Makes for good content but it also demonstrates that mental aspect on what's going on, strategies, and implementation. Super useful for young upcoming players. Recover quickly brother.

[@NN-rn1oz]

A new legend is born. We shall name him Half Pizza Boy.

[@MarkSansait]

@nn Will you be my sidekick, Half Cooked Hot-Pocket Man?

[@nikogsqt]

Man you can hit overheads, you make it look so simple. Good energy for your recovery and hopefully is nothing serious. My advice, you move back when you hit your forehand most of the time making the ball fly longer. Nice volleys too :)

[@c.rucireta4755]

Sry mate. Too much difference both technical and athletical. He's more used to competition, too. Keep working on those issues.

[@tennisinclined4744]

Really great content here, nice playing guys! Can't wait to see what's next!

[@jackclayton9951]

Thought I was watching “s*** tennis players say”

[@oiale]

Hey Ian. Hope you are fine, I had the same ankle roll on the same shoe(Vap X) twice. And I can't really get away from that shoe. I find lacing the last eyelet REALLY helps.

[@jeffsmith5341]

Not sure why your body weight is going backwards every time you hit your forehand , got to get a lot more aggressive mate miss a lot of groundies because you seem scared to hit it

[@sammarlatt1]

That's what has been catching my eye too...not postioned to be moving forward on forehand...easy for me to say, but I think it could make a power difference for you and be less stress. Really enjoy the matches tho!

[@MrCWL]

Gotta move backwards for that forehand quite a bit quicker Ian, so you don’t have to rely on placing it and slow arming it too much- making it go long. You’ll be succeeding much more in defence and neutral pressure rallies that way

[@derekdrake911]

Lmfao this dude reminds me like Tiger Woods and sounds just like him 😂😂

[@stuartcampbell4626]

Seriously...visual and audio resemblance! First thing that I thought... But the similarities don't end there...intensity, etc!

[@MarkSansait]

@@stuartcampbell4626 Tiger Woods makes a little bit more money than me

[@MrLeeJiGun]

I literally just got back into tennis again recently cuz a homie trynna play for his cardio. After I watch this, imma quit smoking for sure and wanna get back into the groove. I'm not great tho but imma watch all the videos the channel have to offer in order to gets better

[@teddy5380]

I’m shocked at IANs low skill level Ian is barely 4.0 level. How can Ian be an instructor?

[@poisson12376]

Always admire people who share the match play videos.

[@Tennisbull-match-statistics]

I hate when you put out those teaser videos and make me get up at 6am to watch them 🤣

[@EssentialTennis]

Sorry!

[@jameschoi3137]

Good job, Ian! You played very well against a strong opponent. I feel that many of those close games will go your way after a few more matches. Get well and hope to see you playing soon.

[@_luisespinosa_]

This Mark guy is kind of an arrogant, isn't he? Ian, I hope injury is not serious. Sometimes they are very painful at first, but then you are fine 2 days later. I hope it's the case.

[@NoRoads2AllRoads]

It came off to me as very smug too. Trying too much? I dunno.

[@_luisespinosa_]

@@NoRoads2AllRoads Totally

[@MarkSansait]

I have nothing but absolute respect for Ian and other tennis opponents, but when I get on the tennis court I need to have a chip on my shoulder to perform.

[@humbertomena65]

Thank you for put this video, show that we also make mistakes and be part of the game, your opponent is strong and you did your best, and encourage us to continue to pursue our best.

[@mgmt4597]

Should be more accurately titled "I played an actual 4.5 player today"

[@j.hatchell9585]

Yup, he made a huge video displaying to not trash current self rated players but the problem is even self rated players do not possess the qualities distinctive of the NTRP levels. In today’s 4.5-5.0 self rated tennis in Florida I would excel just fine, I have pro strokes and good consistency, I posses lots of weapons to lure the opponent off the court and to put balls away. That is what a true 5.0 player should posses. But I truly rate myself at 4.0 because of my strict standards (father is a USPTA coach I was a rising top junior in 2005 era) there is a problem with self rating and the problem is he defends it.

[@spider1019]

Ira not an actual 4.5 player?

[@j.hatchell9585]

Basic Tennis Player I’ve truly haven’t seen Ira play. I can look at it and just for kicks come back to you and express my opinion though

[@MarkSansait]

@@spider1019 Ira is an actual 4.5 tennis player according to the USTA NTRP system in Wisconsin/Midwest. However, Ira is more of a doubles player.

[@-Munditimum-]

I hope you're OK Ian. Please take care. Mark is a phenomenal player. You'll be much better and I'm confident that you can easily reach that higher level, but only when you truly believe in your abilities and talent. When on the court you are playing 2 opponents at once. Looking forward to seeing you in your upcoming videos and thanks for the great game with Mark. Cheers, M

[@gooberbob2705]

Again, second!!!!

[@EssentialTennis]

🔥

[@georgebasham2279]

A great experience for you Ian (well, aside from the ankle twist), Mark is a very solid player. Just picture where you will be this time next year if you keep this up. Tennis is a funny sport, someone who is just half a notch better or getting in more matches can result in 6 - 1, 6 - 2 kinds of scores. A number of games went to duece but ended up going his way. It's tough to find the "perfect" opponent, someone who is a tad better than you that you have a chance IF you play your best, but not so much better that it is one sided. Your endurance is getting better and I don't think you missed an overhead. I definitely think a judicious use of serve and volley / chip and charge suits your game, but on every point is not sustainable (great for doubles though)! Your forehand let you down, Mark is a prototypical big serve big forehand guy, but if you are getting the right kind of racquet lag and a nice windshield wiper motion across the ball with your lefty crosscourt forehand, you would have been able to pound Mark's backhand, which was decent and he had some good winners off that wing, but was definitely his most exploitable side (as for most of us lol). The lefty crosscourt forehand and the lefty ad court wide serve is the bread-and-butter for most lefties. Nice playing and points both guys, if you made a highlight film of the best shots would look pretty impressive!

[@davicho210]

That forehand off balance... Awful technique

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks!

[@zalo3479]

Post your perfect forehand David 🤣

[@davicho210]

@@zalo3479 who says it's perfect?

[@nicks6813]

Very entertaining. I love hearing your internal thought process and candidly you show incredible patience with yourself, which is something I can learn from. If I could pick on one thing it would be your return of serve. If you could learn to block it back (not slice, not swing) you'd be much better off. You'd put pressure back on him and could pick your spots when you wanted to come into net, vs heading in on a weak approach shot. Just my 2 cents.

[@bcellable]

Ian. Ian. Ian. Ian. Ouch. The glory of victory. And the bitter agony of da feet. Or ankle in this case. I empathize with you. Mark is a a solid player, good strokes. Your change up plan was working,. Yet like all things in life. You ventured out of the comfort zone, and then.... I hope for your speedy recovery and that it looked a lot worse than it is. You are a trooper. Things will be ok.

[@robertjonathanrobins3957]

Very exciting! There is clear progress in your game. Nice! I agree with other comments. Get your weight a bit more forwards into the shots. Maybe a bit more topspin on forehand. Can't wait to see your topspin backhand in a match, think it will be even better than your forehand. Keep up the good work 👍👍

[@billharris7184]

anybody who has the stones to play in a match that goes up on youtube, mad props

[@EssentialTennis]

Definitely adds a lot of pressure!

[@rbraxley]

Liking Mark's footwork a lot. When pushed back he quickly move back up to the baseline. He got'em dancing.

[@MarkSansait]

i call them my TIPPY TAPS!