Tennis RIVALS face off - Former D1 vs NTRP 4.5 match play (Part 1)

[@dandalee]

You guys really can't go back to matches without the commentary. You've raised the bar tremendously! 👏👏👏

[@MarkSansait]

How to raise the next bar: we have motivational/work ethic coaches to talk to us in between changeovers Upcoming match we have the Delray Beach Open Finalist Donald Young coaching Player 1 on the importance of using talent to full potential and never being coaches by parents. ...And then we have Bernard "the Tank" Tomic coaching Player 2 on NEVER, EVER giving up.

[@TennisOreste]

Alex´s great quote "how to fight when you play at your worst". It´s the perfect title of a future Essential Tennis video :)

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the suggestion! I completely agree!

[@ErikSchierboom]

Loved that quote too!

[@alexfowler9785]

My favorite phrase he's said so far is "Even if you mess up play with conviction" roughly. Playing ugly doesn't look the best, but if it wins points in the moment you can scold yourself later.

[@MarkSansait]

@@alexfowler9785 next up on my channel: "Top 5 Fast Foods for Gastrointestinal Discomfort Before a Tennis Match"

[@josephmillam6948]

Excellent quote! Love the passion these two have

[@ackabu]

NFL Playoffs, NBA, Essential Tennis What a time to be alive

[@MarkSansait]

Essential Tennis has better quality imo. Also their stars actually have personality unlike those OTHER sports franchises you mentioned. 😏

[@ackabu]

@@MarkSansait the commentators really seem to know the players too. Almost like they're friends...

[@samackin6032]

Listening to Alex's comments to himself in the match is somewhat edifying to me. Even as a higher level player, he's does the same internal dialogue that I have practically every time I step on court. As I watched this clip, I could hear myself uttering those same thoughts as Alex. Interesting watch for sure.

[@EssentialTennis]

Most players have the same trials, from low level amateur to ATP players!

[@NamesAreRandom]

Interesting psychology - Mark says "finish him" and proceeds to over-hit the next two points for unforced errors and looses the game. It's like we have this "hit a winner" button in our head, we press it (normally at 40) and proceed to mess up and loose the game, instead of doing what we were doing to get us to 40 in the first place.

[@EssentialTennis]

Our mind plays games with us!

[@smokinjoe4684]

He's gotta get his mind back in TB like Scott said...

[@naiadbaksh3996]

So true!

[@nicholastanzola488]

When mark steps on the court he adopts an anime villain mentality and I find watching him to be hilarious

[@EssentialTennis]

😂

[@MarkSansait]

My power goes OVER 9000!

[@deveserisso]

Knowing that Alex is a former D1 gives me huge hope

[@EssentialTennis]

He's a really great player!

[@gretchenlittle6817]

"self coachable" -- valuable insight from Scott!!! I'm digging how this format explores the mental game!

[@EssentialTennis]

So glad you're enjoying it!

[@humanentity2214]

Absolutely love this setup especially the commentary style. I've watched so much pro tennis that is feels unrelatable as compared to this level. I've been a 4.0 player for over 6-7 years now, getting crushed by 4.5 so watching these matches with player and your own commentary really helps me delve deeper into the strategic side of how 4.5 level players think. Keep this kind of comment coming!

[@Rwh-nb1zp]

Mark - That is a great self talk strategy to when you are ahead, pretend that you are behind or it is the first game, so it puts some pressure on you to focus and play well. I remember I was up 2 games, relaxed and in the blink of an eye, we were even. Thanks.

[@TagUrIt2000]

I'm a Mark fan, but I found myself rooting for Alex ;-) All in all very enjoyable to watch. Ian you're on to something with commentary/match play! Keep up the great work EVERYONE!

[@alexanderlau9193]

Thanks!

[@MarkSansait]

😤😤😤

[@markmuller3086]

Ian, what’s really getting interesting and fantastic is the return of players that we have gotten to know from prior videos. We are getting to know these players, and it is really cool for me to see match-ups between these players and newcomers. As Mark said, there’s a cool “cinematic universe” being created here. Like a TV series with something new with our favorite characters every week or two. And I hope Ben (?) (MEP) (Green Shirt Guy) is out there in the wings, ready to make an appearance and join the cast!

[@yamingwang9483]

Alex has a very good of serve, return, his backhand is also solid. wish he can attack the court a little bit more aggresively or smartly, too many shots in safe zone. But same time give credit to Mark, those shots when he dialed in, man, lethal! kudo to both players!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for your comments!

[@alexanderlau9193]

Agree. I'm going to get more reps as the weather turns in the spring and will come back stronger :)

[@spongebob1849]

So awesome to watch. Alex, you’re not playing terribly, Mark is just playing better. My coach(s) would never like to hear I’m playing so bad. Some good shots by both! Have a good Sunday!

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciate the comments!

[@beaglesrfun5896]

Agree. Also, do not give off negative body language. Fake it to win it.

[@trevorabast]

If Mark and Scott aren't commentating Ian's match vs MEP I'm not even watching 😂

[@scottbroady3159]

Mark and I doing commentary would be a gas! Might need some censoring, though 😀

[@EssentialTennis]

That would be great!

[@scottbroady3159]

@@EssentialTennis I’m in if Mark is!

[@georgebasham2279]

I watched about two minutes of a MEP match for the first time the other day before I had to stop because it was so visually offensive. His off hand / arm just dangling there, never getting into a ready position, the toss on his serve about 2 inches above his head ... I can't even. I admire Ben's consistency and focus but part of the reason I watch great content like this is to help imprint good mechanics. Not sure I will ever again watch any match he plays for that reason (the exception being if he plays anyone from the ET universe), but I know he wins his fair share against more polished players and has a cult following, good for him and no ill will whatsoever. But I'm with your LCLP ... if it does happen we have to have those two commenting!

[@asbestomolesto]

@@scottbroady3159 Actually I was hoping for NO CENSORING at all! hahahahahah

[@chriseibell1064]

"I don't care if you miss, you play with conviction." Great line, I'll have to try and remember that when I'm playing

[@nicolasdanielcieri6327]

wow awesome ending!! waiting for second part!! Thanks as always for great content!! cheers from Argentina!!

[@thedanheaton]

Love these match videos! Mark looks so dialed in right now and is playing at such a high level. I’m really excited to see what Alex can do in Part 2!

[@charlesdang2557]

wow, just on 1st minute, I'm already looking forward to seeing the rest. Have seen the other matchups between the 4 people in this video. Alex's style vs Mark's style will be very interesting to see.

[@Abe-Lau]

You guys really showed me how to fight in a match which I need and I wouldn’t have won my matches without you guys! Thanks so much

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cameranikon]

Love watching these match ups. Keep them coming. On to part II.

[@nicolasheidecker5534]

That is a strong start by Mark, all his shots are stong, his slice looks very nice, great returns, and as you said great variations with his serves.

[@EssentialTennis]

He came out of the gate strong!

[@danield.7359]

Tennis heroes! Great camera and commentators.

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@bobbyg.productions9643]

Dang, Mark is slamming today! Great work, Loving this new style with the great commentary! Thank you for incredible tennis!

[@NaLi-in4lb]

This channel's community is so nice because I'm sitting here wondering how in the hell did Alex play D1 but everyone else has nothing but kind words to say. Congrats on fostering a welcoming community, Ian.

[@justmediocre1720]

I'm sure he was a lot better in his prime, but he did mention that he had a wrist injury and the wrist is a major player in tennis

[@bcellable]

Don't give up. Alex. You've got this. Mark dominated 1st set due not only to his good shots, but also the amount of errors you were contributing. Play. And play to win. Your doubling up adds away from your favor, but usually you would be warm already prior to the match play. Go get em. Stay committed. Stay focused. Mark has hyper fuel, 🌮 bell, but that fuel burn quickly.

[@princessoftennis5539]

Your video is a wonderful tennis video. Thank you again today. I learned a lot.

[@kevinroberts1744]

I can't wait to see how Mark reacts to being a break down. And see if Alex starts to stabilise and play more in.

[@EssentialTennis]

Much more to come!

[@carloslacasa5171]

You need to be a beast to hit the ball like that the whole set and have a minimun unforced errors. MENTAL!

[@MAELOB]

The court looks lighting fast👍🏼 all of these guys are upper 4.5 and could play 5.0 especially Mark

[@EssentialTennis]

Yes, they are all very strong players!

[@g10s]

Love the mic'ed match format.

[@samlee458]

awesome set Mark 👌🏻

[@EssentialTennis]

Stay tuned for more!

[@ju242]

Loved it! Two contrasting games but very competitive.

[@EssentialTennis]

Very competitive match!

[@KTxO5]

I really enjoy these

[@alexphexona7511]

When is part 2 coming. I can’t wait to see how this ends!

[@samuelblanco7598]

I really love watching these types of videos

[@EssentialTennis]

We enjoying making them for you!

[@michaellarsonlee]

Great stuff!

[@michaelcerminaro]

Ha! Loved the animal footage in the teaser at the end... Well played sir!

[@EssentialTennis]

😆

[@carlosrios1498]

Great commentary guys

[@EssentialTennis]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pjm_219]

Dang it! I missed the premiere. Lol!!!!! Mark, don’t blame the squats! Awesome! 👍🏼

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacobwalton4109]

I got a question ian so my serves can be really good it's just I struggle when it isn't warmed up so do you have any tips and how to warm it up right before a game effectively

[@canadiantennispro]

Ian just out of curiosity whats your racquet and your string choice and tension from one lefty to another lol?

[@rahulsingal8567]

Commentary on these types of matches are so good 😂

[@andreaho]

Wow, Mark S. has improved a lot since the last time I watched him. You've made serious rallies with heavy groundstrokes. Nice man! Btw, the lightened square should be placed on the one who serves, right? I always think it's an implicitly understanding convention.

[@bryangetty490]

I've noticed that you sometimes show serve speed. What device do you use to determine ball speed? I'm asking because I recently purchased a Ball Coach radar device, and my serves are only clocking in around 90 mph, but I have a bigger serve than most 4.5 level players (I'm a 6'5" former DIII player). In watching the serves in this match and seeing Mark hit it at 115, it makes me wonder if the device I purchased isn't accurate, or isn't being used correctly.

[@remo66101]

Hey guys, what set up do you use to film these matches? I’d like to film one of mine myself

[@faridzeynalov8619]

Mark plays so awesome!

[@b0mb34man1]

Anyone noticed at 4:03, Alex string job was done improperly? Look at the throat area. Blame the gear, it wasn't Alex's fault! 🤣

[@scottbroady3159]

Haha! I gave him a rough time because he had strung that last cross in a hurry and tied off before he noticed he missed one. Gotta measure twice and cut once! Nice catch there.

[@alexanderlau9193]

Yup. Ugh! I was so pissed. I strung that last minute before driving through a snow storm the night before. I thought I'd try it out to use fresh strings after Scott's match. It was hot garbage, so I switched back, lol

[@ericshine1]

@@scottbroady3159 I thought he left the last cross off on purpose and just did a cool diagonal angle on the tie off. I thought it was cool, but I guess it was just a mistake! :-)

[@RobTennisBeckenham]

Alex forehand almost seems defensive, is it because the hit point seems to be near the bottom of the racket? Or is the grip?

[@lucapaluca8537]

Mark misses volley -_- "happy new year" haha

[@EssentialTennis]

😂

[@christiane785]

Excited for this

[@EssentialTennis]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Sandrat212]

Fancy schmancy shallow depth of field camera on the commentators - nice! What camera is it?

[@sageaces1921]

Alex, think about strategy on the long drive home. "I don't know what I'm doing" = no strategy.

[@willecutlip]

Mark working the Mortal Kombat ju-ju "Finish Him!"

[@scottbroady3159]

LET’S GO, BOYS!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for joining in Scott!

[@moonphases9329]

Love the editing guys! Very “Marvel Infinity War” Vibes 😂

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the support!

[@ShatteredRainGaming]

When will we get part 2?

[@excuused2462]

At 14:23 mark made a false call, the ball was in

[@slipperyblueclay2521]

Could you give us a little more background on these players? A D1 player from Stanford is a little different from East Podunk State.

[@willecutlip]

Any thought to bringing Kevin in for some 4.5/5.0 doubles action?

[@josephmillam6948]

Love it!

[@Motenai]

With such a fast surface, why noone used an slice serve on de deuce side? All are flat serves down the T or the body...

[@jag3384]

What are all those containers on the adjacent court?

[@EssentialTennis]

They are storage unit. The club was bought out but we were able to rent 1 cpurt

[@alexcrabtree390]

What division 1 school did Alex play at

[@BackoftheLineTennis]

Definitely see the high internal expectation for Alex in this match and he seem just that bit off because of it. Trying to press and missing by a bit, or then trying to pull back a little and giving Mark too much to work with. Hoping he finds that spot in the second set. As always though, came for the match. Stayed for the ALWAYS entertaining commentary from accounts without a single match video posted. But good to see most are positive anyway.

[@Endorphinooos]

Alex has great potential, but it seems like he does not have a plan. With more imprinted schemes he would be way more efficient, especially in his "lower days". He's still searching here. What's d1 in USA?

[@EssentialTennis]

He'll be back for sure!

[@Endorphinooos]

@@EssentialTennis I have no doubt that he can be more dangerous ; )

[@johnyang1420]

Which racket is Mark using? Nice one handed backhand!!!

[@EssentialTennis]

Appreciated

[@johnyang1420]

Ian…….which racket is Mark using? And string and tension?

[@willecutlip]

Did Mark and Scott play on their college teams? What D1 school did Alex go to?

[@willecutlip]

"Angry Old Man" in the Booth!! Oh, yeah!!

[@smokinjoe4684]

8:41 That's what real champions do

[@EssentialTennis]

😅

[@andrewmiller6807]

Guys, great drama as always. Thanks!

[@EssentialTennis]

Thanks for the support Andrew!

[@dennisbrowne2424]

I'm curious to hear from Mark, if you were to self-evaluate all the shots in your repertoire and could upgrade one of them to A+, which would it be? And the caveat is that it can't be a serve (everybody would love to have unreturnable A+ serves), nor can it be something like movement or mental preparation. Just an A+ shot to have in your quiver.

[@EssentialTennis]

I'm sure he'll respond!

[@saints31tmp]

Hope Mark responds, I feel like the obvious answer would be forehand, since it's the most common groundstroke in tennis, and gives you the most offensive opportunities.

[@smokinjoe4684]

13:30 cussing is cathartic Alex. Let'em fly!

[@EssentialTennis]

😅

[@jaidenoutofcontext7290]

Essential tennis universe ETU?

[@hsy2448]

Question for Alex since he lives in Minneapolis, do you play at Fred Wells? and do you coach at Fred Wells?

[@EssentialTennis]

Hopefully he'll answer!

[@alexanderlau9193]

I'm trying to get back in the game. I'm looking to settle in at Nicollet Tennis Center, but can check Fred Wells as well! (I do not coach there)

[@ericshine1]

@@alexanderlau9193 It's cool how you string that last cross instead of just leaving out the last one. Diggin it! How long have you done that?

[@tomcooper6108]

D1? Where did he play?

[@willecutlip]

Tempo shift = "Age and wisdom" at play! Sensei Mark taking Alex to school

[@slapcitytennis9103]

How much of a break did Alex get between the two matches?

[@ratversion2]

judging from the court clock, 2 hours?

[@alexanderlau9193]

I went, ate lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and came back. All in all, 2 hours!

[@bennguyen6827]

“Back squat just to get a big ass” LMAOOO

[@alwaysprepared]

Kind of feel bad for Alex. It's hard to get focus back after playing an emotional match just a couple of hours prior. Curious to see how this turns out. Given you gave us a teaser game in the second set to give us hope, I'm guessing Mark wins. I don't really like seeing highlights from parts of the match we haven't seen, yet. I know you're trying to hype the match to get move views and such, but I'd personally just like to see the match unfold as it happens. Just my opinion...

[@EssentialTennis]

He fought hard and is still in it, stay tuned for part 2!

[@erikstam1]

Alex's forehand would benefit from a bigger backswing.

[@atrem7942]

A 5 hour drive would make want to play two matches in a day also.

[@EssentialTennis]

He put his all into both matches!

[@atrem7942]

@@EssentialTennis great respect for that

[@officialveerbajaj]

Mark, "Finish him" 😂👌

[@EssentialTennis]

😂

[@Javi_C]

Mark needs to take that white pill in the undisclosed plastic bag that he has in his bag for that extra boost 😂

[@MarkSansait]

SHHHHHHHHHHH

[@tennisparisbrothers8001]

@@MarkSansait your getting exposed Mark😂

[@Invesre]

Theres something off with alex forehand, not sure what but its causing him to hit way too short.

[@johnscpmg4862]

Yeah. He has a strange looking forehand. There's a break in the back swing to forward swing and he only uses his body rotation to drive the racket and lacks acceleration, imo.

[@Invesre]

@@johnscpmg4862 i think its more like hes locking his arm on side of his body and over rotating and not letting the arm go(release), Often you see hes body rotated at point of contact, and arm still beeing at side instead of in front of body

[@lol-cc1ob]

Anyone else find it funny that Alex is wearing a cap indoors?

[@EssentialTennis]

🎩

[@youngsuit]

14:23 - it's so hard to tell

[@georgebasham2279]

So much for my theory that the smart play is to target Mark's backhand ...

[@b-dogs1038]

yeah Man. At times he’s got a ripping backhand

[@jannosmal5708]

I think Alex' forehand has technical issues.. it almost lands short and has no punch at all.

[@noahvolavkatennis8992]

Alex should read the inner game of tennis book. He doesn’t trust his body to perform. His self 1 (conscious mind) isn’t in cohesion and doesn’t trust his self 2 (body) hence the talk ‘come on Alex wake up’

[@KoBizme]

Ha. Essential Tennis Cinematic Universe

[@loriharrington5258]

You should get some juniors to come and play

[@b-dogs1038]

Alex Man. unfortunately today is not the day. wanting so badly to win , throwing everything at it.the desperation,It’s palpable. We’ve all been there:)

[@scottyriding5174]

Taco Bell - don’t fail Mark now!

[@MarkSansait]

It never has

[@konnergunwall4381]

This is in mn?

[@EssentialTennis]

No, Alex came down from Minnesota

[@nickwilson2318]

I think Alex thinks he's better than he is. Also just takes it all too seriously

[@nickwilson2318]

god, his self coaching is so irritating. "KEEP PLAYING, GIVE IT YOUR BEST EFFORT!" I mean, of course dude

[@my240sx2]

Jollibee never failed me pre-match.

[@MarkSansait]

Jollibee Spaghetti > Olive Garden

[@my240sx2]

Jollibee chicken better than KFC chicken? 🐔

[@CoVaTennis]

🤣🤣🤣 🇵🇭

[@marcelobarros5729]

Holy crap this guy grunts ....

[@petershort936]

Alex never seems to get ahead in the point. With each point, he seems to be looking to drop into a hitting rhythm (as if he were just hitting with a partner) rather than attacking and dictating points. Is this his normal game or maybe just nerves?

[@saints31tmp]

I do this sometimes. For me, it's because I didn't feel my shots were totally grooved in from the warm up. Sometimes you end up chasing that grooved in feeling through the whole match, but if you're smart, you play with the tools you have that day.

[@EssentialTennis]

A little bit of both, he already played a match, first time in front of the cameras and he's a baseline grinder.

[@petershort936]

@@saints31tmp Fair. I would also imagine that the speed of the court makes that difficult. I'm assuming it's a fast court and that the balls don't bounce all that high, giving a first-strike style a greater advantage.

[@alexanderlau9193]

I think I served strong, returned ok. Outside of that, I'm rusty. When I am in rhythm, yes, I like to dictate the point while standing on the baseline. Fast, indoor courts make that style tough as well. I'll get more reps in on the court and come back stronger!

[@assembledbrick9639]

I hate how I have to wait!

[@spongebob1849]

Same

[@MarkSansait]

@@spongebob1849 Its part of the process! HYPE

[@spongebob1849]

@@MarkSansait Yep