MEP vs Topher - NTRP 4.5 Match Play (Part 1)
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- Опубликовано: 9 май 2021
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Ben A.K.A. MEP steps back onto the court to face his second challenger. Topher comes with something to prove and hungry for a win after his previous loss to Ian. Does he have the firepower to close out the match before Ben's exhausting play style takes its toll?
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Great first set from Topher, hitting very good forehand and not blaming himself or self-talking for missed shots, the perfect attitude so far!
Glad you enjoyed it!
A lot has been said about bens play style and consistency but the mid match interviews also show how positive he is mentally. Compared to some other opponents on the channel he’s seemed to always have hope during his match even in a bad spot. Awesome player
Yup, his mental game is incredibly strong.
@Will M I think that's because he has completely embraced this style of play. So for him it's not a negative. As for literally everyone else.....well everyone else can't stand playing pushers. So they tend to get annoyed then frustrated.
His mental game is as beautiful as his physical game is ugly... My respect for him has grown tremendously, and I think he's the ultimate pusher (and I mean that in a respectful way).
@Will M Hard to think of Ben as the underdog today, the guy has a trail of blood behind him in terms of W vs L.. So he sure might have learned it in part as he developed as a player, but I'm guessing 4-5 years in the Marine Corps must also have something to do with it!!!
Thanks for not cutting off the set.
Thanks for the feedback!
@@EssentialTennis yes thanks for that! 🙏 Ian, I hate to make such a small nit picky type request, but any chance you could say “xxx on far side and yyy on near side” instead of “my right and left” when announcing the players? 😆 I mean I know where you are but it’s a little awkward and might confuse new viewers 🤪
Yep, we will watch the next set regardless, no need to end on cliff hangers.
@@EssentialTennis It's a good choice here. If it's a close set, I totally get the cliffhanger ending at e.g. 5:4. If it's not so close, it's better, IMO, to have the break after the set, especially in a game like this where we all know Ben has what it takes to turn this around in the second. So well done all round.
Last night, while rallying topspin forehands with my nephew, he hit a low and short forehand slice that I had no energy to get and he said "I totally MEPd that one!"
So now it's a verb too.
Can't wait for next set.
That's awesome!
Ian+ET team, you guys have really stepped up the production quality of your videos and all of the guys at my club in London, England are talking about MEP, we shout M.E.P when we hit a shot like Ben does. And Ben, we're all rooting for you. Good job guys!
Haha, awesome. Thanks for your support, Antony!
During the live session where we watched this set, I countered the commentators' view that one should not "play into Ben's game of long points because that's what he wants to do all day". Ian picked up on this and asked if historical data on Ben's matches shows that he's losing more long points than winning them. Indeed, that is what my stats say.
Here's more detail:
in Ben's matched I have analyzed, he makes 46 winners on short points (1-5 shots) and 51 on long points (>5). His errors are 37 and 50 respectively.
His opponents' figures combined are: 99 winners short, 108 winners long, 131 errors short, 85 errors long
We can aggregate these figures as follows: Ben's W-E or risk reward on short points is +9 and on long points +1. Opponents' risk reward is -32 short, +23 long.
Aggregating further: Ben wins 41 more short points against his opponents, his opponents win 22 more long points than Ben.
Where does the difference come from? Not from the winners: both Ben and the opponents make approximately the same amount of winners on short or long points. It"s the errors: Ben's error rate goes up significantly, while the opponents' error rate goes down significantly.
Ian also asked why I think this is so. That's not something I can prove with data so here's my fallible opinion. I see 2 reasons:
- Ben's form is unconventional and therefore overall more error prone. The reason why he makes less errors (early) is because he doesn't have an attacking intention and takes little risk.
- If the opponents play with a similar risk reducing attitude, their better technique prevails on average while they don't expose themselves to easy winners by Ben.
Really interesting stuff! Thank you for sharing!
This is great data.
I do see one exception. Somewhere in the first set Topher was retrieving at least 4 balls from the extreme left and right, with Ben steering him back and forth. That must’ve harmed him until the change of sides. It’s almost impossible to judge when you’re the player, but from the sideline I was screaming for him to abandon that lost point and conserve energy.
So interesting - and not what I thought! Thanks for the analysis 💭
Great data! I tend to agree, that technique is the difference in the super long points.
I would love to see a breakdown of points based on/in relation to time on court. My 2 guesses: the early and mid long rallies are just laying the ground work for easier points later!
2: that the long rallies lead to short, error prone points right after! Thus, a lost 10 stroke rally equals 2-3 easy short points right after
I think the data shows the importance of constructing your point against a defensive, high percentage player. During the first 4 points mep is in position and you can only win with an amazing winner, you should just hangin there. But after point 4 the court breaks open mep has to move around more, angles open up and you can win the point with 80% strenght shots, while mep doesn't have the tools to take advantage of the angles and keeps pushing the ball back.
Rooting for both MEP and Topher. Both seem like great guys and tennis players.
They are both great, thanks for watching Andrew!
The hallmark of ET is good players with great attitudes towards the game and their opponents.
Ian, this video was great! Great production quality without the over the top drama and cliff hangers. I felt way less trolled by this video being broken into parts because there is some conclusion with it being an entire set. Great work and thank you for doing what you do!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the feedback!
The score of the match lended itself to a good RUclips consumable chunk of time. If it was a long and drawn out tiebreaker you would not have seen the whole set in one offering. Why can people not get that?
yesssss it's happening. P.S. We see you Ian, thanks for listening to the community. This promo got me hyped. P.P.S. never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be leaving youtube comments.
❤🙏
This was a surprising one. Topher went all aggression from his forehand side was very fun to watch. He also seems quite calm and calculated. Excited to see what's next! Thanks for making part 1 a full set ET!!
Glad you enjoyed it Edge, thanks for watching!
Topher has better groundstrokes than I gave him credit for based on his last match with Ian. Topher moves the balls very well and the inside-out is on the money without the need of super high power. I think the best asset he has is his patience and willingness to shape the point. Good set.
Totall agree. His consistency and footwork are not bad either. I think the importance of footwork often gets overlooked.
@@melfox215 as you play at the higher levels footwork can make all the difference.
Topher has good forms on all shots. I like that he takes his time to "measure" all the incoming balls before taking a good swing at the ball with the right technique. This helps cut down the error by a good margin. His forehand is a good example of a full confident follow-through shot without overhitting the ball.
Everyone needs a Ben in their life to practise against it really makes you better at being consistently better and smarter at attacking.. Not just one shot winner but a whole sequence..
Sort of. Pushers take the fun out of the game. And create anxiety.
Although yes there are some benefits they come at the cost of lowering your life expectancy
@@Bubbles99718 Yeah I played a pusher friend just a bit ago.. The hardest part about his game that literally everything has backspin. for some weird reason hitting a dropshot that lands near the baseline from 10ft above you is not easy ball to return..
@@xawee7254 Anything shoulder high and up I'll overhead it back like a serve.
@@Bubbles99718 I cant overhead consistency past the service line
@@xawee7254 Drill. Some one on the baseline lobs and you overhead it back to them. Switch after a min or 2. It's a great sweat and you both will easily get down those 2 shots.
I have not seen such an absorbing and compelling tennis match in a long time . Topher , you were fantastic and I felt for you , particularly on the mental / emotional side . You came through and it seemed to be a totally just outcome after what you had been through . Ben , your match approach is very educational . You trade power for consistency and you give nothing away . You are very economical with your energy and you read each point very well . You don't always chase hard because your sound judgement tells you that the point has already been lost . I like the way you can pass the net player by getting him a little out of position and then hitting the pass with only moderate speed but great effectiveness . Thankyou both for a match in which we could well say , " Tennis was the winner " .
"MEP-ed the crap out of Topher."
😂
You know, Ben is one of the few players that try to look at the match for its overall picture. He wants to win in 2 sets sure, but he wants to be the last player smiling in victory, does not matter if its in 2 sets or 3 hard sets. He lost this set but look what he got: 1- he tired his opponent a lot
2- He had some chances and the result could be different a lot of times
3- He tested some tatics and for sure will bring back the ones he thinks that works well in important points
4- He made his opponent deserve the set victory. If the opponent lost focus, he was ready to turn it around
5- He put into his opponents mind that he can be there all day. This is priceless!
Hey Ian and team,
love the adjustments made to the presentation. Hats off to listening to the feedback and reacting so quickly. Not that I didn't like what you did before but this way it's really closing in on perfect for me.
Also love the the whole setup with commentating from outside (in the booth) as well as inside (the players).
Topher and Ben are great guys, love their attitude and think it's a great match.
Really enjoying your stuff over here from Germany! 👍🏻😊
i cant believe i came to see this rather than yesterday's final between Zverev and Berretinni. This is really entertaining! Congrats Ian and all the team.
Thanks so much Alberto!
Then you missed Zevrev in the last set hitting a ... and I kid you not ... 136 MPH SECOND serve! 😂
Zverev totally MEP’d the crap out of him.
@@georgebasham2279 I bet he didn't do a handswitch-lob
Not usually a commenter but man, these games has gotten me to become a frequent commenter. Loving the game so far. For these matches, I’d watch the entire game in one hit (no pun intended) 😂 Ben definitely looks more at ease but Topher’s killer winning forehands are deadly! But it’s not over yet... that’s when Ben really shines
“I still feel good. Here we go.”
Still exciting! Comments from the crowd still show that many believe Ben is just dinking balls back and keeping it in play. But if you really watch him, and listen to what he’s saying, he is adjusting his shot selection and strategy as it goes. He may have some unconventional strokes but he knows his tools, which are many and varied, and uses them intentionally. His comment about losing serve in the first set was uncharacteristic and would probably not continue was such good positive self talk. Much respect for this player. Much respect to ET. I think you are doing a lot for recreational competitive tennis and for changing mindsets, even amongst your very own. MEP is like that carnival game that everyone knows that they’re the ones who can beat it...but don’t. Lol. 🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰
Glad your enjoying the match play Prisca!
But Ben is just dinking balls and keeping them in play hoping he'd exhaust his opponent. That's the very core of his "strategy". There is really not much adjustment. It feels that way because most of his opponents simply get physically and mentally drained when the match reaches a decisive phase.
Here Ben had just one winner for the whole set. Against Sean he had 2 winners in first 2 sets before Sean got totally empty. And suddenly both Sean and Topher that usually make 1-2 winners per set make ton of winners against Ben. You wonder why? Because of a slow defensive slice that drops around the service line and comprise 70% of Ben's shots. These kind of balls are most of the time outright winners for an offensive opponent on this surface. And it will be a total suicide against Scott, unless Scott intentionally decides not to humiliate Ben and makes much more UFEs just to keep some pretence of an interesting match.
@@perakojot6524 I respectfully disagree. Humiliate Ben? Please. Hitting more winners than your opponent doesn't mean you'll beat him (or her). I don't know if you play competitive tennis, but I regularly play in tournaments and have beaten players without hitting a single winner or ace, whereas they've hit maybe 10 winners but maybe 30 unforced errors. The reverse has also been true. The slow, low mid-court sliced shot is one of the toughest shots to return because it tests your footwork, gives you no pace to work with, gives you less margin for error because you're closer to the net, and need to have good technique to hit a low ball and still make sure your shot stays in. It's hard to understand until you meet someone like MEP who can force you to hit that uncomfortable shot 5 or 6 times every rally, all match long. After just 2 or 3 of these rallies, your back and legs will start to feel like lead. Why do you think Sean and Topher were breathing so much heavier than MEP? Why do you think it's so hard to beat him? Topher was very patient and played a near perfect style to beat MEP's style in the first set. His deep shots pushed MEP back quite a bit, who couldn't quite get set for his own shots. Topher also came to the net when he had to, which is what you need to do against pushers. Still, a lot of the games in the first set were very close and went to deuce. They could have gone either way. Ben definitely made some adjustments. He started to move Topher around more, and also came to the net a bit more himself. MEP's mind appears to be bullet proof. I'd love to see how he'll react if he's down on the scoreboard in the second set. The second set's going to be very tasty - can't wait! Great work ET! These videos and insightful comments during matches are so much more interesting and relevant to us mere mortals than watching some of the pros!
One set down and still no where near finished! Can't wait to see where it goes! Love how Ben keeps reassuring us that he is still only used 10% of his energy and is feeling great. Let's go Ben!
You'll find out soon enough, thanks for watching!
Fun to watch. Really admire Ben's calm and positivity and strategy on the changeovers, as well as his consistency. Seems to have great anticipation - why is he not as gassed as the opponent? Also admire that Ben is playing back-to-back matches, if this is the day after his three-setter with Sean. (And maybe more consecutive days?)
Great set! Topher looks very sharp so far, hitting with nice pace. Can’t wait to see the next set!
I'm enjoying this content. Thank you. I feel like Topher and I have very similar play style. Very smart play so far. Working the point and willing to sacrifice energy for outcome. I know the hammer could fall and his mental game could fail at any point. It's a pure battle of will. I may head out to Gencon next year when things are more normal. Wouldn't mind having a friendly match with Topher.
Love how Topher plays his points. My favourite play style of all the ET players by far!
Glad you're enjoying the match!
Everyone has a plan until they meet MEP in the second set! This is where the magic happens.
Stay tuned to find out!
I think one of the reasons Topher played well in the first set is his relatively flatter forehand, which makes it easier to handle Ben's slices. I've seen lots of semi-western/western grip forehand players suffering against Ben from other videos. I especially liked Topher's forehand setup where his racket face stands almost vertically when finished backswing (like Tommy Haas) and hitting it through, as opposed so called the "Tap the dog" position where the racket faces the ground. I believe that Ben generally likes to slice slower but high-bouncing top-spin balls that land near the baseline, rather than short and flatter balls with pace.
Topher seems so much more athletic and a much better mover than Sean was in the previous match. This guy is quick and looks like he could run all day.
Yeah, if you watch their footwork at the same time it seems like Topher is making twice the steps than MEP
Topher is a young, spry, athelete!
@@EssentialTennis indeed ... and it shows
4.5 vs 4.0. Yep
@@Bubbles99718 And youth!?
Wow, great stuff. This is so much fun to watch, just like Sean's match was. Topher is really playing well and very consistent. Only saw his match with Ian and he seems like a different player. Really fast, good slice, gets down for the ball nice and good inside out forhand. Against anyone else I would think Topher would win but Ben played really well too. Ben hits some really low penetrating shots. In the future when Ben incorporates coming to the net in his game, it will be at an even higher level. He came to the net once here and hit two beautiful volleys. His strokes are suited for them. Short stroke and just blocking the ball. His touch game will make him a great vollier. There were less than a handful of shots, that if they went Ben's way this would be an even match right now. Ben is really getting the feel of the court, only his lob is killing him. If he starts hitting that deeper, even with Topher's good overhead, things will be different. The x factor is what kind of shape Topher is in, he looks great so far but who gets to play a guy like Ben often and get pushed to a possible 3rd set. It is already a known fact that Ben doesn't even need water, just only on occasion. Lol
i love how u changed the flame to green
It's been an ongoing theme in all the MEP videos, glad you like it!
I loved every second of that... I reckon this has gone up a level since the MEP v Sean match.. 🔥🔥
Glad you're enjoying it Ethan!
Damn Topher! getting work done. I feel like this is how we imagine we will play against players like Ben (not that there are any, he's a one in a million). In theory it's easy. Hit consistent, deep balls, move your opponent around, come in, finish the point, etc... But the focused, calm and cool headspace it takes to maintain that over just one game let alone a whole match is formidable. Well done T
After all the discussions in the comment section during the first round of the MEP vs ETU tournament, I must say THANK YOU for uploading the complete first set in 1 video.
I am so looking forward for the second set. As mentioned in the video, Topher looks stronger than he did versus Ian and slightly more consistent than Sean versus MEP.
Probably due to lower risk on shots (than Sean) and a better stamina. Topher is so slim. I guess he is below 150lbs (68Kg) at 6" 0 (1,83m) or something. That really helps for the grinding game.
MEP himself lacks the footwork of Topher or Adam (let alone "Road Runner" Cole). That is one of his main problems to be more effective on this court with his opportunities.
Depth was a big concern in his first match. I think he does that way better versus Topher now. Regardless, he doesn't play his usual drop shot&volley style here. His ability to hit amazing drop shots out of rallies can be impressive. I don't get why doesn't do it as his average shot has the depth to make Topher run more vertically with drop shots.
But let's wait for the 2nd set.
Addition: MEP's comments are so entertaining. His way to handle these situations is so unconventional and he seems to always be optimistic to find ways to win. The mental master.
It's interesting to note that (in general) Ben uses slice for offense and topspin on the run. Most players use slice on those running, defensive shots.
I think Ben might do better if he learned a running forehand slice
Anybody who’s played USTA leagues and been “MEP’d” will not be glued to this series! Great idea! My skill is slightly below Topher’s. Watching MEP I was thinking I could win against that pusher style. But after watching this first set I appreciate how difficult it is. You have to set up and execute SO many big winners, because MEP won’t give you any easy points.
Correction “WILL be glued to this series”
Two more matches until Essential Tennis: Endgame
Infinity war next
More like Iron Man 3
@@scottbroady3159 you might be right!
💪🔥👀
Ben has gotten better from a month ago.
Tophers mid court forehand is money.
Thanks for the comments Peter!
Love the different perception everyone has. Thought Toper was dominating the entire set. Great performance. Ben is probably the greatest in-game commentator so far. He is always thinking and telling us about strategy and analysing the situation calmly. Still has to find a way to hurt Topere tough. Excited for the next part. Thanks to you guys for editing this, especially with Thoper (smartly) disrupting the flow a bit. Great job!
Ben usually makes his opponents hurt themselves, but Topher with his patience and stamina is not the kind to allow that to happen. BTW good job misspelling his name 3 different ways.
@@amieres 🤣🤣🤣
I found the misspelling absolutely hilarious!
Humble brag; I MEP'd a Topher last weekend after watching the end of Ben's match vs Sean. This is not a slight to Topher, my guy wasn't quite as strong I'm simply referring to the delta in age. I was playing a guy 1/2 my age (I'm north of 40 and he was closer to 20) in an 18+ league who hit the ball harder and cleaner than me, and the less pace I gave him the more he over hit the ball. I also came in on his second serves and he threw in a good handful of key DF's. I felt a bit lame hitting all slice shots to him, but I was feeling better after leaving the court with a 7-6, 6-3 victory after being down 5-2 in the first. He did (as I shared on another video) come completely unhinged swearing out loud multiple times and throwing his racquet at the bench after losing the first set tie-breaker 7-3 after being up big in the 1st. After that I was living rent free in his head. Thanks Ben/ET for the strategy queue. I'm extremely glad there's no video of my match as it was some of the uglier tennis I've played, but again I posted my scores to UTR this morning and the scoreliine looked pretty good as there was zero evidence of the lack of pace on every shot from the 8th game on in the match. Just a straight sets W in the books. Moral of the story BE LIKE BEN. At 4.5 and below, most points are won on unforced errors and NOT clean winners. It sounds so tennis 101 to say keep hitting it in down the middle of the court and let them make the mistakes, but it works. Channel your inner MEP Ben. I'm fully expecting a set 2 win for Ben to level things, although Topher is playing amazingly well right now, I think Ben will wear down Topher after lulling him into a false sense of security...
Awesome work Charles, keep it up! Thanks for the support!
Congrats Charles on your win, very nice. I would say to be true to yourself and play the style that is unique to you and gives you enjoyment AND gives you a great chance to win. In terms of being like Ben, it seems to me your level of fitness and mental toughness is something I've overlooked a tad in search of better mechanics, and also to be willing to throw some different things at your opponent so they don't get in a groove, drop shots, lobs, off speed moon balls from time-to-time, slice the forehand low etc.
@@georgebasham2279 the interesting part to me is that I may have given my opponent more off speed shots, but in reviewing a serious counter puncher like Ben this last 3-4 weeks or so, and having lost to a couple during that period of time it was fresh in my mind to adapt and stick to a strategy I wouldn't normally employ. My guess is I may have lost as my ego gets somewhat engaged and I too want to swing away and go shot for shot even though ultimately I don't have all the firepower I once had. It may be a new wrinkle to add to my game when playing less patient/more aggressive and error prone players who feed off of pace. Like I said, I'd probably mix in some slices, but when the rest of his team and mine were watching it took all my effort to let off the gas pedal and just keep it in play, and it paid off! Thanks for the kind word George.
I appreciate Ian’s honest address re: the matches and the production effort and how it takes time. However.... when y’all come to Atlanta for the TrollEssentials Cup, let’s broadcast it live so we can lay some money on the matches.
The viewer experience is so much better now that you've decided to not cut the video abruptly.
I hope this sensibility continues.
Maybe because of Essential Tennis and Tennis Troll, I've recorded/edited a few matches I've played. Very amateur stuff, I've only been playing for a year or so. But watching myself play makes me really find Ben's game interesting. He has more skill than he gets credit for. It's not just smoke and mirrors. Put some of his techique/form aside and just look at his shot shape and placement, and he's an all-around good player. I am long-over being surprised he beats people.
Thank you so much for your thoughts, Brad!
Tennis is about technique and form, can't put them aside. Ball placement via splice can only get you so far. I will take Topher/Sean/Mark Sansait any day...
Topher seems like a more composed version of Sean with more consistant shots. Probably also less winners than Sean but also less errors. This could become a grind show. Put my money on Topher nonetheless.
We'll find out soon!
I think Sean’s match inspired Topher a lot .
@@pigletbb yeah big advantage watching MEP vs Sean.
@@pigletbb It should have. Sean basically imploded and was just soooo negative, it looked like he never believed he could win even when things were pretty much even.
Great play by Topher. He did exactly what you should do to beat a player like Ben - he chose his shots well, used angles, and finished at the net when he had to. From the baseline, he constructed the points as opposed to just losing patience during the rallies and trying to rip winners from out of position. Topher illustrated a blueprint of how you should play a pusher; Sean, with all due respect, showed us exactly how you shouldn't play one.
Yup, Topher is playing great! Thanks for watching!
I wouldn't go that far. Both won their first set. This ain't over yet. I think Sean just lacked the physical and mental stamina. His game plan wasn't too different
I'd like to nominate Topher for the Most Patient Player (MPP). He's been working Ben real hard with those deep and top-spin shots, which Ben pushes back but cannot quite " _slice 'em and place 'em_ " as he so often does, and then picks carefully when to accelerate and score some cool winners. Good going Topher, good going!!
First set was so good. I am loving how Topher is slowing things down. I always think you have to accept that you will be on the court for a while with Ben and just prepare for it. Ben has surgical precision and you just have to wait and watch for your openings, if you ever get any. So far, so good. I find myself rooting for both players - I wasn't sure that was possible. Again, I find myself super impressed with Ben and how he is handling himself on the visiting court. And Topher is showing himself to be an awesome competitor and patient. I'm sure you and Scott are taking notes. BTW-I predicted that Ben would win against Sean, Topher, lose to Scott and win against Ian.
Great series Essential Tennis! And great job by your editors-compelling tennis.
Thanks for your comments and for watching Marilyn!
Topher's decision to take his time was key....Ben even admitted it threw him off a little. I discovered in tournament play a simple truth....if you take a lot of time after your opponent plays a good point, but move quickly to the line after YOU play a good point, it can make a huge difference. Nadal and Djokovic are experts at this....Federer never learned it...or he'd have a few more slams.
My take on this first set is energy conservation is key starting from first point. Ben uses a high floating return to give himself time to get into position for the next ball. The short overhead is bound to come. You must be comfortable hitting overheads to take advantage. Big target areas are important here. You cannot get angry during a point because the ball keeps coming back.
I just want to congratulate Topher for really brining a great game and thoughtful approach to the point construction. Ben and Topher both using that middle deep shot to reset at the right times, one of Ian's previous video's if you remember. Ben especially seems to know exactly 'when' to hit the middle neutral ball even when he has a slight advantage. He resets and then finds that attacking angle when it's time.
He's done an amazing game plan execution in set 1!
I couldn't guess confidently who would win between Sean and Ben until late in the second set, but with this one... I am fairly confident that Topher pulls this one. I think that he is in control the majority of the points, especially in the longer rallies. Never seen Topher play before now, but his style of play is better suited for someone like Ben. The ability to grind points and to hit very good consistent backhand slice. I think the slice groundstroke is going to be the biggest weapon for you as well Ian.
Whoever gets out to a quick start in the second set will win the match, IMHO. If it is a close second set, it could go either way.....
It seems many of MEP's lobs are a bit short and Topher's inside out forehands are killer.
Topher loves the inside out!
The contrast of unassuming MEP with the theatrical sound track and video affects is hilarious.
Great first set from Topher! It's pretty obvious he just had a horrifically bad day against Ian in his first match. Without throwing shade on the other ET players, it also seems that Topher has the most zen-like (or is it Ben-like?) mental approach.
Toaster is a mellow fellow, for sure!
He's playing really well!
Gopher played smart. Not trying to hit winners on every shot, like Sean. He took his time with 4-5 loopy deep soft topspin strokes, then when he had MEP moved over and lulled to sleep...he would hit a lower hard shot that MEP couldn’t get to. Perfect strategy.
Topher's strategy is playing well in this first set!
If you can execute the closer then The Creature is toast. You have so many opportunities presented it's just a question of cutting down unforced errors.
Topher played lights out the first set! The test will be in second set where his fitness will be tested along with his mental game! Definitely eager to see the second set!!
Stay tuned to find out Ken!
Ian said it well "such a privilege to watch". Thanks guys.
Amazing how topher and I have such similar gamestyles and approach to the game. The one thing I think Topher didn't quite realize (at least upto his 5-2 when I made this comment) is that is top spin shots bounce into the ideal strike zone for Ben ;-)
*Match Stats*
*Set 1*
*MEP*
*Aces:* 1
*DF's:* 0
*1st Serve In %:* 88.6%
*1st Serve Win %:* 38.7%
*2nd Serve Win %:* 25%
*Return Win %:* 50%
*Winners:* 2
*FH:* 1
*BH:* 1
*Unforced Errors:* 4
*FH:* 1
*BH:* 3
*Net Points Won:* 3/5
*Break Points Won:* 2/2
*Total points Won:* 27
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*Topher*
*Aces:* 0
*DF's:* 3
*1st Serve In %:* 60.7%
*1st Serve Win %:* 64.7%
*2nd Serve Win %:* 27.3%
*Return Win %:* 62.9%
*Winners:* 24
*FH:* 21
*BH:* 3
*Unforced Errors:* 17
*FH:* 13
*BH:* 4
*Net Points Won:* 8/10
*Break Points Won:* 4/8
*Total points Won:* 36
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Topher is playing incredibly. Not fearing the aggressive play, attacking on both serve and return, coming to the net a decent amount also. However, if this level dips, Ben is right behind him, the scoreline definately not a representation of the level these guys are playing at. Topher is much more physical than Sean was also.
awesome set Topher 🙌🏻. another banger ET 👍
Glad you like it!
Actually it was very close set, Topher is very patient, and Ben is really testing Topher's limit.
Actually it wasn't. He had everything under control from the beginning.
It would be if MEP won that game when it was 4-2. But 4-1, 4-2 and 5-2 it's all about Topher. He was controlling 90% of the points.
Great, tough start on both sides. I liked it when Topher started looping more and bouncing the ball higher at about 4-2, I think realizing that Ben redirects pace, and plays even better when he gets pace in his strike zone.
He's working it out nicely, thanks for watching John!
Awesome. This series is so entertaining. Better than game of thrones. Can't wait to see what happens in the next episode.
Glad you're enjoying it, thanks for watching!
Topher's play is consistent and giving enough power to drive the ball when necessary, and also I like how he slides on the court. I also noticed on the past 2 match with Sean and Topher that playing inside out or middle court then drive to MEP's forehand results in a lot of winners, and MEP seems like to position towards his backhand more. Ian might give us some lessons on how to beat pusher by hitting on an angle like Sean and Topher used on this past 2 matches.
Great 1st set by Topher. Ben appears to like this pace though and will likely want to keep grinding away at Topher and keep making him ask questions about whether he can outlast Ben. Again, thanks to Ian and ET for putting this out here. 👍🎾👍🎾
Topher played a great first set, only flaw was a couple of overheads, but I think he HAD to win that first set. I would not count Ben out by a long shot, even as young as Topher is Ben's consistency is off the charts.
Ben would be such a nice movie villain. It's something threatening in his gaze. I don't know if it's roleplay for the video or he's like that all the time, but I love it.
I’ve really got to clean out my garage, know any good storage pod guys? My last one came back to me smelling like Taco Bell.
Funny, my last one smelled of pizza? Must just be a coincidence
😅
Check to see if Mark has been moving stuff lately, sounds like him.
LOL. Humor that only Wannabe Pro can come up with.
Green flame gives me the chills
If we believe in subliminal messages, the Green Flame represents Ben conquering the ET player he’s currently playing.
I “expect” the flame to turn orange once the ET player wins - hopefully when Scott plays Ben?
🔥
It’s like the pumpkin and music playing at the start of the original movie Halloween
Can we get Ben some Walkout music? let’s do the right thing and take a page from Wrasslin. Let Ben choose it - he’s from NCarolina so he’s got himself an acceptable understanding of WWE.
It’s just amazing how impossible it seems to play a pusher’s game to beat a pusher. How difficult it seems with orthodox technique to go toe to toe with unorthodox technique. I can’t wrap my head around why the only winning tactic seems to hit straight through a pusher. Why isn’t it viable to answer with variety between skidding and topspin and slice and bait with drop shots and lob a pusher.
Also, Ben is making me reconsider my techniques. Why not invest way more in a deep forehand slice?
Also, I love Ben’s attitude on court. It’s really amazingly gritty and sturdy and happy and optimist and realist. Just lovely and inspiring.
I could easily see myself pulling something really bad playing against Ben. I would probably try to finish points quickly, which would cause me to overhit and lose miserably! It takes a lot of discipline and concentration to finish these points against Ben. So far Topher has done a great job, but Ben might have him right where he wants him in the second set. Love these matches and commentary!
It’s been some really great tennis from Topher in this set. Can’t wait to see if he can keep it up in the next set. Ben won’t go down without a fight tho.
Closer than the score. Ben had game points on three of his service games, but couldn't get across the line. So impressed with Topher's forehand, his movement, but most importantly his attitude! He is positive, he accepts the challenge presented by Ben without negativity, judgement, and he does his best to combat it. Ben, of course, is a mental master, but to some degree it seems he counts on the other guy imploding, as Sean did. If Topher can continue to flatline emotionally, he's got a great chance to close it out.
Love how patient Topher is, waiting for his chance. He's staying in those long exhausting rallies and pouncing on the first shorter ball Ben gives him. Interested to see if he can keep that up. Lot of work.
He's playing really well!
No unforced errors is the way to beat MEP!! You don't need to force the issue. Just be prepared to play long rallies, and then if you get a short ball don't stuff it up!!
@@mikthe2004 If (Big IF, for me at least) you have the stamina to keep that up for up to three sets.
Congrats to Topher (Christopher?) There are so many details in his gameplay (mentally and technically) that I will try to copy for my own gameplay...
Great first set. If I may suggest: I didn't think cutting away the corner interviews to show some points replays (particularly when Topher was speaking) was ideal. I much prefer when you see the body language as well as hearing the words when the players are speaking to the camera.
not taking anything away from ben, but i love topher’s style of play…those inside outs are beautiful
Great set by Topher. His forehand was on fire. Ben had no answer for that inside-out forehand (which he himself mentioned), but the key was Topher hit a fair number of inside-in forehands too, so Ben couldn't just sit on the inside-out.
Very curious to see what adjustments Ben may make. I don't think fatigue will become a huge issue until a third set if it happens. Topher is being smart taking his time between points.
The Creature did something new, and effective. His grapefruit shots are always short, slow and up the middle. Here he kept them long, past the service line. That's huge and kudos to him for doing that.
Still, they are grapefruits and any 4.5 guy should smoke back winners or decent set up shots. Which Topher did.
The Lull did affect him a smidge but over all he maintained his game. Do that and the score is a foregone conclusion.
Good play on both sides
Topher’s deep shots to Ben’s backhand (righty FH side) are 1) pushing Ben off the court, and 2) setting up comfortable offensive forehands where Topher has time to pick the open court or hit behind Ben as he’s covering the middle. The worst thing Topher is doing is hitting low and short to the middle allowing Ben to run a Topher around. Idea for Topher: high loopy, deep topspin also makes Ben run around and use up his energy.
10:15 Ben talking about his rhythm being thrown by his opponent...twilight zone/matrix level stuff right there.
Ben's one of a kind!
I don't think it's so rare to have a preferred pace between points and being affected by an opponent whose pace is very different. I've certainly heard pros comment on this in the past.
Ben's unnerving, rhythmless style of play juxtaposed with his saying his rhythm is thrown by Topher taking his time between points...
🤯 Mind. Blown.
He is mortal after all. 😊
"There is no spoon."
Man, that was entertaining. Clap clap clap clap clap. Loved it.
Topher vs Sean mental approach - first set and Topher is noting that he’s picking up patterns that work. 🤓💪🏻🎾
He's staying strong!
Topher found a good pattern in that 1st set setting up the inside-out forehand cross court to Ben's forehand - that was a goldmine. On the other side, I'd love to hear Ben talk about target and tool identification; especially when he decides to commit to a spot and with which of his shots. He scatters stuff all over the court!
Stay tuned for much more!
Spot on. Ben really needs to protect his forehand in this matchup. It seemed like he was starting to do that more towards the end of the set by using even more variety than usual to disrupt the way Topher was setting up the pattern.
Ben is truly a ball machine with legs that is constantly on full battery. Topher is truly remarkable with his cardio, going side to side non stop. I wonder what the distance travelled is for both players. I think Topher has probably ran twice the distance than Green Kryptonite (AKA MEP the ball machine). I think Scott will do well against ben with his strong cardio background.
Enjoying this tremendously. Thank you Ian, Matt and ET team.
Thanks for your comments, glad you're enjoying it!
When is the next broadcast? Was hoping for the 2nd set today....
Would be great to watch a tutorial on how to push. Or a breakdown on MEPs strategy.
Every time I go into pusher mode, my opponents just start hitting winners.
Does Serve plus one apply as a tactic against MEP? That was a tight set, much closer than the score suggests.
Nice playing Topher...hang in there MEP...make Georgia proud
Thanks for watching Crunch Time!
Is there a chance to get a Matt “Coffee Break tennis” vs Ben “MEP” match organised 😃? Then Matt can analyse the stats in his show as well as the comments.
Both live in Atlanta as I understand
And a fellow lefty eh Coach Pete?
Intertesting to note how many of Topher's winners travel "off" the court (cross the singles sideline before the baseline). Ben moves so well that it seems impossible to hit winners "through" the court (crossing baseline before the sideline). But through the court is higher-percentage, so Topher has to wait for the correct ball to get the angle and hit that lower percentage shot off the court.
Topher is playing with patience and using the slice when out of balance, Ben is showing few new tools. At the moment Topher has the right plan, we will see if it sticks when he gets a little more tired.
Thanks for watching Gus!
The Creatures big new tool is depth.
He never hits this many deep shots.
Short, slow and up the middle creates oppurtunities. Depth limits openings quite a bit.
Awesome job by Topher, dominating with his forehand while staying away from the lines. He looked as comfortable as possible in the first set, except in the 6th and 7th games.
The only thing i fo not get is why he is hitting the serve so hard. His faster serves did not wield any easy to put away balls. MEP just blocks them deep (as you should). Topher should try more kick serves to increase the first serve percentage and make MEP swing at the ball.
Fantastic set by Topher. Didn't panic because points got too long. Kept the swing intensity fairly constant. Took some chances when opportunitiea came --some won some lost-- and he was better for it. Now, after what seemed like 1200 topspin forehands and the natural deflation of having won a set, can he keep it up? Looks like it.
I predict Ben's going to be mixing spin/speed to his serves soon.
Nice set. Thanks ET team.
Thanks for the support and for watching Adrian!
Ben is ok getting beat a few times off groundstrokes, volleys, overheads, etc and doesn’t let it get to him. his strategy is to see if you can keep it up for 2+ hours.
I think Topher's forehand is what's making the difference. It's very consistent and strong, especially his inside-out forehand from the AD court. If Ben figures out a way to attack around that strength he has a chance, unless Topher gets tired of course...
Is the Sean and Ben's post match chat not coming out?
Seeing how unhappy Sean was with how that all went, I think it'd probably be better.
@@Nabend1402 Makes sense
No milk today
Unfortunately we won't be able to publish it. Sorry!
@@EssentialTennis All good! You guys are doing an amazing job
Matt, aka “Mr. Headtop Explosion”, in the booth!!
😅 We love Matt's extraordinary hair contribution to the commentary booth!
Well done to Topher in the first set. He found the perfect rhythm and pace which allowed him to dictate the points. Ian you might have to rematch Topher soon if he’s playing like this.
It was a great first set, stay tuned for more!
Great job, Topher. The first set felt a lot closer than the score reflects. When playing MEP, it seems there is no such thing as a comfortable lead. I think Topher's positive even keel attitude got him the win....that and the inside out forehand.
I think bens saving the green shirt for the Ian match!
Could be...
If it ever happens...
I’m very confident it will and will be a great match
two words - amazing tennis.
Solid start from Topher. If he can maintain his energy levels and composure I think he'll take the match in two sets. Hats off to Ben though for taking his second tough match in two days