I was rooting for Hermont but huge props to Niels! You can tell he was frustrated at the end but kept it professional and was a good sport. Also Niels' mental strength is unreal. I know a ton of high level players that would been tilted off the face of this earth with some of the ridiculous shots that Hermont hit in this match but Niels stayed with it.
Winston you're on to something with this format! It's tough to find accessible, entertaining, competitive content featuring players at this level. I especially like the court angle, the speed of the game really comes through. And being able to hear them talk to themselves between points is a treat.
Wow, what an incredible performance from old Hermie! The defending champ refuses to go down quietly... Niels already has a heavier ball and obviously a higher ceiling (needs to work on verticalizing and finishing at the net), but Hermont defended like a madman and really minimized his mistakes, ultimately prevailing thanks to his greater experience. All in all, definitely the best match I have watched on this channel - congrats to all involved!
@@AdamLischinskyyep, that backhand short cross passing shot was ON FIRE. Hermont's footwork and net game are also more polished than Niels'. All in all, at this stage he is just a slightly more complete player, as you might expect given the age and experience gap. If they have a rematch in a couple of years though, I don't like his chances...
Hermont made a deal with the devil to hit those passing shots, haha. I can definitely see how he loses sometimes, because he does play a bit of high risk high reward. It's exciting to watch, though, and you really gotta give him credit for seriously sending all the shots that really mattered.
Super entertaining match. Thanks to Hermont, Niels and Winton for making this possible. SO much more entertainig than watching regular ATP matches on TV. Both of these guys come through as very likeable people. I really get a kick from seeing those crazy forehands from Niels. Hope to see both of them again.
Aside from the higher 12.2 UTR of his opponent, I personally think Hermont has the wisdom and experience on his side to take this match. I've seen both play, and I think Hermont has the better overall package. Nothing against his opponent as my statement could change real quick as he's a younger prospect who is also very talented but in they're current states (from my viewing experience) Hermont seems a bit more of the complete package
Hermont's current UTR is only a reflection of how many actual matches he has participated in recent years, not his actual ability. He really is at least a 5.5+ still
Man I love watching Clay, but this has to be my favorite match on the channel to date. Hermont was absolutely lethal in so many ways, but his placement and return of serve really stuck out to me. Niels found himself later in the match, but Hermont's consistency, levelheadedness and ability to pull out ridiculous shots when he needed them is what kept Niels in a box. Great to see excellent sportsmanship as well, can't ask for better on-court behavior and appreciation of the other player's ability from both sides.
Hermont's hand skills in scoring off winners from volleys (and half ones) is much of a surprise. Really delighted to be able to see a D1 level match in this channel. Thanks a lot Winston.
The biggest difference I see right off the bat in the first few games is the footwork! Hermont’s feet is always moving and nimble. While Niels looks heavy and flat footed sometimes. Looks like he’s not moving it as efficiently between shots. It reminds me of myself, I need to work on split stepping and taking more steps towards the ball.
I would give anything to have Hermont's return of serve. It's amazing how often he completely neutralizes the server's advantage and gets the point started on an even playing field. Excellent match today, props to both players.
12:30 They may not be the best players ever featured on the channel but hard-fought points like these made the match really enjoyable 13:54 What a recovery and winner!
That first point at 4-2 seemed like a turning point for Niels- he started hammering that cross court backhand pattern. But then Hermont broke right back. Incredible level, this was a great strategic match- point construction was awesome.
That was such an enjoyable match to watch - thanks Hermont, Niels, and Winston. Both are excellent players with a lot of excellent strengths. Hermont made several shots that almost felt like magic tricks (he's very clever!), and we'll all see Niels further develop over his next 4 years at USC, which will be exciting to watch. 🤜🤛
I can't believe Hermont almost got knock out in the first round! It says a lot of how strong everybody is in this tournament...I'm soooo happy Hermont managed to win in the end because Hermont is my favorite tennis player and when I grow up I want to be just like him. I want only Hermont to become the champion. Well done Hermont but next time please don't make it so close that you give us a heart attack😂
That’s high level tennis.. Really enjoyed this match and as usual, Hermont delivered some big shots and great points!! Niels also made some good shots but not enough! 😂😂
Hermont, the pride of NRC in Sacramento! Hermont has excellent foot work, love how he stays close to the baseline and quickly gets back to the baseline when pushed back. Does anyone know if Hermont ever played Brooksby in juniors or an open division at a USTA tournament? Brooksby played a lot of open divisions in NorCal in his teens.
that was insane to watch!! great performance from both. Hermont pulled out some jaw dropping shots through the whole match, those passing shots were key
Unbelievable tennis from Hermont, so locked in! As a fellow short king at a far lower UTR, I seriously wish I had Hermont's serve. Wish he would do like a guest serving lesson, or on his channel, it's beautiful to watch.
Niels has all the talent, just needs to pressure the opponet and control the set. Seemed like he thought he could win from the baseline. A touch more s&v and the dude will be unstoppable. Thanks for the upload! Great playing to Hermie
Great video as always Winston! Quick request: Any chance you can get your tripod highe? The backline on the other side probably will be more visible if the camera is a little higher up!
Wow, I haven't even finished watching the match, but gotta say this might be the highest level of play I've seen on your channel, Winston. Great to see two talented players really going for it!
Looking forward to watching this soon. No idea how this match would go (or went- is it live?). Both are great players. Let's see how their styles match up!
Niels appears to have the game, but Hermont I think just came up with the tight shots. Those short angles and just staying in the points to give himself a chance. Niels does have a big game though that backhand is no joke.
Best match I've ever watched in this channel, and I'm subscriber like 700; not much else to say! Winston: thanks for putting this tournament together, pretty good! also for creating the content! However... (have you heard that Alanis Morrisette song Perfect?), man, was there really no other way to schedule Karue's match other than 30 minutes after this? I know schedules are tight and yeah, I NEED to see Karue play Govind, but man, if it was uphill for any of this two now it sounds like impossible!
Wicked pass by Hermont at 5-3 and 30-15, gut wrenching for the opponent imho. It looked like he would float it or hit wide but instead he adjusts and puts it on a dime. Totally nuts.
Besides Hermonts amazing serve which I would not expect at his height, I like how well he anticipates and moves/covering the court. Neils has a great game and I like that he's more of an all court player. It can be tough to play that style against someone who returns and hits passing shots that well...
If Hermont is a 5.0, then I'm a 2.0. Super high level of play by both guys. Winston, you are changing the tennis industry. This is more enjoyable than watching a lot of pro matches. Good job my youtube brother!
Congrats Hermont. incredible game.Hermont is definitely a 5.5 to me. Neils is amazing. Wow, half an hour before K is nuts. Looking forward to the next. Amazing series Winston. You're killin it. Cheers! M
Hermont as 5.0 is probably not accurate lol. If you look at 5.0 league matches and you tell me they can beat usc recruits, that would be beyond a joke. But great job hermont on the win, great confidence booster
Amazing match, very even chess match ... great come back from Niels to make it competitive. Hermont also moves better overall which I think made the most difference.
Its amazing because both players make so few unforced errors, resulting in some epic points. Niels really needs a more penetrating serve though; at his UTR level, his 1st serve is really not penetrating enough, and 2nd serve is not well placed enough either.
Hermont can have my children
Get in line
that volley winner from no man's land by Hermont in the tiebreak.....wtf!......soooo many epic points in this match
Yea it made me say WTF out loud
It was actually a volley (didn't let it bounce). Definitely an insane shot! Hermont stole that point!
@@CoachAdrian you are right, just watched it again and adjusted my comment accordingly. It was also a swinging volley at that!
the squash like shot that was wilddd haha
Insane shot
I was rooting for Hermont but huge props to Niels! You can tell he was frustrated at the end but kept it professional and was a good sport. Also Niels' mental strength is unreal. I know a ton of high level players that would been tilted off the face of this earth with some of the ridiculous shots that Hermont hit in this match but Niels stayed with it.
Niels is a very good sport... a very likable guy. Wish him the best at sc. No shame in losing to Hermont. He had so many highlight shots.
Oh my god that match has to be the best non-professional match i have ever seen. Hermont was playing out of this world
Winston you're on to something with this format! It's tough to find accessible, entertaining, competitive content featuring players at this level.
I especially like the court angle, the speed of the game really comes through. And being able to hear them talk to themselves between points is a treat.
Wow, what an incredible performance from old Hermie! The defending champ refuses to go down quietly...
Niels already has a heavier ball and obviously a higher ceiling (needs to work on verticalizing and finishing at the net), but Hermont defended like a madman and really minimized his mistakes, ultimately prevailing thanks to his greater experience. All in all, definitely the best match I have watched on this channel - congrats to all involved!
Hermont's placement is better, though - amazing how underrated that is. Just threading passing shots and down the line shots
@@AdamLischinskyyep, that backhand short cross passing shot was ON FIRE. Hermont's footwork and net game are also more polished than Niels'. All in all, at this stage he is just a slightly more complete player, as you might expect given the age and experience gap. If they have a rematch in a couple of years though, I don't like his chances...
Hermont made a deal with the devil to hit those passing shots, haha. I can definitely see how he loses sometimes, because he does play a bit of high risk high reward. It's exciting to watch, though, and you really gotta give him credit for seriously sending all the shots that really mattered.
@@AdamLischinsky using every inch of court, like the Joker
Hermont improved to 5.5. He believed he shouldn't lose to kids. After 2 years at SC the kid will be a monster
SC is South Carolina not USC in California
@@michaelvonhaven105he's actually wearing a USC Trojans hat.
USC 😂
One of the best, most evenly-matched matches I've seen on the channel. Great playing from both players!
Super entertaining match. Thanks to Hermont, Niels and Winton for making this possible. SO much more entertainig than watching regular ATP matches on TV. Both of these guys come through as very likeable people. I really get a kick from seeing those crazy forehands from Niels. Hope to see both of them again.
Hermont had some of the most insane shots. Winston, you should do like a top10 points on your channel video
totally agree, and not even half way through this
Great hitting guys! Thanks to Hermont for representing us short kings lol
Where've you been, bro? We no longer see any uploads.
Faaccttss short tennis players for the w
@@dayostical two kids happened 💀 maybe when they get older
22:18 is one of the craziest shots I've ever seen. 4-all in the tiebreak and he pulls out a volley winner in no man's land. Insane shot by Hermont
Aside from the higher 12.2 UTR of his opponent, I personally think Hermont has the wisdom and experience on his side to take this match. I've seen both play, and I think Hermont has the better overall package. Nothing against his opponent as my statement could change real quick as he's a younger prospect who is also very talented but in they're current states (from my viewing experience) Hermont seems a bit more of the complete package
Definitely seemed to compete more seriously, maybe even stingy with line calls on critical points.
Hermont's current UTR is only a reflection of how many actual matches he has participated in recent years, not his actual ability. He really is at least a 5.5+ still
Man I love watching Clay, but this has to be my favorite match on the channel to date. Hermont was absolutely lethal in so many ways, but his placement and return of serve really stuck out to me. Niels found himself later in the match, but Hermont's consistency, levelheadedness and ability to pull out ridiculous shots when he needed them is what kept Niels in a box. Great to see excellent sportsmanship as well, can't ask for better on-court behavior and appreciation of the other player's ability from both sides.
Excellent match between 2 great players! That was great content, and I'm so thankful to get to watch these caliber of matches on Winston's channel!
Hermont's hand skills in scoring off winners from volleys (and half ones) is much of a surprise. Really delighted to be able to see a D1 level match in this channel. Thanks a lot Winston.
30 min break before playing karue is insane 😭
Setting my man up for failure. 😅
Unfair 😂
One day tournaments be like:
The biggest difference I see right off the bat in the first few games is the footwork! Hermont’s feet is always moving and nimble. While Niels looks heavy and flat footed sometimes. Looks like he’s not moving it as efficiently between shots. It reminds me of myself, I need to work on split stepping and taking more steps towards the ball.
I would give anything to have Hermont's return of serve. It's amazing how often he completely neutralizes the server's advantage and gets the point started on an even playing field. Excellent match today, props to both players.
The best match of the channel so far in terms of level + closeness + entertaining points. Great stuff!
Would be cool to set up some extra cameras and have some nice cut scene replays from different perspectives
Hermont is a solid 6.0, he is not a 5.5 or lower...
This is the most entertaining match I’ve seen on this channel. Nice matchup and good fight from both guys!
12:30 They may not be the best players ever featured on the channel but hard-fought points like these made the match really enjoyable
13:54 What a recovery and winner!
That first point at 4-2 seemed like a turning point for Niels- he started hammering that cross court backhand pattern. But then Hermont broke right back. Incredible level, this was a great strategic match- point construction was awesome.
Well done to both, the standard was off the charts. This tournament/series is fun (and inspiring) to watch. Thank you for organising Winston.
That passing slap in the tiebreak was epic! Awesome playing and sportsmanship from both!
That was such an enjoyable match to watch - thanks Hermont, Niels, and Winston. Both are excellent players with a lot of excellent strengths. Hermont made several shots that almost felt like magic tricks (he's very clever!), and we'll all see Niels further develop over his next 4 years at USC, which will be exciting to watch. 🤜🤛
Pretty big fan of this court view and focal length. Can you please share with us the filming setup?
Awesome match. Ever thought of raising the camera a bit, maybe to the top of the fence?
I can't believe Hermont almost got knock out in the first round! It says a lot of how strong everybody is in this tournament...I'm soooo happy Hermont managed to win in the end because Hermont is my favorite tennis player and when I grow up I want to be just like him. I want only Hermont to become the champion. Well done Hermont but next time please don't make it so close that you give us a heart attack😂
lol
@@WinstonDuHermont is out 😭
Best I've seen Hermont play ever. Dude played lights out.
Wow! Hermont's server is fantastic! Thank you.
Wow excellent! Very exciting. Thanks Hermont and Niels for the great tennis. And thanks to Winston for setting it up.
super high quality play, loved seeing the variety from Hermont
Man I had a bingo on Hermont mentioning his grip size for the giggles and hit it. Great game, amazing players.
That’s high level tennis.. Really enjoyed this match and as usual, Hermont delivered some big shots and great points!! Niels also made some good shots but not enough! 😂😂
Probably the highest level match on the channel so far. Amazing performances by both.
Really high level match! Love it! Thanks!!!
14:16 holy- that was some of the best tennis ive ever seen, including the pros
Great content! I love these matchups and the pre and post analysis! Great work…
Hermont, the pride of NRC in Sacramento! Hermont has excellent foot work, love how he stays close to the baseline and quickly gets back to the baseline when pushed back. Does anyone know if Hermont ever played Brooksby in juniors or an open division at a USTA tournament? Brooksby played a lot of open divisions in NorCal in his teens.
that was insane to watch!! great performance from both. Hermont pulled out some jaw dropping shots through the whole match, those passing shots were key
The passing shot at 4-4 in the tiebreaker was ridiculous. Great match. Please continue this kind of content!
Congrats to Hermont! What a squeaker! Great job to Niels too. Very tough loss but use this match for motivation!
Great match, guys. It was a pleasure to watch. Fight on, Niels!
Love it when both opponents are at such similar level. What an epic battle! I'm enjoying this tournament a lot. Thanks for putting it together!
22:00 amazing point, best shot I've seen on this channel by Hermont!
Incredibly high level play from both guys. Some killer winners. Great shot making. Super entertaining.
Seriously great play. Level was awesome, and competitive. Loved it. Great content Winston, and cant wait to see more.
Unbelievable tennis from Hermont, so locked in! As a fellow short king at a far lower UTR, I seriously wish I had Hermont's serve. Wish he would do like a guest serving lesson, or on his channel, it's beautiful to watch.
Wait, does Hermont have a channel?
Not that I know of, was just hoping@@zlzhao1104
Niels has all the talent, just needs to pressure the opponet and control the set. Seemed like he thought he could win from the baseline. A touch more s&v and the dude will be unstoppable. Thanks for the upload! Great playing to Hermie
Great video as always Winston! Quick request: Any chance you can get your tripod highe? The backline on the other side probably will be more visible if the camera is a little higher up!
Wow, I haven't even finished watching the match, but gotta say this might be the highest level of play I've seen on your channel, Winston. Great to see two talented players really going for it!
Some of the best tennis i've seen. That 4-3 game. Wow.
Best match you've had on the channel.
great playing guys! one of the best matches so far
Looking forward to watching this soon. No idea how this match would go (or went- is it live?). Both are great players. Let's see how their styles match up!
Best match on your channel so far! Not sure how old Hermont is but, hes a beast!
Niels appears to have the game, but Hermont I think just came up with the tight shots. Those short angles and just staying in the points to give himself a chance. Niels does have a big game though that backhand is no joke.
Best match I've ever watched in this channel, and I'm subscriber like 700; not much else to say!
Winston: thanks for putting this tournament together, pretty good! also for creating the content! However... (have you heard that Alanis Morrisette song Perfect?), man, was there really no other way to schedule Karue's match other than 30 minutes after this? I know schedules are tight and yeah, I NEED to see Karue play Govind, but man, if it was uphill for any of this two now it sounds like impossible!
22:18 First time I've ever seen that shot. Props to Niels for keeping it together in the post-match interview.
Think Hermont needs a highlights reel from this video, naughty tennis
That backhand at 14:19 was dirty! What a shot.
Let's go Hermont! You had some absolutely amazing shots
great match! really cool what you're building!
14:18 that might be the greatest sequence and shot ive seen on this channel 😭
A most competitive match. Thanks for putting this tournament on. Good tennis. Niels is gonna be a beast in a year or two.
I'm shocked how good Hermont's passing shots were, such a great player!
Super fun to watch! Hermot can grind! Plus he’s got those sneaky little cross court shots.
Wicked pass by Hermont at 5-3 and 30-15, gut wrenching for the opponent imho. It looked like he would float it or hit wide but instead he adjusts and puts it on a dime. Totally nuts.
What a great match! Love the fight and determination in both players! GG's!
Best match i've seen on this channel, Niels is a grinder, simply doesn't go down easy.
Some incredible match they had!! Kudos to both of them!!
Holy crap. Best non professional tennis match I've watched. Hermont hit some unbelievable winners and Niels clawed back and played great tennis
14:15 what a return and a finish!
Watching this at 6am here in the Philippines....loved it...high quality 👌 👏 kudos to both the players
Great Matchup Winston, you can tell they respect each other so much
Can't wait to see Hermont vs Karue
That is some beautiful tennis from both. Wow.
And both have such great attitudes. One of the reasons I love tennis is because it seems to attract or foster personalities like theirs.
Great match! Hermont has a really good serve especially for his height.
that match was awesome. both guys battling with high quality tennis, love it winston
Besides Hermonts amazing serve which I would not expect at his height, I like how well he anticipates and moves/covering the court. Neils has a great game and I like that he's more of an all court player. It can be tough to play that style against someone who returns and hits passing shots that well...
If Hermont is a 5.0, then I'm a 2.0. Super high level of play by both guys. Winston, you are changing the tennis industry. This is more enjoyable than watching a lot of pro matches. Good job my youtube brother!
wow crazy shotmaking from hermont on some of these defense shots
Hermont doing it for all the under 6 foot pinoys!!! both are beasts!
Congrats Hermont. incredible game.Hermont is definitely a 5.5 to me. Neils is amazing.
Wow, half an hour before K is nuts.
Looking forward to the next. Amazing series Winston. You're killin it.
Cheers!
M
what a match up! I want them watch them play again. It could've gone either way, but some of Hermont's shots were WILDDDD
Excellent match! You were right, Winston. The 4-4 shot by Hermont was incredible. Good luck to Niels as he heads to USC!
Great match! Hermont is the BEST!
Hermont as 5.0 is probably not accurate lol. If you look at 5.0 league matches and you tell me they can beat usc recruits, that would be beyond a joke.
But great job hermont on the win, great confidence booster
Amazing match, very even chess match ... great come back from Niels to make it competitive. Hermont also moves better overall which I think made the most difference.
When are you uploading the Hermont vs Karue match?
Hermont's shot-making in this one was wild. Stingers up!
Great job guys!! And Niels good luck at USC!!!
Great match and what a super footwork.
I wonder if it would be possible to get the camera higher up on the fence. Makes is difficult to see the shot on the other side from this view.
K Pro is Wasabi Mains/Caviar Cross
Its amazing because both players make so few unforced errors, resulting in some epic points.
Niels really needs a more penetrating serve though; at his UTR level, his 1st serve is really not penetrating enough, and 2nd serve is not well placed enough either.