First, want to give MFP a big thank you for driving 10 hours in one day to play MEP in Atlanta. Second, this video shows some of the highlight points. The match video in its entirety would be the longest match on our channel as there were many long rallies. If there’s interest to post the full match we can consider. Thank you to MEP and MFP for being willing to play their for all of us to view.
The patience it would take to play either of these guys cannot be overstated. BTW, these guys could play about 5 matches with the same set of balls and probably don't have to get their rackets re strung but maybe every 3 years. Tennis on the cheap!
The shame is not on these types of players, they play this way to win. The shame is that enough people can’t put together enough game to make them abandon this pathetic style of hitting.
There's no shame. It's recreational tennis. People play it because they enjoy it. Lots of people find it far more satisfying to hit great-looking shots than to win by pushing and chopping and playing high-percentage tennis. If tennis was how they put food on the table I'm sure they'd approach it in the way that MEP and MFP do but for most people it's just a fun hobby, not life or death.
In no small part to the fact that USTA does a poor job of getting people in their physical primes out playing competitively. I feel like very few people play in their 20's and early 30's relative to the amount of 40's+.
They just aren't playing good club players. The guys I play with every weekend would take those high lofting shots out of the air and either put them away or hit a shot he likely couldn't return. It does require some patience to play someone like this- but there are plenty of good players who could win convincingly.
@@dmichael100 These guys have done well at the 4.5 level. That's the top 10 percent of the all players in the country. MEP never played until he was 32, and he's in his 40s. MFP started at 16 or 17. He is short, and doesn't have much of a serve, so I think these guys have become OUTSTANDING tennis players, considering how they got into it. Do you think either of them would have done better if he had started with coaching, and learned the same game everyone else learns? I don't think so. I think if you matched up Ben with 100 other players who began tennis at 32, and were not incredibly fast, he would probably come out on top, even if they all took lessons for two years.
@@tomwharton9800 If you focus on style and “proper “ technique you will only see two players who have a very unique style and poor classical technique . If you actually just follow the ball movement on the court you see a very deliberate, calculated strategy between two very skilled experienced players.
No Way man:) If you can attack short balls relatively consistently these guys get smoked, especially MFP, look at the amount of short low pace balls he puts in play. This is not a 4.5 match:)
While MEP against any conventional player is entertaining to watch, this takes the experience too far. Still, MEP and MFP are a great test to anyone who aspires to be really good and not just stylish.
Not totally sure about that. Nobody can have the perfect all round game. I think if you're going to have a hole in your game, are a hole in your game you're definitely going to have, not having the patience to deal with an MEP-style opponent is about as good as it gets.
Very true , but then think of guys who hit the ball hard for 15 years and yet make many unforced errors and lose to guys like these. Many hard hitters are uncomfortable mid-court and get chewed up by these guys.
Can't stop... won't stop... watching. Seriously, MFP has good footwork. But MEP has gotten so much better at the net, and can really move people around.
it's fun to watch a match where MEP is actually forced to be aggressive and come to the net. Shows that he can adjust his game if needed. The other guy MFP definitely deserves that title as I can't imagine how many big hitting 4.0s would be banging their heads against the wall when playing this guy.
This match shows that MEP is not a pusher. His forehand and volleys can put the ball away with depth and pace when the point dictates it. Nice match thanks for sharing.
What it shows is that for one match when faced with an opponent that plays like him he can play slightly more aggro. He is definitely a pusher. 1 one match does not outweigh like 100. What are you on lmao.
I feel like it's an evolution in his game. He was slightly less aggressive in his strokes and rarely came to the net (on purpose) in his early videos from what I remember. He was actively hitting strong approach shots and closing out effectively at the net in this match.
Actually - theres not a continental grip used once. And a wood racket would expose these guys lack of ANY technical skill. This style of play only works with modern equipment.
This is not tennis, I used to play like this for the first month and when I played proper tennis players , I realized I wasn’t playing tennis earlier 🤓😂😊
Wow, this is one of the most interesting amateur match to watch, and great learning. It really confirmed my experience playing against different players. Great movers, no matter how ugly the stroke, are hard to play against. MEP got great anticipation, strategy, consistency, and footwork. MFP got a really weird backhand, but clearly not moving as well (anything to do with 10 hours driving?).
I noted how they both return lobs and overheads. They just tap them back and keep the ball in the court and in play (reducing unforced errors). Most players I know (myself included) go for the powerful overhead slam and frequently hit it into the net or hit it out. The percentage of unforced errors is way higher. Fascinating game styles from both players.
Very happy to see MEP get the dub. Just wish there was a bagel involved. I've grown to actually quite like his game: There's real intent and strategy behind it, and it's more "old school" than "unconventional", I think. There's a bit of McEnroe there. His slider serve is also a real weapon. MFP...ugh, now that's a real pusher. Cool that he's having fun and getting exercise, I guess.
Wow, this teaches many of us "proper technique" gurus that good tennis, even with no pace and "lack of proper strokes" can be totally legit and super entertaining to watch. I maybe the only one, but I would totally watch the whole thing...absolutely. Complete and utter respect for ma man Ben AKA MEP, and our new friend MFP...thank you for the long drive and putting yourself out there. Last but not least, TT thank you as always. Loved seeing you practicing some serves on the side. Cheers! M
Technique is nothing but a guide for you to be able to increase your pace gradually without making too many errors. It's not something for people to compare proper technique to this kind of play. If you want to play like this, you can. But you'll max out at a lower ceiling. However, it's understandable that many rec players don't care because working on the established technique to get your game to the rating of 4.5 is much harder than playing like this. And MEP is rated at 4.5 . But that's probably the ceiling, because it's not possible to get to 5.0 playing like this.
IMO, this is why it’s important to be a well rounded tennis player eg. of the Federer variety. I used to struggle against these types of players but now I feel very comfortable, hitting angled serves, coming to the net, hitting overheads, drawing them into the net, and just having patience when the need arises.
Exactly. And they should keep working on their games. Ben's topspin FH is getting better and better,a nd his net game has really improved. HIs 2 handed BH is now just usedd to make gets, but he could learn to hit it more aggressively. That's the next step.
Lots of negative comments but people are missing the point here, amateur tennis is not always about best shots , best technique ,best physical appearance , these 2 players do not miss , whatever we think about them, they are pretty accurate , and they move pretty good it is not that easy to atttack this kind of balls , they both find amazing angles , lots of players will lose against them by making mistakes , people could learn a lot from MEP, actually I know a guy in my tennis club who play a bit like him and he wins a lot of games
What a talent MEP is! Nobody can beat him with his own game. I like the fact he improved his net game. I would love to see more of his matches. Maybe he would be the world N.1 if he would started at the young age :)
This is not MFP. This is MEP very lite. MEP had improved footwork a lot, whereas this guy's footwork is just like MEP before. This is why this guy had to run like a mouse, and MEP is like a cat playing with him.
i'm sorry to comment this but honestly i was having a stroke watching MFP, no wonder he's called like that lmao, the exact opposite of "likeable playstyle". I was rooting for MEP and i'm glad he managed to completely neutralize him, he's improved so much. fair scoreline.
Put your headphones on and Close your eyes, (? Fall asleep with this?). And just listen from like 6:00 for 5 min+. Enjoy the layers of sounds. (And hardly any frustrate or exhausted complaints from either player. Ben is such a positive congratulator.)
Especially at the intermediate level it is the person who last hits it over the net with the opponent unable to return or who makes error into the net or out. I have coached some younger players who have complained about moon ballers and pushers and I have always told them, if they beat you, they were better than you no matter how ugly their game.
With the slice you have the ability to place the ball almost anywhere on the court, including a few feet behind the net with a drop shot. I already slice my backhand, I’ll have to try more forehand slices, looks like a good tool to have in the toolbox. Thanks for the inspiration, guys 🤘
@@yakzivz1104 It's the most underused shot in tennis...ask Santoro and Nicolescu. I watched a Cornell men's tennis match, where one guy alternated hitting high topspin shots and slices to his opponent's BH. He won the match 6-2 and 6-2, if I remember. The loser had been number 22 in the junior's before coming to Cornell. His mom said he had a bad day. I replied that I think a lot of people have a bad day playing that guy......My bread and butter is to hit the FH slice inside out to the righty opponent's BH...they hate it. I can hit the BH slice there, too. Tough ball to attack. Practice up against a hand ball court or a wall to learn the shot. You can hit it soft and high, sharp and short, or just controlled and deep...all three are effective. Keep the ball on the strings for a long time to get control.
@@user-be5qg7mr1s Exactly. If their usual strategy is to move the opponent back and forth, it's more difficult to do on a low, skidding ball, whether it floats long or bites short. And the slicer, if he moves well, can hustle over and just keep slicing down the line, daring the big hitter to go for it. Even if the big hitter hits a decent topspin approach, the slicer has the lob option. If the big hitter stays back and tries to play a longer point, the slicer has the drop shot option. Always follow that dropper in, and look to lob-volley the next shot, if the opponent gets to it. Santoro played this kind of cat-and-mouse tennis, although he used a good topspin BH most of the time.
Shallow sitters that invite players into the net but player scampers back to the baseline 😂 As Brad Gilbert would say, “Classic Pusher!” Although MEP starting to have snap to that serve and a bit of an aggressive game developing…cool to see! Good job as always guys! Makes me want to move to Atlanta to play with you all!
If MEP could add a good volley to his game, it would be a nice boost that is totally consistent with his style. Even against normal players, he'll get a dominant position at net, but just go back to neutral. He can already control some decent mid-height forehand touch volleys, but does nothing with higher balls or backhand volleys.
The most incredible match I've ever seen. Two masters of the drop shots! I'm really exhausted and frustrated! Joking aside, Mep proves to be a brilliant strategist. Against his nemesis, he was able to change his game by proposing several times to the net to avoid Mfp's short game. Mep is excellent physically and mentally. Mfp runs a lot; he has a strange but effective hooked backhand but proves inconsistent. Great match for both! 😀😀
A tip for MFP. On those slow wide shots to your forehand side that just get by you. If you use a eastern backhand grip on your forehand in that situation you can have a ball pass your body and still hit it back with heavy underspin or tap a lob back. Pros do it all the time in emergency situations. On those slow balls it wouldn’t be hard to do with a little practice.
REMATCH! But Ben has to drive ten hours the other way! Is MFP the same guy I saw briefly on video who was called "Chang"? There was a player who had a similar style and was number one on his 4.5 ladder, in North Carolina, I think......I think one of the keys to this match, based on what we saw, is that MFP did not follow his drop shots in to the net often enough. If you hit a drop shot to Ben's BH side, he is going to re-drop that shot EVERY time if you don't follow it in. Most players can't hit such a controlled re-drop of a spinning dropper, but Ben CAN. IF you follow it in to an area inside the service line, look for a ball you can lob-volley over his head. Fitness was also a clear factor. MFP was hitting moonballs and huffing and puffing with his hands on his knees halfway through the first set! The ten hour drive didn't help, I'm sure.... IT's great to see Ben out there again. WE MISS YOU MEP! Please post more videos!
MEP proved that it's easy to beat a pusher if you're are also consistent player that has more varied shots. But to be clear: MFP is a 3.0 lol. Great to see MEP being aggressive, this was priceless.
Hes 3.0 man:) If you can attack short balls relatively consistently these guys get smoked, especially MFP, look at the amount of short low pace balls he puts in play. This is not a 4.5 match:)
@@anonusniogsonisrgnip sure, by higher rated players. I don’t remember anyone saying this was a 4.5 match though. MEP is rated 4.5. His rating might be debatable, but he’s at least a solid 4.0 ability and has beaten 4.5 rated players. Not sure what MFP’s rating is, but would be 3.5 or 4.0 ability. Just being able to be super consistent and fast like MFP would frustrate almost any 3.5 and a lot of 4.0s.
I really don’t know how they could enjoy tennis like this 😂. No offense but the feeling of hitting a full swing ground stroke with right mechanics is something I’ve heard most people enjoy, and the pace also, all that. They for sure could beat the vast majority of rec players, but at what cost 😂. This is soul taking.
Thats cause hes a 3.0. If you can attack short balls relatively consistently these guys get smoked, especially MFP, look at the amount of short low pace balls he puts in play.
Look at where MEP positions himself; he's often inside the baseline. Pushers almost never hit powerful/deep enough to push you back. You'd do much better moving back when it comes deep, rather than moving back and forth frequently.
Hard to assess MFP's true ability here. Would love to see him play a "classic" heavy hitting 4.5 player. If he's able to be a frustrating backboard and just keep getting balls back with no pace I see that would be frustrating and totally can see guys overhitting against him and really losing by self defeating. Is he "really" USTA 4.5? My brain can not reconcile that possibility really. Not dissing just observing.
Agree- I too would like to see him play a more traditional player. The key would be to find someone who has never seen MFP play and see what happens (mentally) : ]
I just lost 6-1 6-2 to a guy who liked to run and had this style of strokes. Not to this level though, we were playing at 3.0. frustrating and humbling for sure.
![Most Exhausting Player vs TopKnot [USTA 4.5]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dwgRaWQ52gM/mqdefault.jpg)
First, want to give MFP a big thank you for driving 10 hours in one day to play MEP in Atlanta. Second, this video shows some of the highlight points. The match video in its entirety would be the longest match on our channel as there were many long rallies. If there’s interest to post the full match we can consider. Thank you to MEP and MFP for being willing to play their for all of us to view.
I want to see the full match
I don't think all of youtube or google has the storage space for the whole match
10 hour drive? Dang more like MVP
I was going to say this is the first match I’ve seen in this channel that didn’t include all of the points. Longest 6-1, 6-3 in history
Perhaps making the full match as part 1 and 2 for each set.
If I had a nightmare about tennis, these 2 guys would have starring roles. Well done again, Ben Krueger!
aka Freddy
Mfp made mep look like a power baseliner
I second you 😅
😂😂
when you want to play badminton but you only have tennis racquet and tennis ball
These two have saved so much time and money, not wasting it on tennis lessons or coaching.
Substance over style !!
Backhanded compliment 😅
Came for the tennis, was rewarded for staying at 17:53 with a fantastic word! Nice work, Ben---we all get exhausted, but not all of us are frustrated!
this match created an inter-dimensional wormhole and tore through the fabric of time in space...
The patience it would take to play either of these guys cannot be overstated. BTW, these guys could play about 5 matches with the same set of balls and probably don't have to get their rackets re strung but maybe every 3 years. Tennis on the cheap!
The shame is not on these types of players, they play this way to win. The shame is that enough people can’t put together enough game to make them abandon this pathetic style of hitting.
There's no shame. It's recreational tennis. People play it because they enjoy it. Lots of people find it far more satisfying to hit great-looking shots than to win by pushing and chopping and playing high-percentage tennis. If tennis was how they put food on the table I'm sure they'd approach it in the way that MEP and MFP do but for most people it's just a fun hobby, not life or death.
In no small part to the fact that USTA does a poor job of getting people in their physical primes out playing competitively. I feel like very few people play in their 20's and early 30's relative to the amount of 40's+.
They just aren't playing good club players. The guys I play with every weekend would take those high lofting shots out of the air and either put them away or hit a shot he likely couldn't return.
It does require some patience to play someone like this- but there are plenty of good players who could win convincingly.
@@dmichael100 These guys have done well at the 4.5 level. That's the top 10 percent of the all players in the country. MEP never played until he was 32, and he's in his 40s. MFP started at 16 or 17. He is short, and doesn't have much of a serve, so I think these guys have become OUTSTANDING tennis players, considering how they got into it. Do you think either of them would have done better if he had started with coaching, and learned the same game everyone else learns? I don't think so. I think if you matched up Ben with 100 other players who began tennis at 32, and were not incredibly fast, he would probably come out on top, even if they all took lessons for two years.
@@Monaleenian perfect summary. I would much rather lose with a proper tennis style than do this ugly, horror tennis
Watching paint dry is more exciting than watching these 2 have a rally.....
You can not see the forest for the trees.
@@randymarcum6097 What does that actually mean?
@@tomwharton9800 If you focus on style and “proper “ technique you will only see two players who have a very unique style and poor classical technique . If you actually just follow the ball movement on the court you see a very deliberate, calculated strategy between two very skilled experienced players.
No Way man:) If you can attack short balls relatively consistently these guys get smoked, especially MFP, look at the amount of short low pace balls he puts in play. This is not a 4.5 match:)
@@randymarcum6097wow, so much strategy, u give these guys too much credit 😂.
OMFG. I love how MFP stopped in the middle of the point, bent over and put his hands on his knees to rest. More than once.
It's hard to describe with words how stoked I am to watch this
Same for me.
exactly. this match is equal parts funny and awesome. their style is very disarming. *returns your serve with drop shot winner*
While MEP against any conventional player is entertaining to watch, this takes the experience too far. Still, MEP and MFP are a great test to anyone who aspires to be really good and not just stylish.
Not totally sure about that. Nobody can have the perfect all round game. I think if you're going to have a hole in your game, are a hole in your game you're definitely going to have, not having the patience to deal with an MEP-style opponent is about as good as it gets.
I think MEP is very stylish. I love his put away slice forehand and his drop shots
@@flat6croc I disagree with this attitude, I fill holes.
MEPs play style is actually quite cerebral. if you pay attention you can see that his placement is quite calculated
15 years and never even bother to play with topspin, or to serve half decent. man that must take a lot of willpower.
Very true , but then think of guys who hit the ball hard for 15 years and yet make many unforced errors and lose to guys like these. Many hard hitters are uncomfortable mid-court and get chewed up by these guys.
@@info781 i didn't say it was innefective just suprised that somebody playing for so long didn't had a plan b.
I'd rather lose than play this ugly outdated style
@@vladyky good for you. And lose you shall
@@tylerv5173 LOL
Warning: Watching this will not improve your tennis game.
MFP demonstrates that you can stray even further from a classic tennis form than even MEP while still being able to have game.
Can't stop... won't stop... watching.
Seriously, MFP has good footwork. But MEP has gotten so much better at the net, and can really move people around.
Yes
I think so too
He can change from a baseline player into an all-court player
it's fun to watch a match where MEP is actually forced to be aggressive and come to the net. Shows that he can adjust his game if needed. The other guy MFP definitely deserves that title as I can't imagine how many big hitting 4.0s would be banging their heads against the wall when playing this guy.
Maybe some 4.5s, too.
This match shows that MEP is not a pusher. His forehand and volleys can put the ball away with depth and pace when the point dictates it. Nice match thanks for sharing.
What it shows is that for one match when faced with an opponent that plays like him he can play slightly more aggro. He is definitely a pusher. 1 one match does not outweigh like 100. What are you on lmao.
I feel like it's an evolution in his game. He was slightly less aggressive in his strokes and rarely came to the net (on purpose) in his early videos from what I remember. He was actively hitting strong approach shots and closing out effectively at the net in this match.
@@cdahl you watched more than one video of this?!?!? you are a sadist
MEP is the definition of a pusher, this match is no different.
@@alastairtheduke Define pusher
Weird, it's like Badminton on a tennis court!
It’s called pickle ball.
Clearly you've never seen a decent Badminton match
Same thought here 🤪
Yes. And a bit like squash, every shot open faced. I find it kind of hypnotic….
This match reminds me of the early days of tennis when people were using wooden racquets and continental grip.
Actually - theres not a continental grip used once. And a wood racket would expose these guys lack of ANY technical skill. This style of play only works with modern equipment.
This dude runs like one of those kids at a public pool that walk-runs while side-eyeing one of the life guards.
They both move extremely well. They both have great motors.
This is not tennis, I used to play like this for the first month and when I played proper tennis players , I realized I wasn’t playing tennis earlier 🤓😂😊
TTC: How many drop shots do you want?
MEP & MFP: Yes...
This video shows how good MEP is at what he does. Even against players with the same style of play, he dominates and owns that type of game.
Did you move to NY?
@@TennisTrollChannel yes!
some of the smartest recreational tennis you will ever watch
Wow, this is one of the most interesting amateur match to watch, and great learning. It really confirmed my experience playing against different players. Great movers, no matter how ugly the stroke, are hard to play against. MEP got great anticipation, strategy, consistency, and footwork. MFP got a really weird backhand, but clearly not moving as well (anything to do with 10 hours driving?).
I mean respect bro. Those monks on the mountains don’t have as much patience as these guys here
When an unstoppable force meets an immovable object
My eyes, my eyes......it hurts
I noted how they both return lobs and overheads. They just tap them back and keep the ball in the court and in play (reducing unforced errors). Most players I know (myself included) go for the powerful overhead slam and frequently hit it into the net or hit it out. The percentage of unforced errors is way higher. Fascinating game styles from both players.
It's crazy to think this is a 4.5 match based on the eye test. It's great to see different styles out there
The sounds oif the shots from neighboring courts are louder than theirs.
Funny…but I’m confident that person on the other court doesn’t want to play these two.
I am so exhausted now. Thanks to everyone here.
*giggles at almost every point* great tennis, thank you all involved :D
There's nothing frustrating about MFP at all. He needs to be better to wear that Badge. MEP actually is a skilled tennis player.
I can see how he would really frustrate a lot of big hitters who wouldn't know how to hankde his moonballs, drops, and and angled slices.
Very happy to see MEP get the dub. Just wish there was a bagel involved. I've grown to actually quite like his game: There's real intent and strategy behind it, and it's more "old school" than "unconventional", I think. There's a bit of McEnroe there. His slider serve is also a real weapon. MFP...ugh, now that's a real pusher. Cool that he's having fun and getting exercise, I guess.
MFP is inteligent and he attacks often
MFP makes MEP look like Marat Safin
Remember, Santoro beat Safin 9 times and only lost twice, playing like Ben
While everyone else was drinking Sprite these dudes would only drink Slice.
My legs are tired just by sitting here watching this match...
Wow, this teaches many of us "proper technique" gurus that good tennis, even with no pace and "lack of proper strokes" can be totally legit and super entertaining to watch.
I maybe the only one, but I would totally watch the whole thing...absolutely.
Complete and utter respect for ma man Ben AKA MEP, and our new friend MFP...thank you for the long drive and putting yourself out there.
Last but not least, TT thank you as always. Loved seeing you practicing some serves on the side.
Cheers!
M
Technique is nothing but a guide for you to be able to increase your pace gradually without making too many errors. It's not something for people to compare proper technique to this kind of play. If you want to play like this, you can. But you'll max out at a lower ceiling. However, it's understandable that many rec players don't care because working on the established technique to get your game to the rating of 4.5 is much harder than playing like this. And MEP is rated at 4.5 . But that's probably the ceiling, because it's not possible to get to 5.0 playing like this.
This is not good tenis 😂
nor is it entertaining@@vladyky
I agree 100%.
@@tomsd8656 Damn good ceiling, and since this match took place, MEP has improved his game with better weapons and more aggressive play.
IMO, this is why it’s important to be a well rounded tennis player eg. of the Federer variety. I used to struggle against these types of players but now I feel very comfortable, hitting angled serves, coming to the net, hitting overheads, drawing them into the net, and just having patience when the need arises.
Exactly. And they should keep working on their games. Ben's topspin FH is getting better and better,a nd his net game has really improved. HIs 2 handed BH is now just usedd to make gets, but he could learn to hit it more aggressively. That's the next step.
Lots of negative comments but people are missing the point here, amateur tennis is not always about best shots , best technique ,best physical appearance , these 2 players do not miss , whatever we think about them, they are pretty accurate , and they move pretty good it is not that easy to atttack this kind of balls , they both find amazing angles , lots of players will lose against them by making mistakes , people could learn a lot from MEP, actually I know a guy in my tennis club who play a bit like him and he wins a lot of games
How many feet does MFP have?!?! He’s as quick as greased lightning!
No split step at all, but he has a quick first step and scampers around like a mouse!
What a talent MEP is! Nobody can beat him with his own game. I like the fact he improved his net game. I would love to see more of his matches. Maybe he would be the world N.1 if he would started at the young age :)
2:45 MFP LITERALLY TOOK A FEW SECONDS TO REST IM DYING
I just threw my tennis rackets in the garbage bin after watching this. I’ve been playing tennis the wrong way all my life.
This is funny.
I've said it before and I'll say it again......NOBODY out does MEP!! Way to go, Ben!! 👍
3:08 that guy on the next court in blue, "what the hell are they doing?"
This is not MFP. This is MEP very lite. MEP had improved footwork a lot, whereas this guy's footwork is just like MEP before. This is why this guy had to run like a mouse, and MEP is like a cat playing with him.
MEP also snuck into the net successfully several times.....that puts a lot of pressure on the opponent
When you play a heavy slice around the baseline, you can come in to the net more. It’s harder to lob a heavy slice ball.
after 3 hours, they are still playing 1st set.
Look at those 2 lions battling on the court
i'm sorry to comment this but honestly i was having a stroke watching MFP, no wonder he's called like that lmao, the exact opposite of "likeable playstyle". I was rooting for MEP and i'm glad he managed to completely neutralize him, he's improved so much. fair scoreline.
tennis stringing shop be going out of business with the way these guys play
Who's house is it, it's MEP house!
Fun match to watch
that black shirt guy..what a joke. 17 yrs of playing??!!wtf
I hope I don't play like that after 17 years lol
Is it me, or do MEP's serves seem to have a little more pepper on them than before?
Agree
Put your headphones on and Close your eyes, (? Fall asleep with this?). And just listen from like 6:00 for 5 min+. Enjoy the layers of sounds. (And hardly any frustrate or exhausted complaints from either player. Ben is such a positive congratulator.)
when winning is important than technique, form, or the game of tennis itself.
Especially at the intermediate level it is the person who last hits it over the net with the opponent unable to return or who makes error into the net or out. I have coached some younger players who have complained about moon ballers and pushers and I have always told them, if they beat you, they were better than you no matter how ugly their game.
With the slice you have the ability to place the ball almost anywhere on the court, including a few feet behind the net with a drop shot. I already slice my backhand, I’ll have to try more forehand slices, looks like a good tool to have in the toolbox. Thanks for the inspiration, guys 🤘
you are absolutely correct!!!
@@yakzivz1104 It's the most underused shot in tennis...ask Santoro and Nicolescu. I watched a Cornell men's tennis match, where one guy alternated hitting high topspin shots and slices to his opponent's BH. He won the match 6-2 and 6-2, if I remember. The loser had been number 22 in the junior's before coming to Cornell. His mom said he had a bad day. I replied that I think a lot of people have a bad day playing that guy......My bread and butter is to hit the FH slice inside out to the righty opponent's BH...they hate it. I can hit the BH slice there, too. Tough ball to attack. Practice up against a hand ball court or a wall to learn the shot. You can hit it soft and high, sharp and short, or just controlled and deep...all three are effective. Keep the ball on the strings for a long time to get control.
@@joemarshall4226 thank you so much for this advice!!!
@@joemarshall4226 its also tempting to get your opponent to overhit their forehand. LIke baiting them to go big and miss!
@@user-be5qg7mr1s Exactly. If their usual strategy is to move the opponent back and forth, it's more difficult to do on a low, skidding ball, whether it floats long or bites short. And the slicer, if he moves well, can hustle over and just keep slicing down the line, daring the big hitter to go for it. Even if the big hitter hits a decent topspin approach, the slicer has the lob option. If the big hitter stays back and tries to play a longer point, the slicer has the drop shot option. Always follow that dropper in, and look to lob-volley the next shot, if the opponent gets to it. Santoro played this kind of cat-and-mouse tennis, although he used a good topspin BH most of the time.
Shallow sitters that invite players into the net but player scampers back to the baseline 😂
As Brad Gilbert would say, “Classic Pusher!”
Although MEP starting to have snap to that serve and a bit of an aggressive game developing…cool to see! Good job as always guys! Makes me want to move to Atlanta to play with you all!
Let us know if ever in Atlanta.
never seen MEP hit so many non-dropshot non-lob winners. Also never seen a backhand like MFP's in my life. This was entertaining in a very weird way.
This match makes me want to stay at 3.0 forever. At that level there's enough guaranteed inconsistency to not let the rallies go this long.
Watch most 4.5 matches. They rarely have rallies longer than 6 shots...3 each.
If MEP could add a good volley to his game, it would be a nice boost that is totally consistent with his style. Even against normal players, he'll get a dominant position at net, but just go back to neutral. He can already control some decent mid-height forehand touch volleys, but does nothing with higher balls or backhand volleys.
He need an overhead
I'm kinda curious that these two guys paired up in a doubles match and how that would play out?
That would be interesting
It wouldn't play out very well for them in our circles. Double bagel every time.
@@ctbsancho2516 sure
The most incredible match I've ever seen. Two masters of the drop shots! I'm really exhausted and frustrated! Joking aside, Mep proves to be a brilliant strategist. Against his nemesis, he was able to change his game by proposing several times to the net to avoid Mfp's short game. Mep is excellent physically and mentally. Mfp runs a lot; he has a strange but effective hooked backhand but proves inconsistent. Great match for both! 😀😀
One word for mep. splendid !
To take my mental game to the next level, I need to face opponents like this. Playing against these two would be mind-bogglingly challenging.
A tip for MFP. On those slow wide shots to your forehand side that just get by you. If you use a eastern backhand grip on your forehand in that situation you can have a ball pass your body and still hit it back with heavy underspin or tap a lob back. Pros do it all the time in emergency situations. On those slow balls it wouldn’t be hard to do with a little practice.
do u think he knows what eastern grip is?
🤣😂@@smashthestateX
The Mep is also the most cerebral player
REMATCH! But Ben has to drive ten hours the other way! Is MFP the same guy I saw briefly on video who was called "Chang"? There was a player who had a similar style and was number one on his 4.5 ladder, in North Carolina, I think......I think one of the keys to this match, based on what we saw, is that MFP did not follow his drop shots in to the net often enough. If you hit a drop shot to Ben's BH side, he is going to re-drop that shot EVERY time if you don't follow it in. Most players can't hit such a controlled re-drop of a spinning dropper, but Ben CAN. IF you follow it in to an area inside the service line, look for a ball you can lob-volley over his head. Fitness was also a clear factor. MFP was hitting moonballs and huffing and puffing with his hands on his knees halfway through the first set! The ten hour drive didn't help, I'm sure.... IT's great to see Ben out there again. WE MISS YOU MEP! Please post more videos!
Like the idea of MEP driving the other way : ] Chang and MFP are the same players.
Yes!!! that's the same guy
Honestly surprised it was so one-sided considering how similarly they play. Really fun match tho kudos to MFP for putting himself out there!
This is a bit reminiscent of two pickleball players playing on a tennis court haha. Very tactical and an interesting watch
MEP proved that it's easy to beat a pusher if you're are also consistent player that has more varied shots. But to be clear: MFP is a 3.0 lol. Great to see MEP being aggressive, this was priceless.
3.0 way too low, lol. It’s also much easier to be aggressive when your opp is much weaker and doesn’t do much with his shots.
Hes 3.0 man:) If you can attack short balls relatively consistently these guys get smoked, especially MFP, look at the amount of short low pace balls he puts in play. This is not a 4.5 match:)
@@anonusniogsonisrgnip sure, by higher rated players. I don’t remember anyone saying this was a 4.5 match though. MEP is rated 4.5. His rating might be debatable, but he’s at least a solid 4.0 ability and has beaten 4.5 rated players. Not sure what MFP’s rating is, but would be 3.5 or 4.0 ability. Just being able to be super consistent and fast like MFP would frustrate almost any 3.5 and a lot of 4.0s.
Guess I was wrong about the match description. It does say 4.5 match. I seem to remember that MFP doesn’t have a rating or is 4.0 rated.
MFP was the number one player on his over 40, 4.5 club ladder.
JUST OVER 2 MINUTES - that's all I could take...
STOP ENCOURAGING THESE GUYS - you make them think that what they're doing is RIGHT ;-) ...
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many half court volleys and drop shots in one match. MEP remains the king of push.
I literally want to take a nap when watching this. Most enjoyable player continues to dominate.
What is MEP s racket and string setup? 😊
This is awesome!!😂 it’s like a battle of who has the best winner off the ugliest stroke.
2.35-2.50 is hurtful for the eyes. But great effort, anyway! Thanks for uploading!
MFP : I'm pretty good in this shit!
MEP : I'm your master...
I have to go watch some Federer highlights 😂
Point of 8:39
Ben your idea of covering the court at the net is very good
Great shot selection!
When MFP let that deep half-lob of Ben's bounce, he lost the point. He should have leaned in and taken it on a fly.
8:37
Good approach Ben
I really don’t know how they could enjoy tennis like this 😂. No offense but the feeling of hitting a full swing ground stroke with right mechanics is something I’ve heard most people enjoy, and the pace also, all that. They for sure could beat the vast majority of rec players, but at what cost 😂. This is soul taking.
They're playing tennis. You're making believe you're playing tennis, as are most of your opponents.
4.5? MFP? I know MEP is, and I still have a hard time accepting that, but my golly. 😅
Thats cause hes a 3.0. If you can attack short balls relatively consistently these guys get smoked, especially MFP, look at the amount of short low pace balls he puts in play.
I can’t be the only one surprised that this was only an 18 minute video.
Look at where MEP positions himself; he's often inside the baseline. Pushers almost never hit powerful/deep enough to push you back. You'd do much better moving back when it comes deep, rather than moving back and forth frequently.
Can we have MEP vs Tennis Rodman please?
This is the last thing I’m watching before I go to sleep and can guarantee low-grade multi-hour nightmares
Hard to assess MFP's true ability here. Would love to see him play a "classic" heavy hitting 4.5 player. If he's able to be a frustrating backboard and just keep getting balls back with no pace I see that would be frustrating and totally can see guys overhitting against him and really losing by self defeating. Is he "really" USTA 4.5? My brain can not reconcile that possibility really. Not dissing just observing.
Agree- I too would like to see him play a more traditional player. The key would be to find someone who has never seen MFP play and see what happens (mentally) : ]
Is he the same guy who played USOpen John in his channel years ago?
@@igormorari380 yes
I just lost 6-1 6-2 to a guy who liked to run and had this style of strokes. Not to this level though, we were playing at 3.0. frustrating and humbling for sure.
It’s painful. The worst part- it’s etched in our memories for ever.
i am surprised these guys don't have beer in their hands, so chill!
"This is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object"
Peter Freeman, when we will see Ben hitting overhead? 😊
is it wrong that i love mfps pancake add side serve ..theres a guy on tour that has a killer one
what are the racket specs for these players, can you find out and share?
This is torture....i had to fast forward.