Data 1st set: Ira W 11 - s f2 s f3 fp6 d3 a s f4 O9 s E 18 - f7 f3 f3 f2 f8 b4 df df df f3 f2 f4 f3 b6 fp4 f5 b3 v7 Mark W 10 - v16 d11 v5 a f2 v5 f3 O9 f3 v10 E 7 - b6 df b7 b9 f10 f3 f4 Interpretations: 1) Mark is being more consistent, making less errors (7 vs 18 = -11) while having approximately the same amount of winners as Ira (10 vs 11 = -1) 2) 8 out of Ira's 11 winners come from short points (1-3 shots) and 5 of those from serve 3) 6 out of Mark's 10 winners come from longer points (>3 shots) and 4 of those he ended with a volley 4) other than 3 avoidable (and perhaps incorrectly called) double faults, 11 of Ira's 18 errors come from forehands, and 4 of those on 3rd ball. This is partly to be explained by Ira's running around the backhand 5) Mark's errors are evenly distributed, as he doesn't avoid the backhand, but he makes very few on early shots Recommendations: Ira should try making less errors, by 1) stop serving flat on 2nd and start kick serving 2) focus on getting 3rd ball forehand in court, pressuring without overdoing it Qualitatively speaking, I find Ira to be too static in posture and recovery. A more dynamic rhythm could help him. Mark should obviously keep doing what works for now :)
I always choose to receive. I see it as a free game to learn and try out things, it’s a bonus of you win it. Also (on my level) serves in first games are usually less pace and less accuracy.
This is the best (read: smartest) set from Mark to date on this channel in my opinion. Early ET Mark seemed content to swing big from the baseline no matter what. That doesn't fit against Ira and he's adjusted really well.
Based on apparent fitness, I predict Mark will win the match. Only chance Ira has is to raise his first serve percentage and keep points short. Ira really needs to come to net behind good approach shots but that may not be in his comfort zone.
We finally get the long-awaited Ira vs Mark matchup, although Ira's lack of fitness makes it a bit more predictable. Still, thanks to both players for agreeing to do this on camera!
My feeling was that Mark is too strong and if he played well would win fairly easily. I expect a similar result in second set. Ira says he had leads in all the games, but his legs aren’t there after 2-3 points? That won’t cut it vs Mark who can run all day and make you hit lots of balls. That and the fact that Mark can handle Ira’s biggest serves and forehands is why he won so easily. I don’t see how Ira can turn things around, only chance is Mark loses it and I don’t see that happening, he’s too steady and determined.
To answer Marks question about electing to serve or return first against a bigger server like Ira, I think in this case serving first is better. I'd rather them feel that pressure at 4 serving 5 in order to stay in the set. But if it's someone with a weaker 2nd serve I also generally return first to get an early break and crush moral
In most matches there is a considerable level difference in fitness, I wil always give the nod to the fitter player. All other things somewhat equal, fitness allows for stronger defense so more balls in play. Good stuff so far though.
@@BackoftheLineTennis I’m surprised that all of you at Essential tennis are so serious about tennis, but not one of you are fit. Winter is here, squat, deadlift, OHP, burpees, and suicides sprints are in your future.
Such a good match - Ira has no legs, he said it, he is stuck to the ground with little to no agility displayed. Mark is light and always in motion. I think that may be the main difference on this set
Insightful commentary from Topher. Especially about the balls that come right back to you. I have trouble with the return of serve coming right at me. I probably need to split step!
Mark I am just like you. In singles I always choose to return first. For me it helps set the tone in my head that I'm not afraid of them to serve at me, and if I manage to break I can throw a 125 mph bullet down at them to get out quickly
Love watching these matches but as the months go on, I’ve noticed the videos are longer due to more talking. Going back to the “booth” after every point for commentary kinda drags the content out making it less interesting. Just my two cents.
mark, i'm nowhere near as good as you, but i think you could benefit from trying to get your serve toss to drift less to the left! seems like you could maintain better balance on landing and maybe get more power if you let the ball drop down more above your right ear? (only pointing this out because i have the same problem!)
Hard to compete when playing with such lazy footwork as the one shown by The UNDEFEATED Ira so far. Focusing on split steps, velocity & co are more important than focusing on hitting the ball heavy. To hit the ball nicely it's much more efficient with the feet in action ;) It would be surprising if Mark didn't win this match with more or less ease...
This is pretty much how I lose all of my matches. Up 40-0 on and off serve and then lose the game. Hitting balls out from no mans land from pushes combined with my margins that add to plummeting consistency thats where it is. I dont have solutions for a defensive opponent. Interested in the second set.
Ira up 40 : 15 and then hitting 3 double faults in a row - Mark winning 6/7 points at the net (without even counting the S&V at 18:57) - what the heck is going on here? ;-) I think Ira will get more into a rhythm, win a close 2nd set and take it to a 3rd set
Mark really made some mental improvements in his game. He also went from being a player who mainly relied on hitting heavy from the baseline, and really good defensive speed to keep up with rallies to a more All-Rounder type of player who can do it all! I'm starting to think that Doubles game with Scott, Ian and Ira helped him to improve his net game! He looks much more comfortable at the net now!
Ira's legs were unplugged. Mark has done a great job keeping the ball in, and also showed a lot of stamina. Ira has tennis IQ enough to change the pace.
I don't think I have seen Mark come into the net so often before. I like it. His game is looking really good, lots of variation in his shots and well set up points. Still alot of games were quite close, and here's hoping for an even closer second set. :)
my serve is pretty much what my game revolves around, so i usually choose to serve first because it's usually a very fast way to go up 3-0 if im confident
No disrespect to Ira, but he needs to lose a little weight and start moving a little better. This is killing his game. He has the serve and strokes even without sufficient energy or proper feet placement/positioning. I would love to see a more committed version let loose. Props for getting out there guys and giving what you can though. 👏
Mark playing some high energy, athletic tennis, that shoe string volley was sick! Ira so smooth and powerful, but being a parent of a baby will sap your energy, if he got some decent sleep and up'd his cardio a bit he could easily dominate most opponents.
Is it just me or is Mark's game getting better? He's showing all-around brilliance today. Ira just needs to get under Mark's skin and destabilize him, but hasn't found the right weapon yet. Let's see if he finds it in part 2
I love Ira's game. Such smooth, easy power. But maybe caring for the twins has taken too much out of him, because this level of fitness and lack of movement/split steps etc was just too much to overcome that set. Interested to see if he can turn it around. Great strategy by Mark to get to the net more.
Marks racquet journey is fascinating Yonex Ezone 98,+ Hyper G > Head Prestige ISO + Baseline and now Babolat Pure Aero VS? we need a video on why his gone through all of these...
@@andrewlubbers3198 I know the Yonex Ezone was also giving him tennis elbox but I wonder if it was just because strong tension plus Hyper G which I have played with its a brutal string
I love seeing a match with two one-hand backhands! Personally I like Ira's better because his gives me a mental picture of how to hit my own -- Mark might have a "better?" one but I could never emulate it. And yes, Mark, I agree about choosing to receive. I have an okay serve but I'm more comfortable concentrating on breaking my opponent in the first game.
Wow so Ian sarcastically acts confused when Mark comes into the net - why does he have to be so dang rude? I am also an alpha male and I rein in the rudeness when I can!
If the 2nd set follows the momentum of the first set, then we'll have one of the most awesome matches of ET, at least in my opinion. Thank you ET team. Cheers!
Always serve first for me! Go out strong and serve on the side you warmed up on - win the game and then make them serve on a new side that feels weird :)
Mark’s slice backhand is the difference maker in this match. He’s neutralizing Ira’s power in an impressive way. If Mark tried to bang with Ira, he’d lose. He’s playing a very smart match. Plus he appears to be more fit and is chasing every ball with Rafa like intent. Can he keep it up another set? Ira has to adjust and I’m not sure Ira has another play style.
