MEP vs ET Players - Original TT Epic

Who wins?

  • Ian to dish out bagel and a stick

    Votes: 9 9.1%
  • Ian Wins

    Votes: 43 43.4%
  • Ian just manages to win

    Votes: 22 22.2%
  • Green shirt teaches Ian a lesson

    Votes: 6 6.1%
  • Green shirt wins

    Votes: 13 13.1%
  • Green shirt shocks the tennis world

    Votes: 6 6.1%

  • Total voters
    99
  • Poll closed .

GSG

Rookie
MEP wondering why he's been a "slow starter" over the past 6 months?! When your game has a limited arsenal, it is highly reliant on the element of surprise/unorthodoxy. Having your game repeatedly shown and analyzed on youtube for all that time takes that advantage away.
Gotta admit he has the best combo to win matches with limited training (lefty + adequate slicing technique + choses to slice most of the time). Three-trick gimmick went pretty far before the Milwaukee debacle.
Regarding slow starts, things have turned a corner since I made those comments. Also, I may have misspoken on camera, but it was closer to 6 weeks than 6 months. It wasn't about anything my opponents had seen or were doing- the shots just consistently didn't feel right coming off my racquet until the early-mid second sets. It was a really weird month and a half. Thankfully, time and some new racquets seem to have cured what was ailing me :)
 

Rubens

Hall of Fame
- the shots just consistently didn't feel right coming off my racquet until the early-mid second sets. It was a really weird month and a half. Thankfully, time and some new racquets seem to have cured what was ailing me :)

It can certainly feel that way when your opponents start to know what to expect. This being said, I actually like your slicing technique on both wings. And it's not so unorthodox. The only unorthodox thing about your slice is that you choose to use it much more frequently than most.
 

AnyPUG

Hall of Fame
Ian loves this as a marketer first, tennis player second. Easy wins over known commodities who the greater tennis community wildly overestimates. Makes him look more like an actual pro level player, which he's clearly not under normal circumstances. Free, fake, no-effort street cred at the expense of Ben.

Ben gets held up as the avatar of pushers everywhere, and Ian gets to say, "See? I make easy work of chumps like this. Buy my products, and you will too." And Ben never notices he's being used and made a mockery of by sleazy snake oil salesmen, because they smile and behave politely to his face.

I'd feel bad for him, but he's stretched his ten minutes into several hours already.

1 ET didn't call him "Most Exhausting" - another channel did because players experienced it themselves.
2 In the very first match at ET, MEP made Sean "hate tennis" as the player himself admitted
3 Topher struggled massively to eke out a victory over a self-taught player in spite of modern and extensive training and several thousands of dollars in coaching fees
4 Now, two coaches come in and show how it's done - how to avoid hating tennis and playing better
5 MEP learns how to compete better against players who have been beating him

The selection of Sean and Topher to play the first two matches in that order was a master stroke by ET - it's a great job done.

It sounds like win-win-win for everyone involved.
 

PilotPete

Hall of Fame
Can't see the result being any different in Atlanta, especially if Ian starts playing more competitive matches in between. Maybe even a double bagel this time.
 
GSG has a very hard ceiling and it'll be difficult for him to go higher. He's already massively overachieved with the game he's got. I only watched the last game of the 3rd set and with some of the shots he attempts and/or misses, it's quite remarkable he's a solid 4.5 player.
 

heninfan99

Talk Tennis Guru
5 MEP learns how to compete better against players who have been beating him

I think that road must include some technique work which I guess is the underlying message of this entire campaign. Maybe crunch time coaching can tweak his strokes to crush these MWK raiders that ambushed him. If he can then he's coach of the year.
 

sureshs

Bionic Poster
I'd most certainly lose to him.

It will be a close match, heavy topspin combined with net approaches, against a defensive style.

Ben may have the edge if it is recorded, because he has more experience dealing with publicity.

Next great idea for Ian: arrange matches between Ben and his challengers and broadcast them as a series.
 

chetrbox

Rookie
1 ET didn't call him "Most Exhausting" - another channel did because players experienced it themselves.
2 In the very first match at ET, MEP made Sean "hate tennis" as the player himself admitted
3 Topher struggled massively to eke out a victory over a self-taught player in spite of modern and extensive training and several thousands of dollars in coaching fees
4 Now, two coaches come in and show how it's done - how to avoid hating tennis and playing better
5 MEP learns how to compete better against players who have been beating him

The selection of Sean and Topher to play the first two matches in that order was a master stroke by ET - it's a great job done.

It sounds like win-win-win for everyone involved.
I agree with everything you said, but part 5 is yet to be proven though, especially against the stronger 4.5 players GSG has been facing recently. I'd love to see if/how GSG is eventually able to consistently win against BoA, Scott and Ian. The last two are probably not possible because GSG will never be able to spend the amount of time Scott and Ian do on a tennis court, but he just might be able to turn the tables on Boss Of Atlanta.
 

AnyPUG

Hall of Fame
I agree with everything you said, but part 5 is yet to be proven though, especially against the stronger 4.5 players GSG has been facing recently. I'd love to see if/how GSG is eventually able to consistently win against BoA, Scott and Ian. The last two are probably not possible because GSG will never be able to spend the amount of time Scott and Ian do on a tennis court, but he just might be able to turn the tables on Boss Of Atlanta.

I see what you are saying - learning is different than implementing what's been learnt. I didn't mean it will happen quick or whatever you learn is enough to overcome the next challenge. It's obvious, but will say it anyway - Improving and eventually beating someone at higher level is a gradual process.
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
I think that road must include some technique work which I guess is the underlying message of this entire campaign. Maybe crunch time coaching can tweak his strokes to crush these MWK raiders that ambushed him. If he can then he's coach of the year.

Can't teach Ben enough Scott and Ian counter measures by July ... but can introduce both of them to the ride called Atlanta Heat stroke. And of course ... play @2 to mess with serve and overhead. I hate playing 2-4.
 

jmnk

Hall of Fame
1 ET didn't call him "Most Exhausting" - another channel did because players experienced it themselves.
2 In the very first match at ET, MEP made Sean "hate tennis" as the player himself admitted
3 Topher struggled massively to eke out a victory over a self-taught player in spite of modern and extensive training and several thousands of dollars in coaching fees
4 Now, two coaches come in and show how it's done - how to avoid hating tennis and playing better
5 MEP learns how to compete better against players who have been beating him

The selection of Sean and Topher to play the first two matches in that order was a master stroke by ET - it's a great job done.

It sounds like win-win-win for everyone involved.
great summary!
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
1 ET didn't call him "Most Exhausting" - another channel did because players experienced it themselves.
2 In the very first match at ET, MEP made Sean "hate tennis" as the player himself admitted
3 Topher struggled massively to eke out a victory over a self-taught player in spite of modern and extensive training and several thousands of dollars in coaching fees
4 Now, two coaches come in and show how it's done - how to avoid hating tennis and playing better
5 MEP learns how to compete better against players who have been beating him

The selection of Sean and Topher to play the first two matches in that order was a master stroke by ET - it's a great job done.

It sounds like win-win-win for everyone involved.

The Scott 3rd match beat down was bad writing/production. It was like the 2nd detective solved the same crime as the 1st detective a day later. 8-B
 

happyandbob

Legend
when/how did that came out?

They mentioned it in passing during the post match interview just like they mentioned it in passing that oh by the way Scott is actually a teaching pro. I wouldn't say they were trying to hide it, but I also wouldn't say they were entirely forthright about Scott's level/background either.

Scott said "I'm a 4.5 because I wrote a letter. I'm a 4.5A"

I wonder how he'd do vs those "true" Chicago-land 4.5s.
 

jmnk

Hall of Fame
They mentioned it in passing during the post match interview just like they mentioned it in passing that oh by the way Scott is actually a teaching pro. I wouldn't say they were trying to hide it, but I also wouldn't say they were entirely forthright about Scott's level/background either.

Scott said "I'm a 4.5 because I wrote a letter. I'm a 4.5A"

I wonder how he'd do vs those "true" Chicago-land 4.5s.
Makes total sense. As far as being 'forthright about Scott's level/background'. I mean a simple google search tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Scott has most likely been involved with tennis his entire life: playing college, coaching college tennis, being a tennis club pro, etc.

Against Chicago-land 4.5C he would do about the same as he did against MEP - beat them senseless. I can't comment on 4.5S rated (if that's what you had in mind) as that does not really mean anything about one's level.

Waiting for @tlm to come up with a counterarguments as to why Atlanta area 4.5C players (i.e. MEP) are still way worse than M i d w e s t area 4.5 because Atlanta players can't beat a tennis pro that is really a 5.0 USTA player... :)
 
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ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
Makes total sense. As far as being 'forthright about Scott's level/background'. I mean a simple google search tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Scott has most likely been involved with tennis his entire life: playing college, coaching college tennis, being a tennis club pro, etc.

Against Chicago-land 4.5C he would do about the same as he did against MEP - beat them senseless. I can't comment on 4.5s as that does not really mean anything about one's level.

Waiting for @tlm to come up with a counterarguments as to why Atlanta area 4.5C players (i.e. MEP) are still way worse than M i d w e s t area 4.5 because Atlanta players can't beat a tennis pro that is really a 5.0 USTA player... :)

I think you throw out the Scott match and have the discussion about Ben vs Ian. Ian is what our 4.5 s&v and c&c or hit and charge look like.
 

AnyPUG

Hall of Fame
There's a ceiling with what you can do with that style of play.

Sure, everything has a limit - the limit varies based on the capabilities of individuals (probably you will agree).
Nobody has a "permanent contract" to stick with anything. I believe folks are generally smart and some are more smarter and know what to do within today's limits. "Tomorrow" is a fresh beginning.
 
I highly doubt it. If all matches were played indoors (as all ET matches against MEP were), Soderling may have more majors than Nadal.
lol, no way. Soderling can't bring a high level consistently. Nadal would eventually break him.
Nadal has 2 indoor titles (1 indoor CLAY) in his 18 year career.
Le Sod had 7 indoor titles in his 8 year career.
If ALL tennis matches were played indoors, Nadal would not have many titles, let alone majors.
 

jmnk

Hall of Fame
I think you throw out the Scott match and have the discussion about Ben vs Ian. Ian is what our 4.5 s&v and c&c or hit and charge look like.
you are right. Ian is clearly a stronger 4.5 than MEP. And his game matches really well against MEP style of play. Maybe outdoors MEP can get 1-2 more games, but I would not expect the result to be significantly different.
 

happyandbob

Legend
Makes total sense. As far as being 'forthright about Scott's level/background'. I mean a simple google search tells you pretty much everything you need to know. Scott has most likely been involved with tennis his entire life: playing college, coaching college tennis, being a tennis club pro, etc.

Right. That’s why I don’t think they were trying to hide it but in a match between a teaching pro vs. self taught rec player, the fact that one is a teaching pro AND an appeal down player is germane information and probably fits into the category of info that should be disclosed.

I also get that disclosing that info ahead of time reduces the intrigue somewhat.
 
If Ian plays MEP outdoors under the hot, humid, windy Atlanta conditions, many factors would come into play esp. fatigue.
If Ian travels to ATL, plays 3 matches in 2 days before playing MEP, the results would be quite different.
Not sure MEP would win but it would be no easy task for Ian to beat him in ATL under those conditions.
 

jmnk

Hall of Fame
Right. That’s why I don’t think they were trying to hide it but in a match between a teaching pro vs. self taught rec player, the fact that one is a teaching pro AND an appeal down player is germane information and probably fits into the category of info that should be disclosed.

I also get that disclosing that info ahead of time reduces the intrigue somewhat.
true
 

ByeByePoly

G.O.A.T.
you are right. Ian is clearly a stronger 4.5 than MEP. And his game matches really well against MEP style of play. Maybe outdoors MEP can get 1-2 more games, but I would not expect the result to be significantly different.

Matchups can be surprising sometimes. For example ... Ben could conceivably beat a player with great passing shots that could beat Ian because Ben doesn't come in. Happened all the time for me in tournaments. I had one opponent I was like lifetime 6-0 against, and he would often beat a player in the semis that I always struggled with. He knew it (a friend) ... I would be pulling for him in his semi and he would be pulling for my opponent in mine. I would tell him good win wirh a big smile. 8-B
 

heninfan99

Talk Tennis Guru
Guy has skills ... crazy how much pace comes from that effortless looking fh. Fun to watch hit.

Are you saying you want to see Mark S play that guy? I know nothing about Mark S.
Yeah, would be fun. I think this guy is also a coach. I've always wanted the coaches to play each other. Salzy vs. Intuitive Tennis guy would also get some nice views if promoted correctly.
 

jmnk

Hall of Fame
I could be wrong but I don't see anyone from ET beating this BSB (Blue Shirt Beast.)
The quality of his shots is another level above.
well, with all due respect, the fact that he has his video posted on a random youtube account does not mean that he is a hack like the rest of us. The dude "qualified for the main draw at 2 ATP Future tournaments ". That's quite a jump of another level (or levels)....
 

PilotPete

Hall of Fame
Sure, everything has a limit - the limit varies based on the capabilities of individuals (probably you will agree).
Nobody has a "permanent contract" to stick with anything. I believe folks are generally smart and some are more smarter and know what to do within today's limits. "Tomorrow" is a fresh beginning.

No, saying everything has a limit misses the point. The pusher style is much more severely limited that actually developing correct technique. But if you are happy with playing 4.0 tennis, then sure, the pusher style can serve you well. If you want to get into REAL 4.5 play, then pusher style will bagel you as we saw in the last couple of videos.
 

PilotPete

Hall of Fame
Nadal has 2 indoor titles (1 indoor CLAY) in his 18 year career.
Le Sod had 7 indoor titles in his 8 year career.
If ALL tennis matches were played indoors, Nadal would not have many titles, let alone majors.

If all matches were played indoor, Nadal would adapt his style of play as is evident with how he plays in practice. He would be successful there too after adaptation, and this is coming from a Fed fan.
 
If all matches were played indoor, Nadal would adapt his style of play as is evident with how he plays in practice. He would be successful there too after adaptation, and this is coming from a Fed fan.
Nadal can adapt all he wants to, but he ain't winning 20 majors indoors.
You don't think Nadal adapted and tried as hard as he could to win even just 1 World Tour Finals?

Related to this thread, my point being...playing indoors under fast, ideal conditions is very different from playing in hot, windy, humid, sun-in-your eyes conditions.
The former favors S&V, shotmakers while the latter favors counter-punchers with great stamina.
 

PilotPete

Hall of Fame
Nadal can adapt all he wants to, but he ain't winning 20 majors indoors.
You don't think Nadal adapted and tried as hard as he could to win even just 1 World Tour Finals?

Related to this thread, my point being...playing indoors under fast, ideal conditions is very different from playing in hot, windy, humid, sun-in-your eyes conditions.
The former favors S&V, shotmakers while the latter favors counter-punchers with great stamina.

Strawman, no one claimed he would win 20 majors indoors. You've moved the goal posts. Nadal lost to the GOAT getting to a WTF final, that's not too shabby. If the whole tour were indoors all the time, he would eventually win some of them. More than Soderling to say the least.

Yes playing indoors may be different, but less different to a tapper.
 
Strawman, no one claimed he would win 20 majors indoors. You've moved the goal posts. Nadal lost to the GOAT getting to a WTF final, that's not too shabby. If the whole tour were indoors all the time, he would eventually win some of them. More than Soderling to say the least.

Yes playing indoors may be different, but less different to a tapper.
Do you even actually PLAY tennis?
 
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