Ep 17. The Small Winning Pose

Ryoma Echizen, a young tennis prodigy, has made it to the Seishun Academy tennis team and is determined to become the world's best tennis player. In episode 17, titled The Small Winning Pose, we see Ryoma face off against his rival, Genichiro Sanada of Rikkaidai Junior High.

The episode begins with Ryoma excitedly shopping for tennis gear. His father surprised him with a large amount of money for his tennis expenses, but Ryoma insists that he can get all the gear he needs at a reasonable price. He ends up buying only a single tennis ball, claiming that he only needs one, as he can always hit it back to himself. This shows Ryoma's confidence in his abilities and his casual attitude towards his talent.

Next, we see the Seishun Academy tennis team getting ready for their match against Rikkaidai Junior High. Ryoma's teammates are nervous, but Ryoma confidently states that they will win, and that he will personally win his match against Sanada. His teammates are surprised at his boldness, but Ryoma insists that he always wins.

The match between Ryoma and Sanada is intense, with both players displaying their impressive skills. The match goes back and forth, with Ryoma using his signature techniques, the Twist Serve and the Drive B, to gain an advantage. However, Sanada is able to keep up and even takes the lead for a short while.

As the match progresses, Ryoma begins to tire out, and Sanada seems to have the upper hand. However, with his father's words of encouragement in mind, Ryoma is able to summon the strength to push through and ultimately win the match.

After the match, Ryoma celebrates his victory with his teammates, but is confronted by Sanada. Sanada acknowledges Ryoma's skill and gives him a small winning pose, something that he had previously refused to do. Ryoma is surprised but pleased, as this is a sign of respect and a recognition of his skill.

The episode ends with Ryoma reflecting on his win, and his determination to keep improving and become the best tennis player in the world.

Overall, The Small Winning Pose is a great episode that showcases Ryoma's skill and determination. It also highlights the rivalry between Ryoma and Sanada, and the mutual respect that they have for each other. The episode is full of exciting tennis matches and showcases the different skills of the players. It also highlights the importance of confidence and determination in achieving one's goals.