Ep 49. Free Style Fighting

Ryoma Echizen, the young tennis prodigy, continues his journey to become the best tennis player in Japan. In the 49th episode of season one, titled "Free Style Fighting," Ryoma is invited to join the Seishun Academy Tennis Club's street tennis team, called the "St. Rudolph Rascals."

The episode begins with Ryoma and his friends discovering that there is a street tennis court near Seishun Academy. The street tennis team, composed of outcasts from various schools, including Seishun Academy's rival school St. Rudolph, competes against the other teams in the area.

Ryoma's curiosity piqued, he decides to check out the street tennis court and comes across the Rascals, who are in desperate need of a skilled player. The Rascals' captain, Hajime Mizuki, offers Ryoma a spot on the team, but he initially declines.

While visiting the street tennis court, Ryoma sees a talented player named Makoto Koharu in action. She easily defeats all the male players and earns respect from everyone on the court. Makoto Koharu is the only female player on the court, but she is not just any female player. She is a legendary player known as the "Street Tennis Queen." Ryoma is intrigued by her style, and he asks her to teach him.

As Ryoma learns from Makoto, a new player makes an appearance on the court. His name is Irie Kanata, and he is a former member of the Seishun Academy Tennis Club. He was expelled from the club due to his bad behavior, but he seems to have changed his ways.

Irie challenges Ryoma to a match, and Ryoma agrees. The match is intense, and both players use their unique styles to try to defeat each other. Ryoma, known for his precision and strategy, is shocked when Irie starts using a new style called "free style fighting."

"Free style fighting" is a fighting technique that uses high-speed footwork and quick reflexes. This style is not allowed in official tennis matches, but it is commonly used in street tennis. Ryoma is caught off guard by Irie's unique style, and he struggles to keep up.

As the match intensifies, both players are pushing their limits. The match ends when Ryoma pulls off a stunning move that defeats Irie. The two players shake hands, and Irie reveals that he has changed his ways. He apologizes for his past behavior and asks Ryoma to help him become a better player.

The episode ends with Ryoma joining the St. Rudolph Rascals. He is excited to play street tennis and to use his new skills.

In conclusion, episode 49 of The Prince of Tennis season 1, titled "Free Style Fighting," is an exciting episode that showcases Ryoma's journey to become the best tennis player in Japan. The episode introduces street tennis, a new style of tennis that is played on the streets, and features a unique fighting style called "free style fighting." The episode also shows how Ryoma's skills continue to develop and how he is willing to learn from others to improve his game.