The Prince of Tennis Episode 20 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Yan Zhiming and Zhang Baiyang cautiously open a box, revealing it to be filled with tennis balls belonging to Qi Ying, who cheerfully enters. The two quickly and awkwardly help Qi Ying gather her balls. Meanwhile, Qiao Chen purchases dozens of burgers, inviting a chubby boy to eat with him, though Qiao Chen consumes most of them. He Xinglong grows increasingly concerned for his aging father, whose back troubles due to the booming business of their roast goose restaurant.
He Xinglong considers leaving the tennis team to assist his family. Lu Xia heads to the training court but finds it deserted, with several teammates injured. As he prepares to leave, Mu Siyang appears, expressing dissatisfaction with the team's lax attitude and decides to personally train with Lu Xia. Later, Mu Siyang contacts Xu Ziping, hoping for his assistance in igniting the main players' fighting spirit and making them aware of their shortcomings.
That evening, at He Xinglong's restaurant, he drops a bombshell, announcing his decision to quit the tennis team. The news devastates everyone, especially as He Xinglong is the team's sole power player. Yan Zhiming tries to persuade him, which irks Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen. Tang Jiale, already dejected after a previous loss to Xingyao (as revealed by Lu Xia), angrily suggests everyone quit the team.
Qiao Chen doesn't understand Tang Jiale's frustration, and Chi Dayong blames himself as the interim captain. Tang Jiale, enraged, curses Chi Dayong before storming off. Lu Xia, furious at their lack of fighting spirit and desire to "desert," scolds them for disappointing their captain and returns home without eating. At home, Lu Xia sees his father eating roast goose but has lost his appetite due to the team's struggles. His father then suggests Lu Xia call his mother.
During the call, Lu Xia learns his father has already discussed with his mother for him to move to her club and leave Qingxue Middle School. He Xinglong, passing by the tennis court, internally reaffirms his decision to give up tennis, convinced he can never meet expectations. The next day, team morale is low.
Suddenly, Xu Ziping arrives with the Yu Feng Middle School team, challenging Qingxue to a match, with the stipulation that if Qingxue loses, their main players must surrender their uniforms. Qiao Chen and Zhang Baiyang immediately accept the challenge, followed by others. Mu Siyang appears, declares it a friendly match, and finalizes the roster with Xu Ziping. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong are paired for doubles.
Tang Jiale sarcastically complains about partnering with Chi Dayong, while Chi Dayong states he never considered a different partner and tries to encourage Tang Jiale to compensate for his stamina issues. Tang Jiale blames Chi Dayong for a lack of trust, which he believes hinders their double's synergy. Zhuo Zhi plays singles against Xu Ziping.
Xu Ziping's intense focus forces Zhuo Zhi, who initially intended to play casually, to take the match seriously, internally grumbling at Mu Siyang for involving him. During a fierce rally, Xu Ziping hits a powerful, fast ball directly towards Zhuo Zhi's eye. Zhuo Zhi narrowly dodges it. This moment triggers Xu Ziping's past trauma of accidentally injuring an opponent's eye, causing him to lose concentration and forfeit the match.
The results show Yu Feng winning all matches except the one Xu Ziping forfeited. Qingxue accepts their defeat, removing their team uniforms. Mu Siyang also removes his own uniform, vowing they will reclaim them through their skill. Mu Siyang expresses his deep concern over their complete loss, scolds the team, and orders them to gather at Qingniao Terrace station in two days for an off-campus joint training camp with Yu Feng, arranged by Qi Na.
