The Prince of Tennis Episode 28 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Lu Xia is greatly relieved to find his father safe. Meanwhile, Mu Siyang seeks out Zhuo Zhi, discussing why Zhuo Zhi avoids playing seriously against him. Zhuo Zhi reveals his fear of winning and being pressured into captaincy, a role he doesn't want, then lightheartedly suggests he also fears losing. Lu Xia encounters Kui Jian, a player from Six High, who invites him to a unique training session the following day.
This event, organized by Grandpa Liu, involves playing tennis with drums. Initially frustrated by his unfamiliarity and wanting to quit, Lu Xia is spurred on by Grandpa Liu's challenging words about the ease of giving up. Lu Xia persists, cooperating with Kui Jian, and through this unconventional practice, he not only overcomes challenges but also uncovers his tennis deficiencies and experiences a breakthrough.
Grandpa Liu later inspects Lu Xia's racket, offering to fix it, and advises him to reflect on the deeper meaning of his actions, emphasizing the joy in the process of playing. As the match between Youth Academy and Starry Academy draws near, reporter Xiao Sha attempts to interview Starry Academy players. Ji Jingwu, a Starry Academy player, confidently offers his photos to Xiao Sha.
Former Starry Academy captain Ji Ruo, who had lost his position after a defeat, seeks to rejoin the team. While the coach initially refuses, Ji Ruo's teammates, and eventually Ji Jingwu, are moved by his plight and vouch for him, securing his return. Concurrently, Hu Liangliang, a current main player, fiercely fights to retain his spot against the coach's intention to replace him with Ji Ruo.
After intense training and even cutting his hair to demonstrate his resolve, Hu Liangliang earns Ji Jingwu's support, and is granted another chance. Ji Jingwu then sends a message through Xiao Sha, vowing to challenge Mu Siyang in the upcoming match. At Youth Academy, Mu Siyang posts the internal ranking competition results, crucial for selecting main players for the Starry Academy match.
Mu Siyang himself secretly trains, but his hand pain intensifies, reminding him of a severe injury he desperately wants to overcome to participate. Lu Xia, assigned to Group D for the rankings, frequently skips training, causing concern among some teammates, though others trust he's developing new strategies. He is, in fact, secretly practicing. Lu Xia's father, Lu Xiangqian, attempts to engage Lu Xia in a match, but Lu Xia, concerned for his father's injured hand, refuses.
His teammates then surprise Lu Xia with a picnic, offering support and encouragement. Later, Lu Xiangqian continues to guide Lu Xia, helping him realize the deeper meaning behind the advice given by Mu Siyang and Grandpa Liu.
