The Prince of Tennis Episode 29 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Lu Xia is in a slump, unable to commit to returning to the team, but his teammates comfort him, reminding him that defeat is common. At home, Lu Xia's father advises him to think like a master, comparing it to understanding fish in a pond – one's true opponent is oneself. This wisdom resonates with Lu Xia, who continues to ponder it in class, leading to a distraction where his teacher threatens to seal the window opposite him.
Later, while buying study materials, Lu Xia spots Qi Ying mesmerized by goldfish in a bookstore, stating her fondness for fish is simply without reason. The upcoming ranking match, crucial for joining the main roster, looms. Mu Siyang meticulously plans the lineup for the anticipated match against Xingyao, with Zhuo Zhi staying late to discuss strategy. Zhuo Zhi also probes Mu Siyang with a hypothetical question: what if they were opponents instead of teammates, given their shared genius?
Their conversation is cut short by heavy rain, reminiscent of a previous mountain climb, prompting Zhuo Zhi to suggest they re-climb it on the next clear day. Meanwhile, Yan Zhiming stubbornly insists on playing doubles with Zhang Baiyang, despite Zhang Baiyang's preference for singles. Tang Jiale and other teammates engage Lu Xia in a game of "I Draw, You Guess" to understand his inner thoughts.
When "National Competition" is the answer, Tang Jiale passionately describes the team's shared struggles and perseverance, moving Lu Xia to correctly guess. This encourages the team to persuade Lu Xia to participate in the ranking match, to which he offers a noncommittal response, though everyone knows he will join. Qi Ying, following her teacher's advice to seal Lu Xia's window, spots and buys a beautiful racket, feeling a sudden connection. On the day of the ranking match, Lu Xia oversleeps.
His teammates are already gathered on the court, along with reporter Xiao Sha, whose interview request Mu Siyang politely declines. Lu Xia rushes to a shop to repair his racket, where the owner's simple advice – "tennis isn't complicated, just hit the ball back" – provides Lu Xia with a sudden epiphany. Despite his newfound clarity, Lu Xia arrives late, much to Mu Siyang's anger, who disqualifies him from the competition.
While his teammates advocate for him, Lu Xia accepts the punishment, vowing he will never give up and will fight with his teammates to the very end. Mu Siyang, in fact, had intended this action as a means to motivate Lu Xia. As the ranking match proceeds, the players put in their best effort. Zhuo Zhi defeats a struggling Chi Dayong. Qiao Chen, however, loses his match to a much stronger Yan Zhiming, consequently becoming a main substitute.
Later, Yan Zhiming meets up with Liu Lian from Hai Guang Middle School, a childhood friend and future rival. Both share an analytical approach to the game. They recall an unfinished match from their past and agree to complete it when they meet again in the provincial league. Qiao Chen, despondent over his loss and becoming a substitute, reflects on his performance. Anko approaches him and challenges him to a match.
Qiao Chen initially underestimates Anko but is surprised by her skill, realizing his own tendency to judge by appearance and his lack of competitive drive. Meanwhile, Lu Xia's Chinese language grades significantly improve, earning him an award from his pleased teacher. In a separate development, Qiao Chen accidentally overhears Qi Na expressing frustration over Mu Siyang's disregard for his doctor's orders regarding training.
