The Prince of Tennis Episode 39 Recap
> The Prince of Tennis Recap
Lu Xia collapses from intense training. His father, Lu Xiangqian, arrives, relieved his son is alright, but his hands-off parenting style regarding Lu Xia’s tennis development draws criticism from his coach and Qi Na. Lu Xiangqian believes some lessons Lu Xia must learn on his own. Later, Lu Xia seeks advice from his father on how to win while maintaining his unique style, and Lu Xiangqian emphasizes adaptability and facing challenges head-on.
Meanwhile, Zhuo Zhi is affected by a conversation with Zhuo Yu and channels his emotions into training. Tang Jiale, ever the cheerful one, helps uplift Zhuo Zhi’s spirits. To thank other teams for their support, Yuqing hosts a barbecue event before the Nationals. The team holds an eating contest, which Qiao Chen wins with an impressive display.
During the festivities, Tang Jiale devises a prank involving Yan Zhiming's special "Yan Juice," leading to a hilarious incident where an unsuspecting player drinks it and faints. As the teams depart, they offer words of encouragement, stressing that Yuqing represents all who have fallen to Hai Guang. With the Nationals just days away, both Yuqing and Hai Guang enter a period of intense preparation. Hai Guang also faces internal concerns, including a sick player, Bai Shiyan, and Tian Zilong's anxieties.
Yan Zhiming meticulously analyzes Hai Guang’s past match videos, including a crushing defeat suffered by Xu Ziping against Yuan Chi, emphasizing the need to understand their powerful opponents to avoid a similar fate. Qi Na agrees, making the Yuqing team watch the footage to grasp Hai Guang's formidable strength, while also reassuring them not to feel overwhelmed. Yan Zhiming reveals that through their rigorous training, Yuqing's probability of winning against Hai Guang has risen to around 5. 5%.
Despite the low odds, the team is determined to give their all, with Tang Jiale rallying everyone to fight for that slim chance. Tang Jiale and Chi Dayong also experience a moment of sadness upon discovering their secret base is slated for demolition, but they declare their "golden partnership" will remain strong. The night before the match, the team members are restless. Zhang Baiyang, Qiao Chen, and He Xinglong diligently continue their training.
Lu Xia escorts Qi Ying home, sharing his realization about the passion she spoke of, now enjoying the process of tennis, and hoping she continues to pursue her own path. Yan Zhiming subtly signals Hai Guang's Liu Lian that Yuqing is ready for the challenge. Match day arrives, with other teams flocking to support Yuqing.
Chi Dayong, leading the team, humbly shakes hands with Hai Guang's players, stating Yuqing is there to learn but also to win, urging Hai Guang not to underestimate them. Qi Ying and her cheerleading squad attempt to boost Yuqing’s morale, but Hai Guang's overwhelming presence quickly dampens their efforts. The first match is doubles, featuring Zhang Baiyang and Qiao Chen. From the outset, Hai Guang, having thoroughly researched Yuqing's players with Liu Lian as their strategist, dominates the court.
Hai Guang's Ke Jie expertly employs a "snake ball" tactic, deliberately making Zhang Baiyang freeze in shock after a devastating return. Qiao Chen bravely continues to fight, but in his determination to return a difficult shot, he accidentally injures his leg. Seeing Qiao Chen hurt, Zhang Baiyang snaps out of his daze, immediately removes his prized headband, and uses it to bandage Qiao Chen’s wound. Though Qiao Chen playfully feigns disgust, he accepts the gesture, then whispers a new strategy to Zhang Baiyang, rekindling their fighting spirit.
