The Prince of Tennis ~ Match! Tennis Juniors ~

The Prince of Tennis ~ Match! Tennis Juniors ~ is a Chinese television series that aired on Hunan TV in 2019. A captivating talent-packed show for sports drama enthusiasts, it's a captivating look into the lives of a group of young individuals who are passionate about tennis.

The series is an adaptation of the renowned Japanese manga series, "The Prince of Tennis," written by Takeshi Konomi. Created against the backdrop of the competitive world of tennis, this version uniquely combines both the intensity of a sports drama and the heartfelt moments of youth stories, successfully transforming the essence of the original manga into an onscreen spectacle consisting of 40 illustrative episodes.

Centered primarily around the lead character, Lu Xia, an exceptionally talented teenager, the series takes you on a journey through his tennis-related dreams. Having grown up in Britain, where he had begun his initial tennis training, Lu Xia returns to his homeland, China, to live with his childhood friend, Yang Guang.

Lu Xia enrolls in the Yongfu High School, famously known for its robust tennis team. The plot unfolds as he embarks on a journey of fierce competition, teamwork, and friendship, as well as facing personal trials and tribulations - inspiring the audience through his perseverance.

The series excellently balances narration and character development; every participant in the drama has a distinctive persona which builds a surreal connection with viewers. From the diligent work ethics of team members at practice to the emotionally charged match-day scenes - you get to witness a gamut of youth emotions, making you reminisce about the throes of teenage life.

Moreover, the show manifests spectacular tennis matches that make the audience feel like they are on the court. The series places a strong emphasis on technical accuracy. The cast undertook professional training to execute the tennis scenes, making the show look and feel immensely realistic and believable. You get to see the players execute power-packed serves, precision-based returns, and strategic playmaking. Consequently, viewers are kept on their toes during each match broadcast.

Adding a further layer to the drama is the inherent conflict within the team itself. The journey of Lu Xia battling internal rifts, ego clashes among the players, coping with diverse attitudes, and uniting the team to compete at the highest level reinforces the essence of sportsmanship - making the storyline even more enticing.

The bond between Lu Xia and Yang Guang is a pivotal aspect of the storyline. They complement each other on and off the court, walking together in the journey of life. The strength of their camaraderie is well-portrayed, adding depth to the show and acting as a source of emotional attachment for viewers.

An array of characters, each with their own background stories also forms part of the series. Be it the captain of the tennis team, the coach, or even antagonists trying to hinder the protagonist’s journey towards achieving his dream, every character leaves a lasting impact.

Exquisitely filmed and edited, the series offers a compelling visual spectacle. The boldness of the tennis court, the relentless practice sessions, the bustling school life, and the heartwarming friendships, all are captured in vibrant colors, giving the show a fresh and youthful vibe.

Physical endurance, intertwined with mental strength, forms an integral part of the storyline. The protagonist, Lu Xia’s character, reinforces critical life lessons; teach resilience, determination, hard work and the importance of dreaming big. He showcases how to handle successes and failures equally, making the youth connect deeply with his experiences.

The Prince of Tennis ~ Match! Tennis Juniors ~ is a show that connects with its millennial audience, thrilling sports lovers, and ardent drama followers. The perfect blend of exciting tennis action, emotional rollercoasters, and the journey of self-discovery make this series a highly recommended watch. Be prepared to get completely lost in the world of competitive tennis and experience the battles of the court!