A single-set match, typically refers to a six-game set, where six games are played in total, and the first player to score 6 points wins the set.
Generally, middle school students, due to their lack of physical stamina, play a six-game set. Only when they reach high school and their bodies develop sufficiently do they switch to a best-of-three or best-of-five six-game set.
And for each game:
The first point is 15, the second is 30, the third is 40. After 40, if the opponent's score is below 40, the person who scores four points first wins that game.
If both sides are at 40:40, a deuce situation, one player needs to win two consecutive points to secure victory in that game.
The match currently being played between Matsuoka Rin and Shishido Ryo is a six-game set.
Therefore, with the first point scored at this moment, Matsuoka Rin gets 15 points!
...
“So fast, I completely... didn't notice it!!”
A bead of cold sweat involuntarily appeared on Mukahi Gakuto’s forehead.
He wasn't facing Matsuoka Rin in that last shot.
But he was still startled.
“What a fast serve, how incredible!”
Jiro Akutagawa looked at the Court in surprise, a little excited.
He actually didn't notice Matsuoka Rin's serve at all. No, he knew Matsuoka Rin was serving.
After all, Matsuoka Rin even gave a reminder.
But that was all!
They didn't see the trajectory of the tennis ball at all!!
“It's not just fast... most importantly, it's too strange!”
Oshitari Yushi took a deep breath, “I told you, he is very strong! It’s completely normal for him to ace Ryo!”
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been defeated by Matsuoka Rin 0:6!
An Ace is a term in tennis, meaning that after a valid serve, the opponent doesn't touch the tennis ball at all, and the point for that serve is already won.
...
On the Court.
Shishido Ryo was startled, his face covered in cold sweat.
He looked incredulously at the tennis ball behind him, feeling a wave of bewilderment.
Just now, after Matsuoka Rin's warning, he had been on full alert.
But his vigilance was completely useless!!
Yes, completely useless!
“Indeed, he is very strong!”
Shishido Ryo took a deep breath, becoming even more excited.
“Oh?”
Seeing this, Matsuoka Rin's lips curved into a slight smile.
It seems his mental fortitude is quite good.
However...
“This is just the beginning.”
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
He continued to bounce the tennis ball, and Shishido Ryo watched intently.
This time, Shishido Ryo could guarantee that he hadn't missed any of Matsuoka Rin's movements.
However, a strikingly similar scene occurred!
“Thud!”
The tennis ball once again whizzed past his hair.
The tennis ball, landing in his back Court, bounced, landed, and made no sound.
“Hiss... How is this possible!?”
Shishido Ryo's eyes widened.
He was sure he had seen Matsuoka Rin's serve trajectory.
But it was still the same result!!
“Such terrifying control!”
In an instant, a wave of cold sweat rose in Shishido Ryo's heart.
The reason for this outcome was already very clear.
That is, Matsuoka Rin's control was incredibly terrifying!!
And so, there was no longer any suspense.
“Ace serve, 40:0!”
“Ace serve, game, Matsuoka Rin scores, 1:0!”
It had only been one minute.
The first game had already been won by Matsuoka Rin.
Throughout the entire game, Shishido Ryo hadn't touched the tennis ball once!!
No matter how he tried to intercept the tennis ball, the result was always the same.
As if waiting for a slow torture, Shishido Ryo finally waited for the exchange of serves.
“Serve exchange, Shishido Ryo's service game!”
As Atobe Keigo's voice rang out.
“Phew!”
Shishido Ryo finally took a deep, heavy breath, covered in cold sweat.
And upon realizing the breath he had just exhaled, Shishido Ryo was stunned.
He never expected that a mere minute-long match would exert such terrifying pressure on him!
“This is really... lame!”
Shishido Ryo looked at Matsuoka Rin across the Court: “Vice Captain... he's really scary!”
“But I still have a chance!”
At this moment, his address for Matsuoka Rin had become Vice Captain.
This already indicated that the current Shishido Ryo had acknowledged Matsuoka Rin!
Atobe Keigo, noticing this scene, raised an eyebrow slightly: “Oh? He's convinced so quickly?”
But... it's also quite normal!
“This guy Rin... he hasn't even gotten serious yet.”
But soon, Atobe Keigo gave Matsuoka Rin another subtle glance, sighing inwardly.
...
On the Court.
Matsuoka Rin also glanced at Shishido Ryo.
Of course, he had already noticed the change in Shishido Ryo's attitude and address.
“Continue.”
Following Matsuoka Rin’s words.
Shishido Ryo retreated to the baseline service area.
This time, unlike before, he was extremely serious, and his attitude was very respectful.
“I can't let Vice Captain look down on me... otherwise, it really will be lame.”
Shishido Ryo was a little annoyed. He had to perform well in his service game this time.
Bang!
Bang!
Bang!
The rhythmic sound of bouncing came in an orderly fashion.
“Swish!”
Shishido Ryo swung his arm.
The tennis ball was instantly tossed into the air by him, and he took a step into the air, immediately serving. The tennis ball instantly transformed into a streak of afterimage, swiftly heading towards Matsuoka Rin.
“Ryo's performance is very stable.”
Mukahi Gakuto couldn't help but say, “In fact, it's almost too stable.”
He would most likely not be able to return this shot!
“Indeed... although Ryo dislikes not going all out, his current state is really good.”
Jiro Akutagawa was also a little surprised at this moment.
So, Matsuoka Rin's aura directly influenced Shishido Ryo!?
Perhaps, Ryo is playing quite well?
But the next instant, everyone's pupils contracted sharply.
“Thud!”
The tennis ball landed with a dull thud, bouncing up quickly.
Matsuoka Rin watched this scene intently, yet made no move.
According to the rules of receiving in tennis, after the server serves, the receiver must wait for the tennis ball to land and bounce before returning it. If the ball is returned before it lands and bounces, even if caught, it is an invalid return.
Of course, this restriction only applies to serves; for other returns, it is not required to wait for the tennis ball to land and bounce.
“Swish!”
Suddenly.
Matsuoka Rin's racket, he didn't know when, had already appeared in front of the tennis ball's bouncing arc.
With a calm expression, he lightly swung his racket, slicing out.
“Sizzle sizzle sizzle!!”
“Bang!”
Accompanied by the sound of powerful spin, a faint wisp of smoke seemed to emanate from the tennis ball.
“Thud!”
Then, it quickly landed, leaving only a series of ball marks on the ground.
And...
The tennis ball kept spinning.
It didn't bounce!!
Yes, it didn't bounce!!
“What the heck!?”
Shishido Ryo's eyes widened. How could this ball not bounce!?
“It didn't bounce!? What kind of shot is this?!”
Jiro Akutagawa, Mukahi Gakuto, and the others also had their pupils contract.
They were sure they weren't mistaken!
That tennis ball just now really didn't bounce!
“Zero-Shiki Drop Shot!”
Oshitari Yushi took a deep breath, being the first to recognize this shot.
He had encountered a Zero-Shiki Drop Shot in his match, which was why he was so defeated.
Of course, that was only one reason!
The real reason...
Oshitari Yushi looked at Matsuoka Rin on the Court.