I was a low 5.0 a long time ago. I had a 5.5 friend that I practiced with all the time. He was a whole different level. And I also played with a 6.0 a few times. It's freaking ridiculous how the levels increase. From outside the court you see them and think "yeah I can handle that, it doesn't look that different to what I can do". Yeah right.
I'm a 4.5. Even when playing a 5.0 on his good day he can bagel me, but an average game would be 6-2/6-3. 4.5 playing with pro is bagel for 100 set straight.
A big difference besides the obvious experience and savvy was just the sound of Clay’s feet. He was constantly taking little steps to stay balanced so he rarely looked rushed or out of position for balls. The general court sense was also great. Where to be on the court and recovering your court position after shots. Great for amateurs to watch.
Clay kicked butt at UCLA (Go Bruins!), particularly in his senior year, 2013-14: Enjoyed one of the finest senior seasons in school history … ITA Singles All-American … ITA National Senior Player of the Year … First-Team All-Pac-12 selection … Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 Academic selection … Ranked No. 1 in the nation in singles from Jan. 2 until June 4, when he finished the year ranked No. 2 behind teammate Marcos Giron, who claimed the NCAA Singles Championship … Seeded No. 1 at the season-ending NCAA Championships, falling in the first round to South Florida's Roberto Cid, 6-4, 6-3 … Went 18-1 overall in singles during the fall, claiming the title at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships in Flushing, N.Y. …Defeated Jared Hiltzik of Illinois 6-4, 7-5 in the final … Prior to winning the Indoors, Thompson took home the championship at the USTA/ITA Southwest Regional Championships in Malibu, downing teammate Mackenzie McDonald, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 … Also won the backdraw at the USTA/ITA Men's All-American Championships in Tulsa, Okla. (def. Daniil Proskura of Alabama, 6-4, 7-5) … During the dual-match season, played at either the No. 1 or No. 2 singles positions all season, going 10-3 at the top spot and 5-2 at No. 2 … Led the team in singles victories, going 37-8 overall on the year … Ranked second on the team in wins over ranked opponents with 17 … Went 18-14 overall in doubles play, teaming mostly with Joseph Di Giulio at the No. 2 spot.
Hermont has such a great serve but Clay has got a great serve and a lot of height. Hermont is used to getting so many free points on serve and I feel Clay got a lot of serves back that most don't. I don't remember Hermont hitting so many chip forehand returns before. Must be Clay's serve forcing him to
Clay is as he is....incredible. Hermont is just crazy good and I think he's considerably better than the average 5.0 player. I could watch these guys play over and over again.
Yeah, 5.0 vs Pro - I'd like to see more. Nice gear. I'd like to hear more about how players tune their sticks, strings. That was the first time I've ever heard 30lb. string tension.
Amazing difference in levels between a great amateur and a pro. Really astounding. Congrats to Hermont for taking a few games. His serve is looking really good, gave Clay a few stutter steps.
Love hearing the post match breakdowns from these guys! Clay always brings up stuff I would never think about as a recreational player. This alone has helped my game improve!
Sucks that tennis at a pro level, even ranked top 500 in the world you are paid pennies compared to the top players. Clay retired because of it being such a financial burden to be a tennis pro. He only made about 30k over his entire career before retiring. I hope he is doing well now
Geezus, Hermont isn't a push over by any means and didn't do badly today when he could work his way past Clay's serve but Clay's serve is insane. His kick serves height is nasty 😮
For a non-trained eye it was a close match but we can see now the difference between a pro with a great amateur. It’s the ability to make 1 or 2 more points consistently
Great match. Definitely on different levels. Even Clay's slices are so good. When you play against a lower level player, you may feel like you can go pro. 😀 I remembered an old friend of mine one time said to me after we played: 'I made you look good today".
This match wasn't close. Clay was being awfully nice saying the match went down to a few critical points but really Hermont was lucky to get two games. Clay moves remarkably well for someone that tall. His defense was excellent. And what he said about his weakness in his forehand was not noticeable here as he used his forehand a lot. In fact, he dominated with his forehand. A lot of runaround forehands used. If he was playing another pro, then yeah maybe his forehand would look weaker but Hermont clearly couldn't exploit it. He didn't make Clay sweat at all. And Clay's serve was crushing. Clay beat Hermont in every phase of the game. Just a total beat down. Hermont should take solace that it took a pro to destroy him. To make this match competitive, Hermont would have to elevate his game two levels. I don't see that happening anytime soon.
If Hermont had the opportunity to play guys like Clay more often, his level would improve. Maybe he would not get to Clay’s level, but to jump in against a pro like this is a massive leap compared to 99% of even D1 players. Anyway, it was a lot of fun to watch, and both are great players and seem like really good dudes 👍 Thanks!
@@jeffvanderwerf3391 Of course but its more of a separate issue of playstyle and physical ability. Against mere mortals Hermont has everything but against higher level players even players who are taller than him he is just as fast as them. Look how Clay moves for how big he is, secondly Hermonts weight of shot and pace against high level players is not enough. Against everyone lower its enough but against higher players he gets turned into a counter puncher. IDK if you play RPGs or video games but at high level tennis everyone needs to basically be at max stats at 100 for speed, power,footwork everything and only them once you get at a baseline of 100 can you get extra points in somethings
Seems like Winston was determined to find someone to beat Hermont! And it sounded like Clay had an actual strategy playing Hermont, as well. Clay is a tough opponent to beat, that's for sure!!
That bucket hat tho! Dude that brand looks interesting 🤔 Yes a match up with Karue and Clay would be amazing! Throw in Winston and hermont, Maybe doubles?!
Beautiful play from Clay- loved how he used his wingspan to open up angles on the court and pounce on opportunities to get to net to finish points. I'm envious of the ability to hit angles on the serve with that height advantage.
This dude's clapping bombs with a full bed of multis at 39 lbs, I don't ever want to hear another 4.0 keyboard warrior insist that they HAVE to use polys because of their level.
The mental problem with 4.5/5.0 & club league players is the super annoying commentary after EVERY point 🙄 “Good Shot”, “Ahhh”, “No”, “Just Wide”. Guys, learn from the top pros use your arms 🦾 & legs 🦵 more, and STFU and play a good ball 😂
Great content. This shows the real thought processes between a pro and a very good recreational player. A great insight on the mindset of tennis professional during a match.
Former 400 ATP pro . . . So there's: current 400, 100, 50, top 10... Jesus. Just imagine Federer 8-2 this guy too :O Great matchups on this channel to see how levels increase like that!
holy crap the difference is huge, it looked like to me Hermont was playing around 70+ capacity for majority of the match. where as Clay was chilling at around 50ish and turned it up abit for a few games, especially on the last service game, he might've went 80ish. hence the 2 double faults. (hard to turn it up all of a sudden)
Great content, way for thenunderdog to fight. I would like to know Clays racquet specs as he mentioned he uses a heavier racquet. Also lastly we must see Clay play Karue!
I think tennis is a big man's game these days. Although clays not at the elite level anymore at this level it's a bit too much for his opponent today. Herrmont is a great player. But That extra punch in power coming back just kept him on the back foot and out of points.
Excellent match! It's amazing to me how Hermont can look almost unbeatable for many videos, but then runs into someone in Clay that is another level. I felt like Hermont was on the defensive the entire match and was feeling the weight of Clay's shots. No doubt Hermont is an awesome tennis player and probably better than 80-90% of players, but you could see the level difference so easy. Great video again Winston!
Love the strat of Clay kicking it out wide. Nice job to Hermont for hanging in there. The insights at the end were spot on. Keep up the good work Winston.
I watch your shows pretty regularly. It's great to see a former UCLA Bruin, as I am one. LOL What happened to Jennifer Brady (she was #13 on WTA)? What about match between some older (60+) former pros or former college players?
Firstly, loved the match! Second, Hermont is a very good player and he did great to get two games against a former top 400 pro who can still play futures level tennis. But from my perspective, Clay is in a totally different league to Hermont and has lots of gears to go through if required. I dont mean that disrespectfully to Hermont as he's clearly very good but Clay is a former pro and his extra skills were clear to see. Would love to see Karue v Clay as that would be epic!
Stratospheric level of performance. Hermont and Clay, both super humble and extremely professional guys. 5.5 level is high, and then you get a higher level pro to compete against. I must say however that Clay would probably go much higher than his pro ranking previously. Just too solid. Hermont did a great job here as well. Would love to see this match up and even with Clay vs Karue as well. Thanks Winston! You're doing amazing with your channel. M
Is that what it's like to play Federer? 🤔 What's it like to play like McEnroe? How 'bout Clay w a Jack Kramer Pro Staff original wood vs. Winston? Lets go!
Like the others said…. World of difference just between these two levels. As well as Hermont played and great shots, the pace and length and touch of Clay hard to compete with. Thanks for putting this match on.
![[UA] NAVI проти G2 Esports | Blast Premier Fall Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QWlIm4FGESQ/mqdefault.jpg)
karue v. clay would be a great matchup
Karue should win
Make it happen Winston!
That's Bruin on Bruin violence tho
@@taoyinghuang1439aint no way😅
If they both have UCLA roots I am sure they have hit before.
This is a reminder to all us 4.5/5.0 players that we are worlds apart from playing remotely like a pro 😅
I was a low 5.0 a long time ago. I had a 5.5 friend that I practiced with all the time. He was a whole different level. And I also played with a 6.0 a few times. It's freaking ridiculous how the levels increase. From outside the court you see them and think "yeah I can handle that, it doesn't look that different to what I can do". Yeah right.
I'm a 4.5. Even when playing a 5.0 on his good day he can bagel me, but an average game would be 6-2/6-3. 4.5 playing with pro is bagel for 100 set straight.
@nsebast Right now you would smoke me haha.
@thefedhd1580fact check
Not worlds, just 15lbs tension😉
Clay is very humble guy 😊
Clay is the man! Great dude!
A big difference besides the obvious experience and savvy was just the sound of Clay’s feet. He was constantly taking little steps to stay balanced so he rarely looked rushed or out of position for balls. The general court sense was also great. Where to be on the court and recovering your court position after shots. Great for amateurs to watch.
Clay kicked butt at UCLA (Go Bruins!), particularly in his senior year, 2013-14:
Enjoyed one of the finest senior seasons in school history … ITA Singles All-American … ITA National Senior Player of the Year … First-Team All-Pac-12 selection … Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 Academic selection … Ranked No. 1 in the nation in singles from Jan. 2 until June 4, when he finished the year ranked No. 2 behind teammate Marcos Giron, who claimed the NCAA Singles Championship … Seeded No. 1 at the season-ending NCAA Championships, falling in the first round to South Florida's Roberto Cid, 6-4, 6-3 … Went 18-1 overall in singles during the fall, claiming the title at the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships in Flushing, N.Y. …Defeated Jared Hiltzik of Illinois 6-4, 7-5 in the final … Prior to winning the Indoors, Thompson took home the championship at the USTA/ITA Southwest Regional Championships in Malibu, downing teammate Mackenzie McDonald, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 … Also won the backdraw at the USTA/ITA Men's All-American Championships in Tulsa, Okla. (def. Daniil Proskura of Alabama, 6-4, 7-5) … During the dual-match season, played at either the No. 1 or No. 2 singles positions all season, going 10-3 at the top spot and 5-2 at No. 2 … Led the team in singles victories, going 37-8 overall on the year … Ranked second on the team in wins over ranked opponents with 17 … Went 18-14 overall in doubles play, teaming mostly with Joseph Di Giulio at the No. 2 spot.
props to Hermont for staying in it with a Pro!
Don’t spoil!!!!
Former pro. I would say Clay is 80% as good as pros playing on tour. Tour pros practice way more and would probably hit sharper in all aspects.
@@Magic-id1bn why are you reading the comments before watching, that's on you brotha lol
both of these guys level of intensity is absolutely insane. listening to the feet alone is enough to tell you how good they are.
Hermont has such a great serve but Clay has got a great serve and a lot of height. Hermont is used to getting so many free points on serve and I feel Clay got a lot of serves back that most don't. I don't remember Hermont hitting so many chip forehand returns before. Must be Clay's serve forcing him to
Yeah and in general Clays defense was so good too
Having been on the receiving end of Clay’s serve, it is huge!
Clay is as he is....incredible.
Hermont is just crazy good and I think he's considerably better than the average 5.0 player. I could watch these guys play over and over again.
A 12.5 UTR is generally a 5.5 or 6.0 - closer to 6.0. I think Hermont is either being modest or sandbagging.
Hermont is still the legend
Yes
Yeah, 5.0 vs Pro - I'd like to see more. Nice gear. I'd like to hear more about how players tune their sticks, strings. That was the first time I've ever heard 30lb. string tension.
Isn't Hermont 5.5?
@gab1331 - Definitely 5.0 possibly 5.5. 7.0 is the professional level.
@@missourimanful Based on his max UTR he was a very high 5.5 or even prob. a 6.0. He definitely looks like a good 5.5 to me.
Clay said in a previous video that he puts a bunch of weight in the handle. It was like 15-20 grams if I remember correctly.
please still keep Hermont in your videos haha, what a great match!!
Hermount is a very high level for this channel... Clay is on "another channel" 😂
5:58
Best rally of this match
That laser backhand slice from Clay though
It’s all about the serve above 11 UTR
Amazing difference in levels between a great amateur and a pro. Really astounding. Congrats to Hermont for taking a few games. His serve is looking really good, gave Clay a few stutter steps.
Love hearing the post match breakdowns from these guys! Clay always brings up stuff I would never think about as a recreational player. This alone has helped my game improve!
Sucks that tennis at a pro level, even ranked top 500 in the world you are paid pennies compared to the top players. Clay retired because of it being such a financial burden to be a tennis pro. He only made about 30k over his entire career before retiring. I hope he is doing well now
Geezus, Hermont isn't a push over by any means and didn't do badly today when he could work his way past Clay's serve but Clay's serve is insane. His kick serves height is nasty 😮
Clay being kind and modest. He dominated hermont.
This just shows you that you can get humbled in this sport at any level.
Hermont did incredibly well to take a few games off a former pro but the gap between them was just too much, even for someone as good as him.
For a non-trained eye it was a close match but we can see now the difference between a pro with a great amateur. It’s the ability to make 1 or 2 more points consistently
Great match. Definitely on different levels. Even Clay's slices are so good. When you play against a lower level player, you may feel like you can go pro. 😀 I remembered an old friend of mine one time said to me after we played: 'I made you look good today".
Its really crazy how good can be a ex atp pro
He is technically not an ex ...he continued to train everyday as he said he get better
what do u mean? if he isnt on the pro tour anymore it would mean he is an ex pro, it doesnt mean he doesnt play tennis anymore
This match wasn't close. Clay was being awfully nice saying the match went down to a few critical points but really Hermont was lucky to get two games. Clay moves remarkably well for someone that tall. His defense was excellent. And what he said about his weakness in his forehand was not noticeable here as he used his forehand a lot. In fact, he dominated with his forehand. A lot of runaround forehands used. If he was playing another pro, then yeah maybe his forehand would look weaker but Hermont clearly couldn't exploit it. He didn't make Clay sweat at all. And Clay's serve was crushing. Clay beat Hermont in every phase of the game. Just a total beat down. Hermont should take solace that it took a pro to destroy him. To make this match competitive, Hermont would have to elevate his game two levels. I don't see that happening anytime soon.
If Hermont had the opportunity to play guys like Clay more often, his level would improve. Maybe he would not get to Clay’s level, but to jump in against a pro like this is a massive leap compared to 99% of even D1 players.
Anyway, it was a lot of fun to watch, and both are great players and seem like really good dudes 👍
Thanks!
Damn, seems like you have something personal against Hermont. Did he whoop your ass and you're still sore about it?
Let's be fair Hermont put in a good effort. Nice serves down the T, net play and he forced some errors.
Hermont can bagel you for sure. 😂😂
@@jeffvanderwerf3391 Of course but its more of a separate issue of playstyle and physical ability. Against mere mortals Hermont has everything but against higher level players even players who are taller than him he is just as fast as them. Look how Clay moves for how big he is, secondly Hermonts weight of shot and pace against high level players is not enough. Against everyone lower its enough but against higher players he gets turned into a counter puncher.
IDK if you play RPGs or video games but at high level tennis everyone needs to basically be at max stats at 100 for speed, power,footwork everything and only them once you get at a baseline of 100 can you get extra points in somethings
Seems like Winston was determined to find someone to beat Hermont! And it sounded like Clay had an actual strategy playing Hermont, as well. Clay is a tough opponent to beat, that's for sure!!
That bucket hat tho!
Dude that brand looks interesting 🤔
Yes a match up with Karue and Clay would be amazing! Throw in Winston and hermont, Maybe doubles?!
That clothing style is straight out of Gilligan’s island circa 1968
I tried to focus on the match but couldn't get Winston outfit out of my mind... That's quite the drip
Pro level serves are just different. Fun watch. Interesting to hear Clay's perspective.
That service motion is just fantastic. A lot of current pro do not have one so smooth.
Beautiful play from Clay- loved how he used his wingspan to open up angles on the court and pounce on opportunities to get to net to finish points. I'm envious of the ability to hit angles on the serve with that height advantage.
Been waiting for this type of match up against hermont, he didn't do too bad at all, props 👏
those forth set serves from clay were crazy 4:55
You can see at this level, having that height and serve really start to make a tangible difference that skill and wit can't overcome.
This dude's clapping bombs with a full bed of multis at 39 lbs, I don't ever want to hear another 4.0 keyboard warrior insist that they HAVE to use polys because of their level.
The way there play is great
Yaah
Yaa
Ya
This ex-pro seems so pompous. I can see him saying "yeah back in my glory days"
Mistake in the score counting at 6:30 ? Hermont up 40-30 followed by game for Clay?
I noticed that, too. Don’t let it happen again, Du! 😉j/k
The mental problem with 4.5/5.0 & club league players is the super annoying commentary after EVERY point 🙄 “Good Shot”, “Ahhh”, “No”, “Just Wide”. Guys, learn from the top pros use your arms 🦾 & legs 🦵 more, and STFU and play a good ball 😂
you make it sound so simple 😂
Great content. This shows the real thought processes between a pro and a very good recreational player. A great insight on the mindset of tennis professional during a match.
the matchup we all needed! I LOVE YOU HERMONT!
Former 400 ATP pro . . . So there's: current 400, 100, 50, top 10... Jesus. Just imagine Federer 8-2 this guy too :O
Great matchups on this channel to see how levels increase like that!
What is Winston wearing?!?! Is that from the Jack Harlow collection???
So yeah, freeze frame at 1:10 minutes into the video and tell me what you see!! Hilarious bulge dude!!!
damn what a beast, hermont is good but clay is good-er LOl
Hermont did great tbh. Incredible it took a former pro to beat him since nobody else could haha
Clay vs Luka???
holy crap the difference is huge, it looked like to me Hermont was playing around 70+ capacity for majority of the match. where as Clay was chilling at around 50ish and turned it up abit for a few games, especially on the last service game, he might've went 80ish. hence the 2 double faults. (hard to turn it up all of a sudden)
Great content, way for thenunderdog to fight. I would like to know Clays racquet specs as he mentioned he uses a heavier racquet. Also lastly we must see Clay play Karue!
Props to Winston for wearing those threads 😂
This guy Clay.. wow… and to think there’s several levels above him is just insane.
New subscriber Winston. I appreciate the post-game analysis with the players. Collegial and informative.
I think tennis is a big man's game these days.
Although clays not at the elite level anymore at this level it's a bit too much for his opponent today.
Herrmont is a great player. But That extra punch in power coming back just kept him on the back foot and out of points.
Clay is the older brother of JJ Wolf 🐺
Excellent match! It's amazing to me how Hermont can look almost unbeatable for many videos, but then runs into someone in Clay that is another level. I felt like Hermont was on the defensive the entire match and was feeling the weight of Clay's shots. No doubt Hermont is an awesome tennis player and probably better than 80-90% of players, but you could see the level difference so easy. Great video again Winston!
hermont is more like top 0.5 % of player. He is close to being competitive in low level futures tournaments, if not already there
Nice match! Really tough serving from Clay. That's the biggest difference in this match.
Those UTRs make me want to cry. And those clothes give me a super chill beach with Piña Colada on hand vibe.
And bro, you nuked Hermont. =/
Nice match and analysis. Love ehat you're doing Winston
Love the strat of Clay kicking it out wide. Nice job to Hermont for hanging in there. The insights at the end were spot on. Keep up the good work Winston.
Best game
Yaa
Yahhh
I notice Clay’s Roland Garros towel. 👍🏼. I went for the first time this year and came back with six of those towels. 😂. Great play you guys
Clay's serve is insane. But actually Hermont is also a huge server compare with his height
Sheesh, really crazy points in there! Hermont beats 90+ percent of us, puts things into perspective!
I rally like these matches… at all levels
I watch your shows pretty regularly. It's great to see a former UCLA Bruin, as I am one. LOL What happened to Jennifer Brady (she was #13 on WTA)? What about match between some older (60+) former pros or former college players?
Klay Thompson looks a lot different than I remember 🤔
Clay vs Govind
Karu v clay
Can you get Clay Thompson to play Kei Nishikori? Let's see how many games he can get off Kei.
Firstly, loved the match! Second, Hermont is a very good player and he did great to get two games against a former top 400 pro who can still play futures level tennis.
But from my perspective, Clay is in a totally different league to Hermont and has lots of gears to go through if required. I dont mean that disrespectfully to Hermont as he's clearly very good but Clay is a former pro and his extra skills were clear to see.
Would love to see Karue v Clay as that would be epic!
Stratospheric level of performance. Hermont and Clay, both super humble and extremely professional guys.
5.5 level is high, and then you get a higher level pro to compete against. I must say however that Clay would probably go much higher than his pro ranking previously. Just too solid.
Hermont did a great job here as well. Would love to see this match up and even with Clay vs Karue as well.
Thanks Winston! You're doing amazing with your channel.
M
High level match for sure. But Clay's serve was over the top. Big props to Hermont for competing out there. I'd love to see a rematch, Winston!
Is that what it's like to play Federer? 🤔 What's it like to play like McEnroe? How 'bout Clay w a Jack Kramer Pro Staff original wood vs. Winston? Lets go!
The higher the level the shorter the angles. Impressive stuff!
Is a high UTR better than a low one ?
I dont know, how this is going in America :) ?!
You don’t have to say good job on every point
The serve is the difference between USTA 5.0 and PRO
I was rooting for Hermont to the very end! Great game to the both of the players. Thanks for that, and already looking forward to the next one!
Crazy how low tensions are for good players these days. Lowest I string is 50 lbs at the bottom of my racquet’s recommended tension range
Hahaha don’t think we didnt notice the point faux pas at 6:25 Winston 😂 it was 30-40 Clay but you had 40-30 Hermont
I saw that
Serve at 7:04 looked wide?
Great match. Hermont was playing well, but Clay was just better.
The Sigrun outfit looks nice. Just shopped a bunch---thanks for the discount code!
Clay Thompson huh? So this is what you do during the off-season!!! 😋😋😁
I had a UTR 12.5, but then the doc prescribed me some penicillin and it cleared right up.
i know from experience when you're saying 'good shot' every other point then you're probably in deep waters lol!
hermont is good but Clay is levels above. Really impressive
Like the others said…. World of difference just between these two levels. As well as Hermont played and great shots, the pace and length and touch of Clay hard to compete with. Thanks for putting this match on.
Switch around their respective heights, and you have a match.
Clay and Karue played together already...ua-cam.com/video/32suwSltuac/v-deo.html
Karue is a better player then clay. This is why you don’t rely on utr that much
it would be nice if you can invite Federer to play with Clay next time.
wow great stuff, I never comment ever. But great stuff and comments after
Can you imagine how good a guy like Federer is. He probably beat Clay easily.
I mean, he won 6-0 6-0 against guys who beat Clay easily.
Sorry to say this is 3.5NTRP tennis at BEST
Winston why are you wearing your pajamas my dude?
kinda jinxed him with the 11 streak
I want to see more Desmond
Never judge a player by their string tension.