The knockout stage used a different format from the group stage: matches were best of five.
The matches also alternated between singles and doubles.
The first match was Singles Three.
The middle schoolers were used to this format, of course. They had played under it for a long time back home.
Ten minutes later, the referee's voice rang out again, announcing that the match was about to begin.
"Next is the Singles Three match, with Japan's Yukimura Seiichi (third year) facing Switzerland's Henry Nobel III (third year)."
"The match is starting..."
"Who would've thought? Both Japan and Switzerland have chosen to open with a clash between two middle schoolers."
"Henry Nobel III is a true young nobleman. They say his talent is on par with Zeus from the Greece Team. He's the future of the Switzerland Team."
"And he's incredibly strong. He even beat the captain of the Brazil Team."
The moment the players for the first singles match appeared, people began discussing them all around the court.
Standing beside Muneyoshi, Yukimura naturally heard all the talk.
"So my opponent is quite famous. A true young nobleman, huh..."
Yukimura took off his jacket, glanced at the other side, and murmured softly.
Hearing him, Muneyoshi laughed and teased him. "What young nobleman? An opponent like that is nothing in front of you, the Child of God. I believe in you!"
Yukimura felt a warmth in his heart. Muneyoshi's confidence in him made him happy, and Muneyoshi's teasing brought a smile to his lips.
Ever since Muneyoshi and Tezuka had defeated him, few people had called him the Child of God.
"It's time for me to go on. My opponent should be pretty good, but I won't lose..."
He handed his jacket to Sanada, picked up his racket, and walked slowly toward