TV-Series
Description
Elmer Siegfried is a third-year middle school student and a representative of the formidable German team at the U-17 World Cup. He is a young player whose journey is defined by the tension between immense natural talent and a deep-seated psychological complex about always coming in second place.

Standing at 170 centimeters and weighing 59 kilograms, Siegfried possesses a look that blends delicate, almost feminine hairstyling with sharper, masculine facial features. Born on December 2nd, his right-handed playing style is built upon a serve-and-volley foundation, though his most praised attribute is not aggressive net play but rather his unusually high defensive capabilities, which have earned recognition from elite players like Kunimitsu Tezuka.

Siegfried’s personality is a study in contrasts. On the surface, he is brash, confrontational, and prone to provocative remarks, a behavior that can be seen as a way to protect his pride. He is described as being rude, grabbing Tezuka's face during a strategy meeting and refusing a post-match handshake with an opponent after a loss. However, beneath this defiant exterior lies a surprising degree of self-awareness and humility. He is acutely conscious of his own weaknesses, even referring to himself as the weak link of the German team, and he is receptive to advice from his peers. This duality forms the core of his character: an aggressive front masking a vulnerable interior.

Siegfried’s background is marked by frustration. Hailed as a genius since childhood, he has consistently failed to secure a championship victory, always ending a tournament as the runner-up. This second-place complex drives him. He enters the German national team’s training camp viewing it as his final chance to prove himself, only to suffer another defeat, this time at the hands of his own teammate, A. Frankensteiner. Dejected, he is encouraged to persevere by his trusted doubles partner, Michael Bismarck, which reignites his competitive fire.

His role in the story is primarily as a rival and a catalyst for growth, both for himself and others. Siegfried’s most significant relationship is with his Japanese teammate, Kunimitsu Tezuka. Initially, he views Tezuka with intense jealousy, feeling threatened by his skill. He constantly provokes him and challenges him to nightly matches. This animosity, however, gradually evolves into a deep respect and a healthy rivalry. In a significant turn, Tezuka himself admits to struggling against Siegfried’s formidable defensive play, an acknowledgment that helps Siegfried regain his shattered confidence. Beyond Tezuka, his bond with Bismarck is crucial; Bismarck is both a supportive mentor and the partner with whom Siegfried achieves his greatest on-court synergy. He also looks up to the team’s captain, Jürgen Borisovich Volk, whose few words carry great weight in inspiring him during critical moments.

Over the course of the tournament, Siegfried experiences significant development. His jealousy matures into a positive competitive spirit. After rebuilding his self-belief, he challenges Frankensteiner to a rematch. In this intense battle, Siegfried finally breaks past his mental block and achieves The Pinnacle of Perfection, also known as Ten'imuhō no Kiwami, a state of ultimate ecstasy and power that only a handful of players can access. This breakthrough is reported to the team’s coach, solidifying his place in the semifinal lineup.

In the semifinal match against Japan, Siegfried showcases his tactical cunning. Teaming again with Bismarck in doubles, he faces the Japanese pair of Shuji Tanegashima and Akaya Kirihara. He engages Kirihara in a modified singles duel, subtly goading him into expending his energy to win the first set. However, he is subsequently immobilized by a karma-like technique and must rely on his partner. Recovering and refusing to give up, Siegfried, with Bismarck, unleashes a breathtaking display of advanced abilities. Together, they simultaneously activate Synchronization and Ability Resonance, a feat of perfect doubles harmony. In the match’s final moments, they even deploy a powerful move called Sein Grenze, but they ultimately fall just short of victory, suffering a narrow defeat that deepens his rivalry with the Japanese team. Beyond tennis, Siegfried has a whimsical side. He enjoys woodworking, picking verbal fights, and strolling. His favorite food is gummy bears, though he despises tire-shaped ones, and his ideal date spot is a Christmas market.