Responses
I disagree. As far as I remember (it's been a long time since I read this), Tatsuhiko has always looked upto Ryuu. It's in human nature to imitate someone they like and respect. His plays are the result of his own hardwork and his idolization of Ryuu. He's acknowledged that Ryuu is the same as ever, even if he lost his natural ability to control the ball. Ryuu is still the capable player he was. They're friends as well as rivals, so of course, he can't show mercy on the field.
I don’t really hate tatsuhiko because he replaced Ryuu in the past, i just hate him because he imitate Ryuu when he is in his prime state and he look up and admire the past Ryuu but not really acknowledged the current Ryuu in front of him, i feel sth lacking in him, sincerity and respect i guess. I start to like sakuraba more and more since he notice and respect the current Ryuu as a friend and team mate