The character developement is set up very well. Reminded me of Hajime no Ippo, with the difference of more realism in Baby Steps.
The story is kept quite close to reality, almost no exaggerations. This actually a very important point. The main character is very good, but he doesn't allways win, he is not overpowered and the drama is not created despite you knowing he would win anyway. The anime introduces you very well to what it means to be a pro (-fessional) in your discipline. You can also convey this to other disciplines and learn a lot. Also I learned a lot about tennis. I had zero clew before and know I can (and I do) watch a tennis match, fully understanding the terminus of commentators. From that perspective, I truly don't know any other anime, better than this.
I guess the creator of this anime was very humble himself.
This was a truly motivational anime.
