The air was slightly scorched, and even the sea breeze blowing in the face was mixed with billowing heat waves, making people breathless.
"5:5".
In the first set, the match was still evenly matched.
Neither player was able to break serve, and each other was absolutely strong in their own service games. The back-and-forth competition created fierce sparks.
From all aspects, it is indeed in line with the intensity of the Masters final. If nothing else, the outcome of the first set should be decided by a tiebreaker——
This is a high probability event.
However, this is what onlookers think. For both sides on the court, they still hope to win as soon as possible and avoid a tiebreaker.
In the tie-break, luck and unexpected factors are magnified. A little mistake or deviation may lead to the loss of the whole game, just like gambling. Therefore, if possible, the players hope to win before the tie-break. Only very, very A few players enjoyed the thrill of the tiebreak:
For example, big guns like Isner and Karlovich.
In the same way, among the two teams facing each other in today's final, Sock's combination may welcome the tiebreaker a little more.
After all, the Sock combination has an advantage in serving. Entering the tie-break, their psychological advantage may be a little ahead. Of course, this is only a theoretical possibility on paper.
Next, Sock’s serve——
The Sock combination must hold serve to ensure that they seize the opportunity and put all the pressure on their opponents.
As for the Gao Wen combination, if they want to avoid the tiebreaker, Sock's serve is the last chance. Otherwise, their momentum will be suppressed. They must first face the pressure of the serve that must be guaranteed, and then face the pressure of the serve. Against the disadvantage of the tie-break, layers of pressure piled up like this.
Because of this, the closer to the end of the game, the more obvious the pressure; the closer to the victory or defeat, the more intense the situation.
"30:0".
The Sock combination still performed well.
Judging from their performance in the first set so far, they are very well prepared. They served and attacked in the first three shots. The tactical layout was clear and the execution was precise. They quickly ended the confrontation before the round ball dragged into a tug-of-war. The whole game seemed Very crisp and in really good condition.
No wonder he was able to reach the finals of all three Masters tournaments in a row.
"30:30".
Gawain and his team are in hot pursuit.
Relying on Sock's forehand into the net and Dimitrov's high pressure in front of the net, he quickly recovered two points and dragged the game into a tie situation.
From Indian Wells to Monte Carlo, the biggest change in Gao Wen and Dimitrov's second partnership is not the tacit understanding between the two people, but the transformation of Dimitrov's state. It can be clearly felt that this One of the top ten players in the world is finding his game again.
Dimitrov's talent in touch and ball touch is indeed enviable, and it is not without reason that he is called "Little Federer".
In doubles matches, Dimitrov often performs amazingly in front of the net. Even if he cannot score directly, he can still put his opponent into a passive situation by controlling the return of the ball. Coupled with Gao Wen's tactical layout and bottom line support, they Also showed top fighting ability in Monte Carlo.
Purely in terms of competitive status, both sides today are at their recent peak, which is also the direct reason why both sides were able to reach the final——
In the first set, the Gaowen combination only got two break points and missed them all; the Sock combination only got one break point and failed to cash in.
To put it simply, there are not many chances to break serve.
At critical moments, both pairs can quickly improve the state of the game and regain the initiative. However, in the early, middle and end of the game, the entire atmosphere, pressure, and mentality will undergo subtle changes, and the matchup situation will also create many possibilities. Opportunities often arise. Appear unexpectedly.
At this time, "30:30", the atmosphere became tense again.
The Socks returned to the baseline, turned their backs to the court, and whispered about serving tactics for the next point.
At the same time, Gaowen and his team also stood at the bottom line and exchanged opinions.
After two rounds of competition, the tacit understanding between Gao Wen and Dimitrov is indeed growing. In just a few words and a look, Dimitrov has already understood, and there is a trace of determination in his eyes. I completely believe in Gawain's interpretation of the battle situation and his tactical arrangements.
In fact, both sides know what situation they will face next:
The Gao Wen combination tried to break the game, break the balance, get a chance to break serve, or even break serve directly.
The Sock combination seized the opportunity, took the initiative, maintained serve strongly, and suppressed the opponent's strong impact.
The key is, in this calculation and calculation, who can turn his head faster and execute it more resolutely.
The game is ongoing.
Snapped. Snapped.
Sock, ready to serve——
Sock served, Gawain received the serve, and Dimitrov and Pospisil stood diagonally in front of the net.
Dimitrov glanced at Pospisil, his eyes couldn't help but fall on Pospisil's wrist holding the racket, and Gawain's analysis came to mind:
Today, Sock and Pospisil obviously formulated tactics, and the volleys in front of the net were mainly about chasing.
In other words, when the opportunity to volley in front of the net arises, most of them hit the defensive player's position in front of the net instead of looking for gaps.
The tactical intention is very direct, to compress reaction time, increase the pace of the game as much as possible, transform clay into grass, and expand their advantage.
Occasionally, they will also choose to intersperse some different volley lines to avoid being seen as a routine, and at the same time, they can also create unexpected effects; but generally speaking, the first shot of the volley, in the case of conditioned reflex or active attack, is the best way to pursue the opponent. The probability of interception skyrocketed.
So, this time too?
In Gawain's words, "Even if it is not, we must create a trap to induce him to do so."
To break the situation, start with Pospisil.
Gawain swore that it was definitely not because of personal grudges, but simply because Pospisil was stupider—well, to be precise, because Pospisil was the weak link in the opposing team.
The reason is that simple.
Dimitrov concentrated his attention, bent down, squatted, kept his center of gravity light, and stared intently at Sock, who was preparing to serve in the first area.
Kick the ground!
Toss the ball!
Swing the racket!
outer corner.
Sock chose the outside corner for his first serve, with a speed of 199 kilometers per hour, and a trademark powerful flat serve.
boom!
The tennis ball struck like a heavy cannon.
Dimitrov quickly straightened his knees, straightened his waist, stood on tiptoes, and continuously adjusted his center of gravity. His knees jumped lightly as if there were springs in them.
Immediately afterwards, without looking back, he could see the mustard yellow light and shadow trail in the corner of his eyes, dragging its long tail and traveling in a straight line.
straight line!
Chase me!
From the perspective of the route, it is indeed a straight line; but from the perspective of the landing point, it is a chasing back ball, a tennis ball, and an impact from Pospisil's position.
shock!
Dimitrov immediately caught Pospisil's slightly panicked expression. He adjusted in small steps continuously, his body was like a bow and arrow slowly being drawn. Then he saw Pospisil unable to dodge, and subconsciously shot with his backhand. Intercepted a shot——
Slash!
Sure enough, it was a diagonal line, flying towards Dimitrov.
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