Cutting, backspin——
For Dimitrov, it was no surprise.
After completing the transformation in the grass-court season and ushering in a breakthrough, he is very familiar with these routines and tactics, so there is no need to panic.
The focus is never on the tactics themselves, but on execution and timing.
After fifty rounds of basic batting training, using chipping to change the rhythm, does this mean that Gawain is also tired? Need to adjust your steps?
Maybe, this is Dimitrov's chance?
As soon as the thoughts flashed in his mind, Dimitrov had already grasped the inspiration——
Kicking off his right leg, his calf muscles trembled slightly, and his forehand had already been struck. He knew at a glance that he was preparing to use his upper hand, but this time Dimitrov was highly focused, and his entire hitting action appeared to be extremely careful.
Dimitrov reminded himself that this was a trap.
In the face of backspin cutting, if the arc of the bat is not pulled up and the bat is just hit flat, it is a high probability event that the ball will hit the net; if the center of gravity does not sink and the swing action is just a blind flat hit, the result will still be the ball hit the net.
On grass, you need to be extra careful when cutting, especially after entering an anaerobic state. Due to the effect of lactic acid, muscle control is often not precise enough. Either you are eager or careless, which can easily lead to mistakes.
Therefore, Dimitrov is very focused -
Squat, turn, swing.
Lift!
The entire batting action is done in one go, free and easy, with a sense of agility and style, and is indeed a visual enjoyment.
Then, the tennis ball flew back along the diagonal line again, falling rapidly towards Gao Wen's forehand baseline triangle area, and the full parabola crossed the net, as thrilling as a shooting star.
Dimitrov was very satisfied with his shot, confidence and pride surged in his chest, and his footsteps became lighter when he returned to defense again.
but!
The footsteps were still moving, and before he had time to brake, Dimitrov noticed Gawain's movements. As soon as his pupils closed, he immediately realized the variables. Before he could think about it carefully, Gawain had already taken action.
Rob.
Gawain did not retreat or wait. He directly hit a rebound shot with his forehand, moved his arm with a transfer movement, and swept the racket with one shot——
Bounce, skateboard.
The connection of the entire shot is very meticulous, and the rhythm of returning the ball suddenly speeds up.
Dimitrov didn't have time to think about it, he stopped and turned quickly, quickly returned to his position, and then passively rolled his forehand, hitting the tennis ball back quickly.
Immediately afterwards, his footsteps returned to defense again.
Everything happened too fast. Before Dimitrov could reach the defensive point, and before he could stop and turn suddenly, he could already see Gawain speeding up——
With a kick of the foot, the rhythm and speed of the lateral movement is obviously increased to a higher level. The cross-step change is dazzling. The speed of lateral movement drives the forehand, suddenly speeds up, suddenly grabs the point, and strikes directly.
Different from the previous rebound shot, this time Gao Wen's footsteps came above the baseline, seizing the opportunity of Dimitrov's slightly mediocre return parabola, grabbing a rising point, and further increasing the rhythm and speed.
Turns out, everything is layout:
Starting from the slowdown of the chipping ball, Gao Wen was planning the layout, seizing the subtle changes in the gap when both players entered anaerobic state, and then continuously increased the speed, including changes in placement and route.
call!
This forehand shot that grabs the rising point of the shot immediately catches the tennis ball's low bounce and rising curve on the grass. The forehand shot sweeps through the shot and hits flat with great force. The speed and rhythm are upgraded to a higher level.
The tennis ball flew at a low altitude close to the net, penetrated into the shallow area on Dimitrov's right sideline, bounced on the ground, and then disappeared in the blink of an eye.
Dimitrov's steps were already in place and he waved his forehand quickly, but——
Nothing at all.
Just wave it empty.
Dimitrov's steps were very awkward. He staggered and extended his body to try to complete the swing. However, he was still unable to catch up. He watched helplessly as the tennis ball broke through the blockade and slammed into the barbed wire behind him.
Wow!
For the eleventh consecutive goal, the winner is still Gawain.
What...what's going on?
Dimitrov stood there, panting like an ox, his chest heaving violently like a bellows, and the thoughts in his mind were swept into the storm.
There are question marks all over my head.
A key message that Rashid has always conveyed to Dimitrov is:
All is ready except for the opportunity.
Dimitrov already has the ability to become the number one in the world. What he lacks now is to pierce a layer of window paper and then be able to complete his transformation. He needs to pursue perfection, he needs to unleash his full potential, and he needs to dare to be critical in key situations. Always try something bolder and more adventurous.
In other words, he needs to break through his limits and rise to a new level.
Dimitrov also believed unswervingly. After all, with the help of Rashid, he did complete the transformation. He completed a gorgeous turn at Wimbledon last year and ushered in the first breakthrough of his career. His confidence also increased. It climbed to a whole new level.
But, now?
This is basic batting training, and they don’t need to predict. Dimitrov knew that Gao Wen would continue to choose to hit the forehand diagonally, and he also knew that Gao Wen was increasing his speed, but in the end, he still failed to complete the ball, ranking tenth consecutively. Once, I lost a round during a basic forehand training confrontation.
Even if Dimitrov didn't want to, he had to think:
Does his basic skills really no longer need to be improved?
Dimitrov's pride suffered a direct blow, so that his confidence was shaken, and everything he once believed in became uncertain.
So, what should he do?
Recently, Dimitrov was already in a stage of self-doubt, and now there is a gap in his self-confidence, and then he can no longer control it.
Huchi, wheeze...
Dimitrov felt his lungs burning, and even his breathing became short.
Then, Dimitrov saw Gawain.
He gently clenched his fists, and the smile at the corner of his mouth bloomed wantonly. When his eyes collided, he added insult to injury mercilessly, making fun and ridicule. He looked like a person who harmed his friends. You can feel the schadenfreude from his body language without the need for words. They laughed at me and gave me no face at all.
Looking at Gawain like this, Dimitrov couldn't help but chuckle, a little helpless and a little funny, and looked down at his racket dejectedly.
At this time, a voice came from behind, "Why don't you take a rest first?"
Dimitrov turned his head and looked over, and it was Agassi standing in the shadows. He was already holding the racket and preparing to appear. It seemed that he was preparing to take over Dimitrov's position. This made him choke slightly on his words. choke:
Is he looked down upon now?
And in front of two legends, Sampras and Agassi?
Damn it!
"No, Andrei, I'm okay." Dimitrov straightened his back and replied.
Agassi did not argue, "This is just basic training, there is no need to take it seriously."
Inexplicably, these comforting words made Dimitrov's fighting spirit even higher——
If it was just basic training, then what does it mean if he lost eleven rounds in a row?
Wait, can he curse?
(End of chapter)
