In the first game of the fourth set, Gao Wen tried to take advantage of the victory and continue to break serve to widen the gap and continue his momentum, but unfortunately he failed in the end.
Since then, Gawain has adjusted his strategy, dealt with it patiently, and adjusted his physical distribution to minimize the impact of his extreme physical strength. After all, he needs to take a long-term view. If he wants to win this game, five sets is the only option; While accumulating strength and waiting, looking for flaws.
In the seventh game of the fourth set, Gawain got his chance——
On the surface, everything seemed normal, calm and without any special situation; but in Gawain's eyes, the game took on a different look.
"0:15".
In this game, Gao Wen scored the first point, which was a very ordinary point. Gao Wen exerted pressure through the deep area of continuous baselines. Istomin tried to counterattack and further speed up. As a result, the forehand attack went down the net, and the center of gravity was not able to It was completely lowered so that the return ball could not be pulled up.
That's all.
An ordinary and normal one point, even more common on grass courts, nothing special.
Gawain doesn't think so.
He is waiting for an opportunity, an opportunity to break the deadlock, suddenly speed up, and break through Istomin. Such an opportunity is occasionally a bit of luck or an accident, just like the landmine in the tenth game of the third set; occasionally, he needs to take the initiative. Go out and create, break the balance.
Just like this time——
Istomin's physical limit has not yet completely passed, and the quality of his return is declining; at the same time, this game does not seem to be a critical game, but it is easy to take it lightly, and the sense of crisis will inevitably arrive slowly.
Most importantly, Gawain scored the first point.
So why not give it a try and see if you can tip the balance?
A hunter's sense of smell can keenly detect the hidden reefs under the calm river. Moments that may not seem like opportunities can often bring unexpected surprises.
So Gawain did just that.
Second District.
Gao Wen came to the baseline and prepared to receive the serve. He moved his position slightly forward by half a step. From a visual point of view, it was not obvious. Both forward and backward were within the normal range. It looked more like a tentative deterrent.
Istomin noticed it and reminded himself not to be affected by Gawain, to continue to stay focused, to continue his serving routine, and not to lose focus.
--tread.
Over there, Istomin threw the ball.
In this room, Gawain took a small step forward.
--tread.
On the other side, Istomin serves.
Here, Gawain took a small step forward again.
Everything happens simultaneously.
In the blink of an eye, Gawain's footsteps had already reached the bottom line.
It was mentioned more than once during the previous clay court season that Nadal often chose to stand four or five meters away from the baseline to receive serve at Roland Garros.
The reason, very intuitive, is to gain more space and time for yourself to return the ball.
With the help of high-tech equipment, the speed and power conversion rate of tennis balls are getting higher and higher, and the impact that players need to face is becoming more and more fierce. Without physical adjustments, the reaction speed is often difficult to keep up with the speed of serving; even if It’s also difficult to keep up with the ball return parabola.
Later, not only Nadal, but also young players such as Thiem, Rude, Tsitsipas, etc. often chose to distance themselves on clay to receive the serve.
However, at this time, Gawain not only did not retreat, but also took the initiative to move forward, compressing his receiving space; moreover, this was still grass.
Serena Williams often does this in WTA competitions.
Because the opponent's serve is soft and unable to create pressure in terms of strength and speed, Serena Williams simply stands on the baseline or enters the baseline to receive the serve. In this way, she seizes the rising point, uses her strength advantage to directly launch the attack, and finally returns to the baseline. Serve with an ACE and sweep.
Especially at Wimbledon, this is one of Serena Williams' masterstrokes.
But the point is, the ATP is not the WTA. No matter how soft the men's serve is, even if it is the second serve, the impact of power will still be oppressive.
What's more, this is Istomin's first shot!
Therefore, when Gawain stepped forward, the entire No. 2 Court was collectively shocked. Before they even had time to react, they exclaimed——
Huh!
Dumbfounded, dumbfounded.
The next second, the exclamations were cut off, and his attention was completely attracted by the movements on the court.
Everything happened so fast that there was no time to even blink.
step.
Come forward.
Gawain's entire brain remained absolutely clear and calm. He knew that he was taking risks and he knew that he was gambling, which required even more concentration.
Objectively speaking, if Istomin's serve chooses to open an angle, a wide outside angle or a large inside angle, Gao Wen's step forward will cut off his possibility of receiving the serve, and his steps will be too late to cover the wide angle. In the end, Istomin's serve Ming means just one ACE to relax the tension and achieve a quick victory.
But now, Istomin is facing the extreme physical condition and is worried that the second serve will become the target of Gawain's attack. He must improve the scoring rate of the first serve. He often does not take the risk of opening the angle and aiming for the corners, but uses close-range shots. The body serve creates a squeeze and maintains the pressure from the first serve.
At least, this is the routine. Gao Wen's bet is that Istomin will continue the routine this time. After all, in the seventh game, the score is not critical or dangerous. There is no crisis or chaos. There is no need to break the routine. Adventurous, isn't it?
step.
Two steps.
In the blink of an eye, Gawain's footsteps were already standing on the baseline, and immediately after Istomin's serve, his pupils continued to dilate——
Coming at you.
Inside angle, forehand, but not too big, still close to the body.
“Just right!”
Gawain was highly focused and his steps did not stop. Not only did he not stop, but his center of gravity continued to press forward, ready to take a step forward.
However, before taking a step forward, Gao Wen stretched out his forehand, tilted his body slightly to the left, and got out of the way, giving him room to swing the racket, and he explored the racket:
The tennis ball jumped up from bottom to top like a torpedo. Gawain's knees kept bending and his center of gravity sank. Finally, he completed a shot near the knee that was almost a rebound shot. He did not exert any force at all, but used the force to hit the ball. Strength, and rely on the wrapping of the wrist to bring it back with a gentle touch.
bass--
In the flash of lightning, there was no breathing room, and the tennis ball had already jumped back.
opportunity!
Just after the forehand was touched, Gawain leaned forward and continued to step forward with his center of gravity, following the flight path of the tennis ball.
Return the serve and go to the net!
Tap tap, tap tap tap.
The pace is light and agile, the thinking is clear and the execution is firm. The connection from hitting the ball to the net is smooth and smooth, leaving no breathing space.
Sampras's eyes lit up, he clenched his fist secretly, and applauded Gawain. After half a year of continuous practice and implementation, he finally had some results.
Huhu...
The strong wind hunted, and in the blink of an eye, Gawain's figure was like a giant standing in front of the net. His 193 cm height easily covered most of the space in front of Istomin's field of vision, and his outstretched arms were like blocking the dragon. The white-robed wizard poured out his mighty momentum.
Istomin:? ? ?
Some people died, but not completely...
