Chapter 121 A Little Expectation
Looking at Tobias in front of him, he dug a hole for himself and jumped into it, but at the critical moment he showed amazing explosive power and turned the tide on the edge of danger. The whole atmosphere suddenly became cheerful and relaxed.
A smile also appeared in Gao Wen's eyes, "Thank you for the compliment."
After all, Tobias's words just now, comparing him with Li Na, were indeed a compliment.
Tobias also smiled. He had been watching from the side just now. Gawain's conversation and humor obviously did not conform to people's stereotypes about Asians.
Not only was he graceful and elegant, but he also knew how to advance and retreat appropriately, and was able to handle himself with ease even when facing Sampras, which was in stark contrast to McDonald next to him.
This struck Tobias as somewhat interesting.
Originally, the Pac-12 Conference championship game had no appeal to Tobias, who came here purely to relax and have a vacation. Even if the Bruins won the championship, he didn't think it was a big deal, as it was just an NCAA game, not even the U.S. Championships. After the game, when Sampras pulled him over to congratulate the team, he was also indifferent.
That's why I didn't say anything at the beginning.
But now it seems that this Gawain is indeed interesting. Compared with his performance on the court, the temperament he displays in his behavior and conduct off the court is the most important - this is the so-called superstar potential; however, competitive sports are special, personal charm is important, but personal strength and performance on the court are more important.
Tobias naturally knew this clearly, so it was just fun and nothing more.
"Li Na just won her second Grand Slam title in January. Now everyone is eyeing the Chinese market. She is a hot commodity. How about it? Are you looking forward to making history? Let the world of tennis hear some boys' names?"
Tobias said this half-jokingly, but at least the first half was sincere.
In January this year, Li Na won the Australian Open and won her second Grand Slam title, further making history. Now her commercial value has also reached a new peak. After all, the Chinese market is a big cake that can be seen by the whole world. Who doesn't want a piece of it?
However, compared with the comprehensive breakthrough of female players, the performance of male players is completely disappointing. So far, no Chinese male tennis player has been able to break into the top 100 in the world. Compared with the collective advantage of female players who have won Olympic doubles championships, Grand Slam doubles championships, Grand Slam singles semi-finals, and many players ranked in the top 100 in the world, the difference is simply between heaven and earth.
Not to mention Li Na's two Grand Slam singles championship trophies.
That’s why Tobias’ words were slightly teasing—but without any malice.
Gao Wen pursed his lips slightly, and raised his eyebrows. "Who knows what will happen next? We should be full of expectations for the future, right?"
There was no direct response, but a rhetorical question showed a gesture, meeting Tobias's gaze neither humble nor arrogant.
Tobias was a little surprised, and there was a hint of amusement in his eyes when he looked at Gawain.
Sampras could feel the brief collision and bumped into Tobias directly, "John, your behavior is very rude."
Tobias didn't hesitate and said, "I'm sorry, I'm always like this, I don't know how to joke, so I don't have many friends around me anymore."
A self-deprecating joke immediately made the atmosphere light. Gawain did not become aggressive, but followed Tobias' words and joked, "Run! Pete, run!"
He called out in the tone of the movie "Forrest Gump", as if asking Sampras to stay away from this bad friend as soon as possible. The humorous effect was very good and successfully made everyone laugh.
The conversation did not last long, and then Purcell and Di Giulio also came over in a crowd, hoping to take a photo with Sampras, and then Gawain and McDonald made way.
"Gawain, are you okay?" MacDonald lowered his voice and looked at Gawain with some concern.
Gao Wen laughed heartily, "Mike, I'm fine, everything is fine, let's make history together!"
With laughter, Gawain and McDonald joined their teammates in celebrating again.
Sampras stayed where he was, and after sending Ser and Di Giulio away, he finally had time to bump into Tobias' shoulder and asked, "What happened to you just now?"
Tobias chuckled twice. "I just thought that the kid was interesting, so I gave him a try. Maybe he is worth looking forward to."
Sampras was a little speechless as he looked at his friend's face full of evil humor.
Tobias was originally a tennis player, but due to his limited talent, he later switched to become a sports agent at the suggestion of legendary star John McEnroe. He has been in the industry for nearly 20 years and has now become a senior agent at the West Coast branch of IMG agency.
Simply put, IMG agency is one of the top sports agencies in the world, and there is no problem even if the "one" is removed.
Their business covers football, basketball, rugby, golf, baseball and so on, and they have countless top superstars. In the field of tennis alone, names such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and so on are on the list.
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As mentioned before, Tobias' own sports career was mediocre, but now he always hopes that the clients he helps to manage their business can write legends, so that he can also sit in the player box, watch the Grand Slam finals, and share the joy and happiness together, so he is very interested in talented players.
At present, Tobias' main focus is on the young Bulgarian talent Grigor Dimitrov, who is known as the "Little Federer" because his technical style and tennis talent are indeed very similar to those of Federer when he was young. He has also performed well after turning to the professional arena.
At the Australian Open at the beginning of the year, Dimitrov advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time, and his future is promising.
But unfortunately, Tobias always lacks a bit of luck. The players he represents have not yet won a Grand Slam championship, and the exploration of commercial value has not been able to open up a new situation. Therefore, he has always been lingering on the edge of middle management in IMG agency and has not been able to go any further.
Whenever he sees a young player with potential, regardless of whether he is really interested in signing him or not, Tobias always likes to tease him, just like the weird uncle who always lingers at family gatherings.
Sampras glanced at his friend and couldn't help wanting to complain, but he didn't have the chance. Reporters appeared from nowhere and surrounded Sampras, hoping that he could express his opinion on the game. Tobias disappeared quietly in the crowd.
That common face indeed merged into the sea in the blink of an eye and could never be found again.
Sampras was quickly submerged in the crowd and had no time to look for Tobias. The most urgent task was to cheer himself up and deal with the media.
First update. Thanks to book friends "言瑾丶", "大江东去", "书友20210503233239107", "无忧是希望的境" for their rewards! Thank you all for your support.
(End of this chapter)