Chapter 1260: Breaking the impasse
The air was slightly scorching, and even the sea breeze blowing in the face was mixed with rolling heat waves, making it hard to breathe.
"5:5".
In the first set, the game remained evenly matched.
Neither side was able to break the serve, and both performed absolutely strongly in their own service games, with the back-and-forth contest producing intense sparks.
From all aspects, it is indeed in line with the intensity of the Masters final. If nothing unexpected happens, the outcome of the first set should be decided by a tiebreak.
This is a high probability event.
However, this is just the thinking of bystanders. For the two opposing teams on the court, they still hope to win as soon as possible and avoid a game seven.
In a tiebreak, the factors of luck and accidents are magnified. A slight mistake or deviation may lead to a total loss, just like gambling. Therefore, if possible, the players all hope to win before the tiebreak. Only a very, very small number of players enjoy the excitement of a tiebreak: such as big guns like Isner and Karlovic.
Similarly, between the two teams in today's final, the Sock combination might prefer a tiebreak a little more.
After all, the Sock combination has the advantage in serving, and going into the tiebreak, they may have a slight psychological advantage. Of course, this is only a theoretical possibility on paper.
Next, Sock's serve -
The Sock combination must hold their serve to ensure that they seize the initiative and put all the pressure on their opponents.
For the Gao Wen combination, if they want to avoid a tiebreak, Sock's serve is their last chance. Otherwise, their momentum will be suppressed. First, they will have to face the pressure of having to defend their serve, and then they will have to face the disadvantage of a tiebreak. Layers of pressure will pile up like this.
It is precisely because of this that the closer it gets to the end of the game, the more obvious the pressure becomes; the closer it gets to victory or defeat, the more intense the situation becomes.
"30:0".
The Sok combination continued to perform well.
Judging from their performance so far in the first set, they were very well prepared. The serve and serve attack in the first three shots had a clear tactical layout and precise execution. They quickly ended the standoff before the round turned into a tug-of-war. The whole game was very neat and tidy, and their form was indeed excellent.
No wonder he was able to reach the finals in three consecutive Masters tournaments.
"30:30".
The Gao Wen combination is in hot pursuit.
Relying on a forehand from Sok that went into the net and a high pressure from Dimitrov at the net, they quickly recovered two points and dragged the game into a tie.
From Indian Wells to Monte Carlo, the biggest change in Gao Wen and Dimitrov's second partnership is not the increased tacit cooperation between the two, but the transformation of Dimitrov's state. It can be clearly felt that this top ten player in the world is regaining his game feel.
Dimitrov's touch and ball feel are indeed enviable, and it is not without reason that he is called "Little Federer".
In doubles matches, Dimitrov's net handling is often amazing. Even if he cannot score directly, he can put his opponent into a passive situation through the control of the return ball. Coupled with Gao Wen's tactical layout and baseline support, they also showed top combat effectiveness in Monte Carlo.
In terms of pure competitive state, both teams today were at their peak recently, which was the direct reason why both teams were able to advance to the finals.
In the first set, the Gao Wen combination only had two break points, both of which they missed; the Sock combination only had one break point, both of which they failed to convert.
Simply put, there were not many break point opportunities.
At critical moments, both pairs of combinations can quickly improve their game status and regain the initiative. However, in the early, middle and late stages of the game, the entire atmosphere, pressure and mentality will undergo subtle changes, the match situation will have many possibilities, and opportunities will often appear inadvertently.
At this time, "30:30", the atmosphere became tense again.
The Soke duo returned to the baseline, turned their backs to the court, and whispered about the serving tactics for the next point.
At the same time, the Gao Wen group also stood at the bottom line and exchanged opinions.
After two races of running-in, the tacit understanding between Gawain and Dimitrov is indeed growing. In just a few words and two glances, Dimitrov has understood everything. There is a certainty in his eyes, and he completely believes in Gawain's interpretation of the battle situation and the tactical arrangement.
In fact, both sides knew what situation they would face next: the Gao Wen combination tried to break the game, break the balance, get a break point opportunity, or even break directly.
The Sock combination seized the initiative, held their serve strongly, and stifled their opponent's fierce attack.
The key lies in who can think faster and execute more resolutely in this calculation and scheming.
The game is ongoing.
Snap. Snap.
Sock, ready to serve—
Sock served, Gawain received, and Dimitrov and Pospisil stood diagonally in front of the net.
Dimitrov glanced at Pospisil, his eyes falling on Pospisil's wrist holding the racket, and Gawain's analysis came to his mind:
Today, Sock and Pospisil obviously developed a tactic, with net volleys mainly based on chasing the ball.
That is to say, when there is an opportunity to intercept at the net, most of the time, the ball will hit the position of the defensive player at the net instead of looking for an opening.
The tactical intention was very direct, which was to compress the reaction time, increase the tempo of the game as much as possible, transform the clay into grass, and expand their advantage.
Occasionally, they will also mix in some different interception route options to avoid being seen through the routine, while also being able to create unexpected effects; but overall, the possibility of a chase interception skyrocketed when the first shot was intercepted, either as a reflex or as an active attack.
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So, is it the same this time? In Gawain's words, "Even if it's not, we have to set a trap to trick him into doing it."
The breakthrough starts with Pospisil.
Gawain swore that it was not because of any personal grudge, but simply because Pospisil was more stupid - well, to be precise, because Pospisil was the weak link of the opposing team.
The reason is so simple.
Dimitrov focused his attention, bent down, squatted, kept his center of gravity light, and stared at Sock who was preparing to serve in the first area.
Push off the ground!
Throw the ball!
Swing!
Outside corner.
Sock chose the outside corner for his first serve, with a speed of 199 kilometers per hour, a signature powerful flat serve.
Boom! The tennis ball rushed over like a heavy artillery.
Dimitrov quickly straightened his knees and back, stood on tiptoes, continuously adjusted his center of gravity, and jumped lightly as if there were springs in his knees.
Then, without looking back, you can see the mustard yellow light trail in your peripheral vision, dragging its long tail and moving in a straight line.
straight line!
Chase!
Judging from the route, it is indeed a straight line; but judging from the landing point, it is a return ball, a tennis ball, aimed at Pospisil's position.
Shock! Dimitrov immediately caught Pospisil's slightly panicked expression, and took small steps to adjust his body, like a slowly drawn bow and arrow. Then he saw Pospisil dodge in time and subconsciously blocked the shot with his backhand -
Slash!
It was indeed a diagonal line, flying towards Dimitrov, like a sheep falling into the tiger's mouth.
(End of this chapter)