"Game, high, '6:4', '6:7', '7:6', '6:1'..."
The referee has announced the final score.
Tim stood there, slightly stunned.
In the last point, Thiem tried to fight, but his one-handed backhand could not keep up with the speed and rhythm. He was still exploding, but he could not get the hitting point. Blindly exerting force was just a waste of time, so that the backhand diagonal return ball was obviously out of bounds, and he gave away the whole game neatly.
So, is this the difference? Three hours and 23 minutes later, at the last moment of the match, Thiem's entire match was out of control, and his physical exhaustion led to a complete collapse; however, Gawain was still able to maintain the quality of his shots and tactical layout, and his advantage became more and more obvious, rushing to the finish line of victory.
Moreover, in the four games, Gao Wen's scores were all "six", which can be seen from the side that the whole situation was never out of Gao Wen's control.
For outsiders, titles such as "World No. 2", "Grand Slam Champion", and "Masters Champion" are often just a symbol or a halo. It is difficult to make an accurate judgment about the strength of such players. Even if others say it in exaggerated terms, it is difficult to have a concrete concept of everything.
But for professional players, it is very simple.
Standing on the court and playing a formal game, everything will become clear.
The gap exists objectively and is very clear, more obvious than one might imagine.
Originally, Thiem thought he would be frustrated, disappointed and sad, not only because of his loss to Gawain, but also because he failed again at Roland Garros.
It's the second round again.
On the Grand Slam stage that he had always dreamed of, he was eliminated in the second round for two consecutive years and had yet to make a breakthrough. Such a defeat was bitter.
However, when such a moment really came, Tim found that it did not happen.
To be precise, Tim is very motivated.
He was fully aware that now that he knew of the gap in strength, he should set a clear goal, devote himself to training, and work hard to keep up.
Thiem can't wait to get back to the training ground, continue training, continue sweating and keep his feet on the ground.
The future is right before our eyes.
Looking down at his racket and recalling the backhand shot of the last shot, Tim made a slight swing and gestured twice.
When he looked up again, Thiem trotted to the net, smiled widely, opened his arms early, and waited for Gao Wen to come over.
From a distance, Gawain saw Tim's actions, deliberately put on a horrified expression, stopped, and then looked around in horror.
No words were needed, just one action was enough and the audience at the Philippe Chatrier Stadium burst into laughter.
Tim, an honest man, also laughed with everyone, but still did not back down. He signaled with his eyes that he was still waiting.
Then, a smile began to rise on Gao Wen's lips. He took a step forward, trotted all the way to the net, and gave Thiem a big hug.
Bang! Bang, bang, bang! Tim's bear hug was solid and heavy, almost beating Gawain's back like a drum.
"Dominic, stop! Stop, stop, stop! If you hammer me again, I'm going to vomit blood." Gawain joked.
Tim quickly untied his hands and apologized repeatedly, "Sorry, sorry, sorry, I didn't mean it."
After pulling away a little, Tim saw the mischievous smile on Gawain's face.
Obviously, this was a prank.
But Tim is such a well-behaved boy that he fell for the same trap once, twice, and three times. But he fell for it again the fourth time. It's so cruel that even the scammers wouldn't be able to bear it.
Unfortunately, he met Gawain, a bad friend, and then pranks happened one after another.
Tim looked at Gawain helplessly, "In today's match, you crushed me into countless pieces. Why don't you allow me to take a little revenge?"
It's rare to see Tim joking.
Gao Wen immediately looked obedient, "Allow me, allow me, allow me, or else, two more hammers?"
As he spoke, Gao Wen raised his head and chest, punched his chest twice with his fists, and showed a righteous expression, as if he was ready to be executed.
In terms of eloquence, Tim was naturally no match for Gawain. He couldn't help laughing, but he still took the opportunity to punch Gawain in the chest with his right hand.
"Just once, just once is enough."
"But, today's game was really well played. Congratulations!"
"Keep winning. I expect you to go further."
After the first sentence, Gawain was about to interrupt Tim and continue joking, but the following words made Gawain swallow the words on his lips.
Thiem is so sincere and so genuine, always the same from on and off the court. Maybe he lacks a sense of humor and seems too serious all the time, so he is not entertaining; but no one can deny that he is sincere about tennis and puts all his passion into it.
This focus and dedication is also awe-inspiring.
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So Gawain stopped joking and raised his right hand, flattened it, and high-fived Tim, speaking with the same sincerity.
"Believe me, Dominic, today is just the first time. We will meet many more times in the future. In order to ensure that I can have the last laugh every time, I will work hard and keep sprinting."
"Pay attention, hurry up and catch up, don't fall too far behind."
Just these few words made Tim's blood boil.
Handshakes, hugs.
Then, Thiem took the lead in walking towards the referee, shook hands with him and returned to his own dugout, leaving the stage for Gawain. Next was his moment.
Snap, snap, snap…
Clap, clap, clap! The applause started and then rose steadily.
When Tim was about to leave the court, he suddenly realized that Gao Wen was calling on the audience to applaud him.
Perhaps, the fourth set was not satisfactory. Thiem's physical strength and mental fluctuations exposed his shortcomings. Gawain seized the opportunity and instantly widened the gap.
But there is no doubt that the wonderful first three sets of the game are definitely the highlights since the start of this year's French Open, and Thiem deserves this wave of applause.
Tim, my nose is a little sour——
This is the stage he has always dreamed of, this is the competition he has always dreamed of, and he is so honored to be able to team up with Gao Wen to complete such a competition.
After a little bit of sadness, there is more happiness and joy, because Tim believes that this is just the beginning and he will have the opportunity to return to this court in the future.
Tim also raised his hands and applauded Gawain from a distance, then stepped back and left the court, leaving the stage to Gawain.
Behind me, the tide rose and fell, and the applause burst out with even more turbulent and fanatical energy. The rolling heat waves of thunder and sea were finally released without reservation.
Bang Bang Bang! Boom Boom! In his sight, Agassi could see the Philippe Chatrier Stadium full of people standing up. This was obviously not the first time he had seen such a scene, and there was nothing to be surprised about; but Agassi had a positive premonition that Gawain was conquering this place in his own way.
Conquer the arrogant, picky and demanding Parisian audiences.
Perhaps, his and Sampras' memories of Roland Garros can be rewritten, and this time, they should like it even more.