“I’m ready for the challenge.”

At the press conference, the questions surrounding Federer and Wawrinka undoubtedly became the protagonists and the focus of everyone's attention.

Gao Wen has prepared himself mentally for this. Although he repeatedly stressed that he does not have the control and decision-making power over the outcome of the other game, the reporter still keeps asking questions. In the end, Gao Wen could only give such an answer and his smile rose again.

"But I am thankful that I am now sitting here answering questions and waiting for a result. I finally understand the fun of 'sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight'."

A light joke successfully made the corners of the reporters' mouths curl up.

Then, Gawain added another sentence, easily turning the smile into laughter.

"In fact, instead of interviewing an emotionless answering robot here, let's focus on the game that is going on now."

"Obviously, that's much more exciting."

Not only was there self-deprecation, but also ridicule, killing two birds with one stone. The atmosphere of the press conference instantly became lighthearted. Who could refuse the match between Federer and Wawrinka?

Gao Wen's words hit the mark, and there must be quite a few reporters on the scene who were eager to finish their work and return to the scene to watch the last quarterfinal match.

Including Gawain himself -

In fact, the end of the press conference does not mean that all the work for the day is over. There is still physical therapy, massage, recovery training, etc. Gao Wen still has a lot of things to complete tonight.

However, the first thing Gao Wen did when he returned to the player's lounge was to watch the game. The last event of the day was being broadcast live on the TV screen.

But the slight difference is that Gao Wen did not sit on the sofa, but started to relax after the game, riding a bicycle, relaxing his muscles while watching the game.

Jiang Yanyun glanced at Gao Wen, who couldn't take his eyes off the TV screen, and said helplessly, "I can't even take a break."

Plan also had a smile in his eyes, but he still covered for Gao Wen, "This is also to prepare for the next game."

Jiang Yanyun looked at Pu Lan helplessly, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise.

To be precise, Plan was not wrong, this was indeed part of the homework.

From the standard baseline all-out attack and defense tug-of-war style of Belušić and Agut, to Gasquet's typical all-out offensive and full-fire style, Gao Wen's game intensity and state adjustment are also gradually improving.

The next opponent will be even better.

Federer and Wawrinka are both better at offense than defense, but that doesn’t mean their defense is their weakness. Their overall strength has reached another level.

Gao Wen has a clear understanding of this.

Wawrinka can also unleash incredible power and impact on the red clay of Roland Garros; Federer can fully demonstrate the smoothness and connection of his attack on the grass of Wimbledon.

Now they come to Flushing, where the fast hard court is more suitable for their performance. For Wawrinka, the fullness of his power is better; for Federer, the control of rhythm is more natural and changeable.

At the press conference, reporters asked which player Gao Wen would prefer to face if he could choose.

Of course, Gao Wen would not give an answer, because any answer would be disrespectful to the other player, but deep down, Gao Wen must have considered it.

The difference is that Gao Wen is not thinking about which player he has a better chance of winning against, but thinking about which player is a more severe challenge on this field - since it has come to this step, he should naturally challenge higher difficulty and higher level. Regardless of victory or defeat, the right answer is to welcome and embrace the challenge.

The answer is Federer.

Judging from overall strength and recent form, Federer does have a slight advantage. At least at this stage, Federer is still the most threatening player to Djokovic, and the favorite to win the championship is not just talk.

The reporters should not have missed a key point——

Since Cincinnati, Federer has not only remained undefeated, but has also not lost a set.

Just like in the grass court season, Federer had excellent serve, brilliant on-the-spot reaction, and most importantly, an unyielding, burning and vibrant champion's heart.

There is no doubt that Federer is still the top player among the top players in ATP.

Especially when competing against top players, Federer's competitive spirit and desire to win are still burning, which is commendable.

It was not until many years later when we look back on history that we find that 2015 was indeed the peak of Federer's full recovery. From technology to form to confidence, everything reached a new height. This should be his best season since 2012.

However, according to Gao Wen's previous life, why didn't Federer win any Grand Slam titles in 2015? -- Technical constraints.

Although it may be a bit shocking to say this, Federer? The most versatile Federer on the entire tour? He actually has technical shackles? How is it possible!

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However, that is the reality.

Federer realized that while he was making progress, his competitors, led by Nadal and Djokovic, were also making progress, and their opponents' progress was greater than his own. His progress instead looked like regression. Even though his skills, condition and confidence had all reached their peak, it was still not enough.

The ability to withstand blows with a one-handed backhand is where the shackles lie.

Federer was completely at a disadvantage in the head-on collision with Djokovic's No. 1 double backhand on the tour and the powerful clash with Nadal's forehand super topspin. Although Federer was able to win in the best-of-three matches in the Masters, he was still one step short in the best-of-five matches in the Grand Slam.

In his previous life, Federer lost to Djokovic in the finals of three consecutive important tournaments, which was a heavy blow to Federer.

It’s not that he is in bad shape or lacks confidence, but his technical shortcomings have become a hindrance.

This prompted Federer to change his racket during the 2015 off-season, increasing the area of ​​the racket face to improve his sweet spot. Although the difficulty of controlling a one-handed backhand increased, his ability to withstand blows also improved accordingly, compensating for his shortcomings to a certain extent.

Fans already know what happened next. Federer won two more Australian Open titles and one Wimbledon title.

In other words, as of 2015, Federer's competitive state is actually almost the same as his peak period. It's not that he has become weaker, but that his competitors such as Djokovic and Wawrinka have become stronger, and the impact on Federer has become more obvious.

How strong was Federer at his peak? His dominance is unquestionable.

At this year's US Open, Federer's confidence has further increased compared to Wimbledon. The four-set loss to Djokovic in the All England Club final was a heavy blow. After that, he learned from his mistakes and made a comeback. When he arrived in Flushing, Federer did not hide his confidence.

Tonight, facing Wawrinka, Federer also showed his belief -

victory?

No, champion!