Federer knew he needed to control the tempo a little, but the point was -

Gao Wen, do you agree?

Like Federer, Gawain is also a master at controlling the rhythm of the game. After the polishing of the clay and grass seasons, his overall skills and tactics have become more mature and his control ability has also improved.

In fact, after Wimbledon, Gawain didn't play many games, but real masters can see that in the match against Tsonga in Toronto, despite being injured, Gawain used different methods to drag the game and hold on to the situation, and the entire rhythm control and tactical layout showed obvious improvement.

While the haters were shouting that Koeman faked an injury to steal a win from Tsonga, the professionals could see how great Koeman was.

The same is true today.

In the first set, Federer and Gawain fought fiercely for the control of rhythm. On the surface, it seemed that both of them were exerting their strength and speeding up, but in fact, the rhythm control was subtle throughout the whole process, and the all-round consumption of the two players should not be underestimated.

After all, Gawain is still young, and like Federer, he has not played many matches in two months, but Gawain still has more stamina and foundation.

At the beginning of the second set, Gawain continued to attack and Federer tried to step on the brakes, which also meant that the game would continue.

"0:15".

After losing a point in the serve game, Federer was very calm and composed, and then he used his signature inside corner flat serve in the second zone to win a direct serve.

The serve at a speed of 210 kilometers per hour disrupted Gawain's rhythm. The serve was not caught and flew directly out of the baseline. This is Federer's serving ability.

"15:15".

Federer immediately stood firm, his expression still without any panic.

Gao Wen also made a slight adjustment and took a step back when receiving the serve.

Gao Wen absorbed a lot of essence from the Big Four's serve receiving tactics and slowly developed his own set of tactics, with frequent changes in his serve receiving positions.

Retreating does not mean being conservative; it may also be a smokescreen to retreat in order to advance.

For example, this time.

He stepped back before receiving the serve, but when Federer tossed the ball he took a step forward and gained a step. This was very typical Murray-style pressure on receiving the serve.

Not only did he take a step forward, but he also mobilized his center of gravity, making his whole body very light and flexible. He rushed out as soon as he tiptoed.

Forehand!

Gao Wen took a step forward to gain a driving force for himself, and his forehand racket hit the opponent head-on, using his body as a backing, forming a fast-paced effect of hitting the wall.

One scan.

There was no sideline or spin, just a classic hard-court shot at speed, and the tennis ball flew across the net like an arrow.

No fancy stuff, just hard hitting.

Federer's serve action has not yet recovered and his footwork is obviously not in place, but Federer has also prepared himself mentally and his forehand is out quickly.

One stretch. One block.

If it were just that, it would be a rebound ball that is difficult but lacks surprises, which is far from enough.

At the same time, Federer flicked his wrist softly but firmly.

With just such an effortless move, the tennis ball completely changed its flight trajectory and flew in a straight line, defusing Gao Wen's serve and attack with clever force.

On the other side of the court, Gawain's offensive continuity was interrupted by Federer, but his lateral movement was still smooth and he reached his backhand in a blink of an eye.

Gao Wen didn't wait either. He took a small half step to the inside of the baseline, and the hitting point of the ball was already a full beat away. At the same time, he bent his knees, lowered his center of gravity, and grabbed it from bottom to top.

撇.

The tennis ball flew low along the net and went into the backhand position diagonally.

The classic "inside-out" route, with its rhythm suddenly rising to a higher level, compresses Federer's hitting space layer by layer.

Federer's steps were slightly hesitant.

Points are important, but it's only the first game of the second set. Does he need to compete with Gao Wen in terms of physical strength? Should he just give up on some defenses? In fact, Federer moved out reflexively at the first opportunity, but the slight hesitation in his steps can still be seen from the speed of his movement.

By the time Federer's steps were in place, the hitting point was already very far back. He had no space to swing the racket and could only hit a high ball.

Turning his head, Federer saw that Gawain's footsteps continued to move forward in a very timely manner, and he entered the serving area in the blink of an eye.

A volley shot.

Clean and neat.

Land. Score.

"15:30".

Everything happened too fast.

It's not about pure speed, but rhythm and connection.

Judging from Gao Wen's shots alone, he did not use much power, but his entire reaction, connection, decision-making, etc., brought out the characteristics of the grass court to the fullest.

Professionals and veteran fans who are really familiar with tennis can see that -

"Gawain should learn a lot from Federer in this point."

"Rely on the connection of shots to increase the rhythm and form a pressure that covers the entire court."

Zhan Jun controlled himself a little, but still couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, with a gleam in his eyes.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

"Now, Gao Wen is still improving, still improving, still learning, and his ability to control the context of the game has also reached a higher level."

"In the first game of the second set, Federer will face a small test."

Although there is no break point yet, the Arthur Ashe Stadium can also feel the momentum balance between the two players has quietly changed.

Federer's fans couldn't help but hold their breath, and the air at the scene became slightly condensed.

ACE!

Boom, the whole stadium exploded.

At the same time, Federer also clenched his fist and shouted, even if it was just an ACE, but resolving the crisis in a simple and efficient way was very, very important to Federer.

"30:30".

Federer successfully avoided the crisis of two consecutive break points and kept the score close. The situation in this game quietly returned to a balanced situation.

But...is it really so?

In this game, both of Federer's points came from serving, while both of Gawain's points were winning points, and the stalemate in the confrontation became delicate.

Obviously, Federer also realizes the importance of his serve. When his form is not completely consistent, he uses his serve to create pressure and win breathing space and proactive opportunities for himself. This is also a very important tactic in Federer's career.

He needs a shot.

However--

oh.

Amid groans from the audience, Federer's first serve went out of bounds and he had to face the test of his second serve.

One can immediately notice that Gao Wen is moving forward, closer to the baseline, creating pressure.

It is essentially the same as Federer's "SABR", which creates physical impact through visual pressure from positioning and movement.

Two releases in one zone.

Federer chose... to press the backhand closely.

The landing point and route were changed again in an attempt to squeeze Gao Wen.

Gawain had moved away but not completely, and he couldn't fully stretch out his backhand. But Gawain's will was still firm, and he pushed back straight with his backhand.

The batting route is relatively conservative, going to the middle and returning along the original route.

However, focus on the power and placement of the ball.

It was heavy enough, deep enough, and powerful enough, and it rushed towards Federer's body head-on.

Give someone a taste of their own medicine, and use close combat to defeat a close combat.