Chapter 1908: Choose to Forget
Time, go back three hours.
As the semi-final between Federer and Gawain slowly kicked off and continued to produce exciting rounds in the opening stage, Djokovic, who narrowly defeated Dimitrov in five sets and advanced to the final, was unable to rest either. The busy and noisy post-match press conference was still waiting for him.
In the post-match interview, the question of the final opponent is undoubtedly an important question.
Different opponents, different games, and different situations.
Djokovic understood this very well. He had equal respect, admiration and vigilance towards his two opponents, and talked freely all the way.
When the reporter asked Djokovic about the "difference between the two final matchups between the two opponents", the world No. 1 was ready for this question.
Obviously, Federer is an old rival. In 2007, Djokovic reached the Grand Slam final for the first time in his career, in Flushing Meadows, New York.
His opponent in the final was Federer.
Despite losing the final, that year also marked the beginning of Djokovic's official transformation and his rise to the top.
Over the years, Djokovic and Federer have met and played against each other in different tournaments, on different occasions, and at different stages of different Grand Slams. They are already very familiar with each other. If they meet again in the final, it will be "Djokovic VS Federer 42.0". It is conceivable that both sides are very familiar with each other.
Naturally, Gawain also forms a sharp contrast.
So, when switching from Federer to Gawain, Djokovic said it casually.
"Gawain and I have met many times. Obviously, my record is inferior to his. For me, every match with him is a challenge."
"But I have never met him in a Grand Slam final. I believe this will be a completely new match and I am ready for it."
result--
The whole audience was stunned.
So much so that the host of the press conference had to remind him, "Novak, you had a classic match in the Melbourne Park final earlier this year."
Djokovic: …
It can be seen at the scene that Djokovic was obviously stunned for a moment, then he showed an awkward smile and waved his hands repeatedly to express his apologies.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I totally forgot about that."
"Look. He's already beaten me in a Grand Slam final and I'm sure if we meet again on Sunday, he'll be the more confident one."
"I will try my best and hope that this time I can change the outcome of the game."
Although Djokovic resolved the embarrassment with a smile and self-deprecation, reporters and netizens were still collectively outraged after the press conference.
In the Australian Open final at the beginning of this year, Djokovic not only led by a big score of "2:0", but also had three consecutive break points at "0:40" in the third set. However, he was overturned and lost an epic final, witnessing Gao Wen's feat of winning two consecutive Grand Slam titles.
Not to mention Djokovic himself, even the fans can't bear to look back on the past, and almost no one is willing to mention that tragic defeat.
It's on the level of PTSD.
It would be completely understandable if Djokovic and the fans tried to erase all memories of this year's Australian Open final.
But no one expected that Djokovic would say it directly, and he was completely unaware of the problem, as if he really had lost his memory.
The scene was awkward.
After all, the Australian Open final was just six months ago. Isn't this selective forgetfulness an insult to the opponent?
Everyone in the press conference hall was stunned and dumbfounded. It was like a car accident scene. Even if they experienced it in person, they could not believe what they had just witnessed.
Later, discussions on social networks exploded. It was generally believed that Djokovic lacked respect for Gawain. Although his words were polite, he did not actually treat Gawain as an equal. His father Serjan's various remarks were brought up again.
"Look, here's the evidence. Apparently, this is what they really think in the privacy of their homes."
It can be imagined that no matter whether Gao Wen wins or loses in the second semi-final, reporters will definitely not miss this topic at the post-match press conference.
and.
Gao Wen was promoted.
Now, the fun begins.
The second semifinal was over, and even though it was approaching 1:30 a.m. local time in New York, the players' work was not yet over.
There is not only a post-match press conference, but also a post-match on-site interview.
Arthur Ashe Stadium was still bustling with activity. After all, only a few spectators were leaving the stadium one after another. The carnival atmosphere inside and outside the stadium had just begun. The early hours of the morning were when party animals were the most sober, happiest and most excited. The noisy and lively atmosphere dyed the night sky red.
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On-site interviews can also be seen as a feedback from the players to the audience.
Courier immediately asked Gao Wen about his outlook for the finals.
Obviously, he was aware of the little incident at Djokovic's post-match press conference, but he did not intend to bring it up, instead expressing respect.
At the beginning of the year, Melbourne Park kicked off with an epic duel between Galen and Djokovic; at the end of the year, Flushing Meadows also ended with such a duel, which brought a perfect end to the Grand Slam battlefield throughout the year. Everyone is looking forward to the two players giving wonderful performances in the final.
However, Courier mentioned last year's semi-final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was Gawain's masterpiece. Compared with defeating Kei Nishikori and Wawrinka in the previous rounds and defeating Cilic in the later rounds, the shock and impact of Gawain's upset victory over Djokovic in the semi-finals is still vivid in his memory a year later.
Gao Wen had no way of knowing the incident in Djokovic's post-match press conference, but there was no doubt that he expressed his respect and admiration for the champion.
"In fact, since I stepped onto the court in New York this year, the question people ask me most often is the difference between this year and last year."
"Things are indeed different now."
"But when the game comes to this stage, this year is slowly overlapping with last year, and everything seems familiar. Facing Novak, I still have to lower my posture to attack him. He is still the player who has performed best this year and is in better form recently."
"Maybe this year is different from last year, but for me, the situation is getting closer and closer. I also believe that Novak is the more favored party. There is no doubt that he is a respected champion, so if I want to beat him, I need to give 200% effort."
“I’m not sure if I’m ready physically, but I’m ready mentally.”
"Of course, this is for me, and I hope for the audience, this year is a brand new game, compared to last year, they can change a little bit."
One second, two seconds——
The Arthur Ashe Stadium was stunned for a moment, looked at each other in confusion, and then the whole audience burst into laughter.
Wait, did Gao Wen just complain about the audience not giving enough support last year, or did he complain about the audience overwhelmingly supporting Federer in tonight's semifinal? Haha, hahaha!
(End of this chapter)