Chapter 1995 Global Idol
"...One last question, really."
The press conference was filled with laughter. The host also noticed Gao Wen's gesture, but he didn't mind and smiled.
In fact, the fundamental reason why the questioning at the press conference could continue was that Gao Wen didn't mind.
According to official ATP regulations, each press conference must last at least fifteen minutes, unless reporters have no more questions. This is an enforceable rule and a fine will be imposed if violated. But now, thirty minutes have passed and Gao Wen has not stood up and left, and is still answering questions on the spot.
The atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.
The host looked at Gao Wen, spread his hands, and looked helpless, with an expression that said "things are out of control and I'm extremely embarrassed", which was greeted with laughter.
Amid the commotion, an Italian journalist with a big beard, a big belly, and a grin hidden behind his gold-rimmed eyes stood up.
He was in no hurry. He held the microphone with his chubby, round fingers and waited patiently for the laughter to die down before he answered the question.
——It is slightly different from what was expected, not sharp, and even a bit old-fashioned, but within the routine, it keenly captures a new entry point. As for the problem itself, it falls on Gawain, combined with the entire experience and background, and indeed sparks different things.
"Gawain, you will be celebrating your twentieth birthday in London this week. First of all, I wish you a happy birthday in advance."
"You are currently the third youngest player in the world's top 100, behind only Cilic and Zverev. At the same time, you are the youngest player in the world's top 50, not to mention that you are currently ranked second in the world and have the potential to become the world's number one."
"You have undoubtedly achieved incredible results that put you in the same league as Bjorn Borg and Rafael Nadal for the title of the most successful junior career of all time."
"But now, other players born after 1990 and 1995 have not caught up with your level. We have been discussing the rise of the new generation. Since Janowicz became the first '90s' player to enter the Grand Slam in 2013, all kinds of expectations and discussions have begun. However, two years have passed, and the breakthrough we expected has not yet arrived."
"You have answered similar questions on different occasions before, but this is the year-end finals, a special occasion, so I still want to ask."
"What advice do you have for young players?"
Wow!
Such a grand and complex problem is obviously beyond Gao Wen's personal ability. After all, if we analyze it in detail, the breakthrough of young players has not come yet. The reason behind it is definitely not something that can be explained in a few words, and it is not something that Gao Wen can change alone.
But the really interesting thing about this question is that reporters are willing to ask such questions to Federer and Nadal because they have become the banner and representatives of the sport, an idol, a role model and a benchmark, and their opinions will be valued and implemented.
In other words, they already have the power to change the sport.
And now, the Italian journalist in front of him raised this question in a systematic way, which shows from the side that Gao Wen also has such influence.
A player is no longer just a player, but also a leader who has the ability to make things happen at the touch of a button.
This was also a shock to Gawain.
Originally, he also wanted to make a joke; but seeing the sincerity on the bearded reporter's face, he paused when the words were on the tip of his tongue.
Think about it.
“Pick up your racket, go to practice, go to play.”
"That's all."
reporter:???
What kind of bullshit is this?
Fortunately, this is not the end.
"Now is the Internet age. In the world of young players, there are countless voices, from the media, from netizens, from complete strangers, from passers-by who have never watched any tennis match, and so on."
"On the one hand, we all know the achievements of the Big Four. That is an unattainable level. I even doubt whether that is a height that humans can reach."
Looking at Gao Wen's vivid expression, in which he made no effort to hide his complaints, the audience burst into laughter again.
“On the other hand, expectations are everywhere, and people expect the younger generation to reach the heights of the Big Four or even surpass their achievements.”
"But hey, guys, Roger Federer didn't become Roger Federer the moment he turned professional. He needed time to grow up."
“When there are too many voices and bubbles, we tend to lose focus on our own position. We fantasize about flying like Superman before we even learn to walk. Add to that the layers of pressure, and it’s easy to crush the path of growth and completely ruin the future.”
"So, personally, I think growth requires space. We should learn to be patient and give some time and space to wait for growth and transformation. For young players, put down your phone, stay away from the Internet, pick up your racket, go to the court, start training and start playing."
"That's all."
Clap, clap, clap.
The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!
Clap, clap! The applause was thunderous.
Perhaps, this is exactly the profile of the entire era——
Everyone is pursuing more forms, more variety and more content, but ignores the basics.
The most important thing for competitive sports is the foundation. They must lay a solid foundation step by step so that they can fly freely in the future.
However, the words are not over yet.
"Of course, if possible, we should also create a platform for young people and give them room to grow."
"We should pay more attention to the Grand Slam junior tournaments, we should report more on the Futures Challenge, and maybe we should create a year-end finals for the under-20s, excluding the older guys, and let them compete against each other."
"Please believe me, there are a large number of excellent players born after 1990, 1995, and even after 2000. As long as they are given enough time and space, they will thrive and shine in the tour."
"I am ready for these challenges, and I believe Roger, Rafa and others are also ready. This is the most beautiful and interesting part of competitive sports, isn't it?"
Clap , clap ! The applause was overwhelming.
There were even whistles and cheers.
While Gao Wen was making history step by step on the court, his influence outside the court was also rising and evolving into a banner.
After all, not only in China and Asia, but also in the whole world, Gao Wen has become a symbol. He has changed the pattern of the era of giants by his own efforts. This young man who is about to turn 20 years old has brought tennis to a whole new level. Who can refuse?
Perhaps, history is indeed changing, and has long deviated from its original track, opening up a whole new world in a parallel universe.
(End of this chapter)