Chapter 2028: Absolute Control
When did the rhythm begin to be under Gawain's control again?
How did it happen? Murray was clearly in control of the situation and won two high-pressure ball opportunities in the middle and front court. What happened next? Thinking carefully, could it be... a high ball?
When Murray had the absolute upper hand, it became a gap for Gawain to turn the situation around and change the rhythm. Is this Gawain's current ability? - Shocking.
Moreover, the player that Gawain faced was one of the top players with the best basic baseline skills in the ATP today. Putting aside his recent form, baseline hitting ability is one of Murray's fortes; however, Gawain was able to create opportunities to turn the situation around in such a duel.
--consternation.
The O2 Arena was briefly in shock and impact.
But now that things have come to this, how will Murray respond?
Is Murray scared?
Of course not.
Maybe his condition is not at its best, but don't forget that Murray's backhand ability is also among the best, on par with Djokovic.
Therefore, Gawain aimed his forehand straight line at Murray's backhand and hammered it. Murray counterattacked head-on without hesitation, bursting out with amazing energy in an instant.
"Power vs. Power".
It was like a mushroom cloud exploding.
The rolling air waves spread out like ripples, and all the spectators in the O2 Arena could feel the heat wave coming towards them and couldn't help but hold their breath.
From the baseline to the net and back to the baseline, the powerful collision between you and me instantly reached a whole new level, with speed and power fully detonated.
Then.
In the field of vision, you can see a streamline across the court. That touch of haze blue is like a wave that outlines the trajectory of the sunlight, rolling, burning, and boiling, attracting your gaze and crossing the entire court in a thrilling manner. You can't help but forget to breathe.
Sprint, sprint, and keep sprinting.
The halo of light dragged one after another from one end of the court to the other, and the inertia of centrifugal force instantly pulled the body out.
Slide, brake——
Cutting.
However, at the end of his high-speed run, Gao Wen demonstrated an important technique of his second half of the season, cutting and finishing the shot with a two-handed backhand.
He moves like Nadal, hits the ball like Federer, and his tactical awareness is pure Gawain.
This choice of hitting the ball, at the peak of tension in the powerful collision, broke expectations, overturned the balance, and slowed down the pace of the round again.
So, was this passive or active? After all, judging from the movement and the position of the shot, Murray's powerful shot did create some difficulties, but Gawain was not at his limit, and it was impossible to tell for a moment whether this was a shot that Gawain was forced to make or an active shot that was a hidden trap, which was shrouded in mystery.
It's impossible to judge in a flash.
But does it matter to Murray? Yes, but not that much.
Because Murray needs to take the initiative now, no matter whether Gao Wen is active or passive, he needs to focus on himself and regain control of the rhythm of the game.
Murray focused his attention on the ball as it returned to his backhand. Without hesitation, he launched another attack.
Backhand sweep for the second consecutive shot.
This time, Murray was well prepared, and his shots were more solid, steady and powerful. He predicted in advance that Gawain's return should be diagonal, and he adjusted his footwork and center of gravity in advance, ready to attack.
Although Gawain chose to slice, it meant that Murray needed to lower his center of gravity to hit the ball with backspin, and if he wasn't careful the ball might go directly into the net, but it also meant that Murray had more time to adjust and complete the layout.
Is this a good thing?
Murray saw through Gawain's intentions immediately. In the second half of the first set, Gawain deliberately slowed down the pace several times to create a buffer space, giving Murray time to think about his layout, but Murray was tripped up by his own thoughts. Therefore, what Murray needs to do now is to refuse to let his imagination run wild, to remain unchanged in the face of change, and to stick to his own tactics and strategies.
The first instinct is often correct.
Murray didn't want to consider Gawain's tactical intentions, nor did he want to consider his own layout and subsequent possibilities. He needed to speed up, stick to his own rhythm, break Gawain's trap, and his shots had to be firm.
Squat down, bend your knees, and lower your center of gravity.
Backhand, diagonal, decisive shot.
Ah! With a roar, the combined force from deep in the dantian made the body and the swinging posture reach a state of unity between man and nature, completing the push with solid and powerful force.
Boom! Sweep and attack.
The tennis ball was fired diagonally for the second time in a row. The rhythm that had just slowed down due to the cutting picked up again, hammering along the repeated route and hitting the repeated landing points with great force and speed fully detonated.
Huh! There was an exclamation at the O2 Stadium.
Such shots are rare in Murray's games. It's not that he can't do it, but Murray's personality and style determine the way he plays. He needs to plan and maneuver, and finally create opportunities for the fatal blow.
The whole stadium shook.
The trajectory of that streak of light cannot be captured by the naked eye, so one can only move one's line of sight according to the parabolic flight trajectory and wait in front for the tennis ball to appear.
At the same time, Gawain is quietly waiting for Godot at the end of the stream of light.
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One step, one brake, one start, and return to position.
The entire movement of his steps was very clean and neat, without any unnecessary movements, but he had pulled his center of gravity back in a flash.
Instantly, in place.
Although Gawain's first reaction was to return to defense and subconsciously moved his feet back to the right, the slowed-down pace of the previous shot won him space, allowing him to adjust his feet while also observing patiently. Then Gawain caught the details from Murray's eyes and movements.
——Repeat the route and return the ball.
Gao Wen, not surprised.
Because this is also Murray's forte. To some extent, Gawain's backhand slice is luring Murray to hit the diagonal line and launch continuous attacks from the backhand position. This is a routine that Murray was very good at during his peak period, and he continuously established some advantages in the backhand confrontation.
Then, counterattack, or deliver a fatal blow.
Murray's backhand was crucial in beating Djokovic in Toronto over the summer.
So, when Murray chose to hit the ball diagonally with his backhand, Gao Wen's second reaction was very timely and he immediately pulled his body back.
And that’s not all.
How could there be only one layer of cutting trap? Since the first layer has been accurately predicted, the second step needs to be followed immediately.
After Gao Wen pulled back his steps, he did not stop, but took another small half step forward.
From a visual point of view, the accurate measurement is only one-third of the stride length, which is almost negligible; but in actual competition, it can win a space forward.
Immediately afterwards, the two-handed backhand was swung out along the trend of the forward step, not only waiting for the tennis ball to arrive, but also actively opening the door to welcome it.
Swing the racket.
Take action.
Make an effort.
The collision of strength was like the collision of Mars and the Earth. With a push and a flick of the wrist, the line was changed in a flash.
straight line.
Blind spot.
Meteors streak across the night sky, absolutely powerful and absolutely wonderful.
(End of this chapter)