2082 Combining Hardness and Softness
Bang!
The tennis ball and the racket face collided fiercely; but at the moment of shooting, the right leg braked once, controlling the pace of moving forward, and the right forearm made an obvious quick swing from top to bottom.
Like cracking a whip.
The racket face slid and swung, and the wrist wrapped imperceptibly from soft to hard, combining both hardness and softness, and then the tennis ball flew out lightly and nimbly.
It looks like a light hit, but it's actually a strong one.
It seems to be borrowing power, but in fact it is wrapping.
This is a half-volley, half-skateboard shot that Gawain completed according to his own characteristics after learning from Federer. It truly combines the power and technique of tennis, but Gawain is not sure about the success rate.
From practice to actual combat, there is always a need for risk, isn't it?
Bang.
The sound of hitting the ball is very crisp.
Ah, ah! The sound of combined force erupted from deep in Dantian, long and powerful.
However, this is still not the end.
Then one could see Gao Wen rushing forward, without any hesitation, at full speed.
Follow the ball to the net.
Ah! He continued to exert force, pushing off the ground with his feet actively and firmly. The entire step-up movement was fast, light and agile enough.
This is the real Gawain——
From the difficult forehand straight line breakthrough in the previous shot, the control of the body and footwork was extremely difficult; to the next shot, he made a quick decision and went to the net without hesitation, the adjustment of the center of gravity and the connection of footwork were extremely difficult.
However, Gawain did it.
He will not take it lightly because he knows Djokovic's ability. Once he is fully focused, his competitive state will rise to a whole new level.
The whole audience's attention followed Gao Wen and the tennis ball as it moved forward.
Whoosh, whoosh.
The wind was howling wildly, and two beams of light, one in front and one behind, were like waves, rolling down layer by layer.
Opposite the stadium.
Djokovic reacted very promptly. He pulled his center of gravity back with a kick of his right leg, took continuous big steps, and moved instantly, but before his steps could get into place, he saw Gawain's figure.
In that brief moment, Djokovic wavered a little, glanced at Gawain out of the corner of his eye, and then glanced at where the return ball landed.
Press line.
It actually hit the line.
Not only did it press the line, but it was also on the shallow side of the sideline, with one step of space left before the baseline; and it pressed on the outside, continuing to rotate outwards after landing.
...It's too late.
Djokovic did not force himself to continue chasing. He slowed down and watched the tennis ball fly out. The next second, a loud noise was heard in his ears.
"40:AD".
The break point appeared, again and again.
The stalemate and tension in this game actually reached a new level, releasing all the tension and excitement at the end of the first set. The scorching hot air filled the entire court, making it impossible to breathe.
Djokovic was a little annoyed.
This goal shouldn't have happened.
From any perspective, this point should not have ended like this. Although there were no mistakes or accidents, he was completely caught by Gao Wen in terms of return layout and prediction, and had no advantage at all. This was a very bad thing.
Djokovic couldn't help himself after all, and started mumbling to the players' box in a language that no one could understand, but judging from his expression, it was probably not something nice.
The O2 Arena was buzzing with noise.
Watching a game live is like this. As the match becomes more stalemate and tense, emotions will rise steadily, adrenaline will continue to be secreted, and you may even forget about cheering and screaming, but just can't help but join in the craze. The longer the time goes, the more intense the thrill will be.
Just like now.
This game has lasted for more than sixteen minutes, but the outcome is still undecided. Even if Gao Wen gets another break point, there are still many possibilities.
Amidst the surging chaos, the two players returned to the baseline again and prepared to continue.
"Come on, Novak!"
At the scene, some fans couldn't bear such pressure and excitement and shouted out loud.
However, Djokovic's serving rhythm was interrupted, and even though the players were cheering for him, he was still in an agitated mood. He almost suspected that they were the enemy.
Djokovic stood up again, adjusted his breathing, and then started to hit the ball.
In fact, we cannot blame the fan. If you really sit in the O2 Stadium, you will understand the tension, excitement, oppression and stuffiness. Reason completely disappears and you can't control yourself at all. Your emotions just explode.
This is the charm of competitive sports.
Finally, Djokovic served.
Area 2, inner corner.
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Having just lost a point because of Gawain's forehand, Djokovic chose to break through Gawain's forehand. This courage is truly extraordinary.
Moreover, Djokovic did not pursue the landing point, but instead attacked with a flat shot, completely suppressing with speed and power.
200 kilometers per hour.
Fast, very fast.
Gao Wen was instantly put in a passive position. Although Djokovic's serve did not hit the T-spot and the inside corner was not completely inside, the impact of speed and power was like a straight punch, coming at him in the face, and then everything seemed to be thrown into a dryer and entered ten times the speed.
Well.
Gao Wen groaned. He no longer cared about any plans, games or calculations. He just ran out and barely blocked the shot with his forehand.
Very very very reluctantly.
If there was a little space, Gao Wen would also use his wrist to wrap the tennis ball to control the line, but there was no space at all for this point.
The only thing Gao Wen could pray for was that the tennis ball would pass the net and enter the penalty area, nothing else.
In this serve, Gao Wen was indeed calculated by Djokovic.
In fact, Djokovic's serve has always had this ability. Since winning three Grand Slams in 2011, he has realized the importance of a stable serve.
A classic example is the 2012 French Open quarterfinals between Djokovic and Tsonga.
In that match, Tsonga's serve speed in the first and second sets was basically over 200 kilometers per hour, but in the deciding set, the speed of his first serve had dropped to around 180 kilometers per hour. This way, the threat he posed to his opponent was completely different, and his serve games also encountered more difficulties and challenges.
As for Djokovic, from the first set to the deciding set, his first serve speed basically fluctuated around 190 kilometers per hour, and his consistent stability ensured his competitiveness in the deciding set.
In the end, Djokovic saved four match points and defeated Tsonga in five sets.
Djokovic has always known that serving will play an important role in the difficult situation of declining physical strength, so he has always maintained good stability. He often focuses on the line and landing point to control the serve. Although he has the ability to serve at high speed, he does not use it very often.
Good steel is used on the blade.
The serve speed, which has always been maintained at 190 kilometers per hour, suddenly soars to over 200 kilometers per hour. The pressure, rhythm and state felt by the opponent are all different.
Just like Gawain at this moment.
However, the serve is the only active weapon in the server's hands, and Gao Wen has no choice but to passively push back.
The front foot had just pushed back and had not had time to catch the arc of the return ball.
The next moment, Gao Wen cried out that something was wrong and sounded the alarm.
Djokovic, at the net.
(End of this chapter)