The second set begins.
The situation is somewhat delicate.
As expected, both Federer and Gao Wen needed to adjust their tactics and start from scratch based on the result of the first set.
Physical fitness is the key word.
From Gao Wen's perspective, with one set in hand, he was invincible. Even if he lost the second set, he still had the deciding set, so there was no need to rush.
Therefore, Gao Wen can adjust his rhythm and pace at any time according to his own situation, focusing on maneuvering and entanglement, and keeping his serve as the first priority. Then he can wait for opportunities, adapt to circumstances, and adjust tactics at any time according to the progress of the game. There is no need to take the initiative and waste his physical energy.
From Federer's perspective, he has no way out, but this does not mean that he should counterattack blindly. Precisely because he is behind, he needs to be more calm.
Because Federer doesn't have much physical energy to waste, he needs to plan carefully and wait patiently, and once there is a mistake, he can make a fatal blow in time; he believes that there will not be too many opportunities, so he must make sure he is prepared so that when the opportunity arises, he can cash in accurately.
The confrontation situation became subtly tense.
"1:1".
"2:2".
"3:3".
The first six games were calm, even a little dull, but no one was distracted. The undercurrent beneath the calm was always surging, and the tension was so intense that it caused muscle cramps.
The so-called tension is a feeling. In these six games, both players focused more on their serving games, avoiding mistakes and distractions, and making full use of their serving advantages to earn some relatively simple and easy points, avoiding leaks as much as possible.
The direct result was that the score of "30:30" appeared several times, but there was no "deuce", let alone a break point.
Tighten, relax, tighten, relax...
It was sometimes fast and sometimes slow, sometimes tense and sometimes relaxed, just like a high-altitude wire rope. When a breeze blew, the wire rope shook violently. All the muscles in my body were tense to control my body and maintain balance. I broke out in a cold sweat and finally got the situation under control. Then I realized it was just a breeze.
Slightly empty.
However, when the next breeze came, we were still on full alert.
Because no one can be sure whether a breeze will develop into a storm, or worse, whether this little breeze will lead to a mistake.
The tension spread quietly.
Then, before I had time to react, the second set had already entered the middle and late stages, and the pressure in each subsequent game would increase exponentially.
This situation was favorable for Gawain, because he took the lead in the second set and always maintained the lead; the time left for Federer was decreasing little by little, and as long as Gawain could keep his serve successfully, he would be able to launch an attack on Federer's serve at the end of the set.
Pressure, slowly rising——
Game 7.
Federer saved a game point and chased to "40:40". This was also the first time a "deuce" appeared in the second set, and the situation became tense in an instant.
However, at the critical moment, Gao Wen still stood firm, successfully held his serve with two winning points, withstood the test, and continued to maintain the lead.
"4:3".
Tighter and tighter.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Federer was trying to speed up and create some opportunities, but Gawain still managed to control the situation smartly.
Now, the pressure is on Federer again. If he is broken in this game...
Federer really felt the pressure.
Not a single shot was made.
Gao Wen sensed the opportunity with a keen sense of smell. His entire shooting rhythm and offensive quality instantly improved, and he took the initiative and fired in his opponent's serve.
Continuously missed every shot.
Federer's second serve was under incredible pressure, which became the starting point for Gao Wen to launch a full-scale attack, and the number of shots in the round soared.
Then, after a forehand diagonal "inside-out" winner, Gao Wen got three consecutive break points in this game.
The opportunity has come.
"0:40".
It’s difficult, Federer is really difficult.
In this game, Federer's three first serves all missed, so his three second serves were attacked violently. Gawain once again showed his wisdom, always patient, focused and committed. When the opportunity arose, he acted without hesitation, instantly overturned the balance and took control.
Just before the game, Federer tied the score in Gawain's serve.
Next, Gao Wen got break points in Federer's serve game, and three of them in a row, either none or in a row.
The heart of the O2 Arena was completely curled up. Amid the cheers and applause, the frustration and regret of the London home crowd could be clearly heard.
After all, this is still Federer's "home court".
"Pah! Roger!"
"Pah! Roger!"
Support is coming.
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Whether it is Federer's die-hard fans or neutral fans and passers-by who are happy to watch the show, they all stand behind Federer clearly.
The reason is very simple: no one wants the game to end.
Such a wonderful, interesting and thrilling game should not end so abruptly. A great game deserves a great ending.
Both players are unbeaten at the O2 this year and have both lost just one set, so this head-to-head match deserves a decider.
Without hesitation, the crowd cheered for Federer unwaveringly, and the support from Gavan fans was swallowed up in an instant.
The applause was thunderous.
On the court, both players were unmoved and focused.
District 2.
Still the second shot——
In this game, Federer's serve was obviously problematic, with four consecutive first serves missing. The impact on his physical fitness and his mental fluctuations were clearly evident.
Gao Wen, with his attention highly focused, took a light step forward, preparing to receive the serve.
Federer knew that Gawain was going to rush to receive the serve, and Gawain was indeed going to rush to receive the serve, and the tense atmosphere of imminent destruction quietly permeated the air.
Close range pressure backhand.
Federer's second serve increased the friction, lifted the topspin high, and with a strong side spin, it rotated inwards towards Gawain's position after landing, creating a double squeeze.
Gaming and calculation.
Suppression and counterattack.
As the serving party, Federer remained calm, completely ignoring Gawain's rising momentum, firmly standing on his feet, completing the layout with a high-quality second serve, and finding a solution while reducing force and speed, making full use of his serving advantage to create an advantage.
——Gawain was squeezed.
As the receiver, he was indeed inherently passive. Although Gawain was fully focused and reacted quickly, Federer still managed to get past Gawain by relying on the deceptive landing point of his serve, so that Gawain's stance and swing were both squeezed; however, in these two games, Gawain did improve his condition.
He reacted very promptly, moving his upper body away and hitting the ball back with his hands behind his body. Even though he was unable to stretch out to swing the racket, he managed to hit a diagonal shot by turning his body and curling his forearms.
Forget about changing the line, a diagonal line is a diagonal line, but Gao Wen still showed his delicate touch and outstanding condition, tearing the angle of the diagonal line.
The return ball was not fast and had no power, but it still rushed towards Federer's backhand sideline and pressed the sideline accurately.
Control and precision.
In the serve and receive contest, each showed his skills, and then Gawain pushed Federer out of the sideline.