Chapter 227 Top Seed
In 2021, everyone knows that Zverev is the best of the best, his world ranking has always been in the top five, and he also won the 2018 year-end finals.
In 2014, Zverev, who was only 17 years old, had already become a rising star that everyone was paying attention to. This is definitely not an exaggeration, as can be seen from his results.
Zverev officially entered the professional arena at the beginning of the year. He still needed to pass the qualifying round before he could participate in the Challenger Tournament, but he won the Challenger Tournament championship in May, becoming the youngest Challenger Tournament champion since Bernard Tomic in 2009.
Then, in last week's 500 tournament in Hamburg, Germany, he participated in the official tour for the first time in his career and made it to the semi-finals. Although he lost to world No. 7 David Ferrer and missed the final, he still became the first 17-year-old player to reach the semi-finals of the tour since Marin Cilic in 2006.
This week, in the latest world ranking list, Zverev has entered the top 300, ranking 285th, and his rank immediately stood out.
Coming to Binghamton this time, Zverev is ranked top seed, and his goal is clear -
In fact, judging from Zverev's world ranking, he no longer needs to participate in the challenge tournament. Instead, he should participate in the qualifiers for the 500 or 250 tournaments, and then advance to the main tournament to challenge higher levels of difficulty. However, he still came to Binghamton with a mission.
Adapt to the weather near New York, then slowly adapt to the climate and rhythm of North America, and then prepare for the North American season and even the US Open.
As a special reminder, the US Open is held in New York.
In other words, although Zverev Jr. and Gao Wen both appeared in Binghamton, the overall situation was completely different.
At this moment. Now. Currently.
The practice time slot that Hanfman had booked in advance was taken by Zverev. Although it was not certain whether it was his request or his agent's request, the result was that Hanfman's practice time slot was taken away.
Moreover, Hanfman seemed to have no way to change the situation.
Hanfman felt a little aggrieved.
Rustling.
Rustling.
A buzz of discussion could be felt in the crowd, and then it was cut off very abruptly, and all eyes were directed in the same direction: Zverev Jr. appeared, and he was heading towards the training ground surrounded by his team.
The whole posture is different from others.
There were at least six people surrounding Zverev, and one could even see someone helping him carry his tennis bag so he didn't have to do it himself.
The person involved was looking down at his phone, immersed in his own world. It was obvious that he had long been accustomed to the fact that he would be the center of attention wherever he went. He simply ignored the eyes around him, and his calm demeanor showed a hint of ease.
The majestic presence exudes an aura that keeps strangers away, and even football fans probably wouldn't dare to approach easily.
Once upon a time, the Bruins players teased Giron as the "little prince", but now after seeing Zverev Jr., they know what a true child of destiny is.
At only seventeen years old, he has already begun to shine. Countless professional opinions believe that he may be the next world number one or even a Grand Slam winner. His every move is highly anticipated and everyone is watching his performance. It is probably like this that he can make things happen with just a wave of his hand.
“Sasha!”
Hanfman couldn't help himself after all, and shouted across the crowd -
Sasha is Zverev's nickname, because his brother's official name is Mischas, but it is a nickname within the family and only close people call him that.
When Zverev heard his name, he paused for a moment and looked towards the source of the voice. He saw a bustling crowd of people surrounding him as if he were a circus monkey. He wanted to say something, but his slightly frowned brows showed his dissatisfaction: it seemed that he didn't like being called that.
However, considering that he was in public, he finally held back. His agent next to him pulled him again, and he withdrew his gaze, hesitant to say something.
His eyes gently swept across the crowd, and then Zverev noticed Gao Wen.
It’s not because of his height. 193 cm doesn’t stand out among a group of tennis players. It’s just a slight advantage. It’s mainly because of Gawain’s eyes, which are clear and bright, sparkling in the afternoon sun.
Most importantly, calm as water.
It was not curiosity or gossip, nor was it eagerness to fight, nor was it envy or jealousy. In short, it was not the look of a challenger, but a calm look of an equal, as if Zverev was nothing special and was the same as other tennis players.
This made Zverev feel a little absurd.
He's definitely not just any ordinary player, okay?
He didn't like the look of that man.
"Sasha..." The agent's call came, drawing Zverev's attention back and reminding him secretly again.
Zverev's eyes fell on Gawain. He paused slightly, but ultimately said nothing. He then continued to walk forward surrounded by his team.
Looking at Zverev's huge team, the young players exchanged glances, because most of them came alone, and now seeing Zverev's crowd, the posture of professional players was overwhelming, and it was inevitable to talk about it.
Tobias took a step forward and whispered in Gawain's ear.
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“That’s just the basics.”
It seems to be comforting and also like encouragement.
Gawain laughed and said in a relaxed tone, "There will be milk and bread, but the premise is, training, training, training."
But Hanfman still failed to achieve his wish.
Although he repeatedly argued, the matter was done. Zverev had already entered Court No. 1 to adapt to the venue. If he continued to pester Hanfman, Hanfman might not even have enough time for normal practice.
What else could he do?
After signing in, Gao Wen still smiled at Hanfman and said something to comfort him.
"We always have to let our performance on the field speak for itself."
No matter whether you are number one or number 300 in the world, when both sides stand on the court, all privileges will disappear and the game will ultimately speak for itself.
Don’t say that Zverev is just a promising “genius” now. Even if a Grand Slam champion appears on the court, players like him should try their best to win. After all, football is round, tennis is round, and everything is possible.
Hanfman opened his mouth, obviously not expecting Gawain to comfort him, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.
But before he could say anything, Gawain turned and left with a smile on his face.
Having missed the opportunity, Hanfman withdrew his attention, let out a long breath, and then secretly cheered himself up -
The more they are ignored and neglected, the more they have to go all out. As Gao Wen said, performance on the field is their best chance to prove themselves.
Second update.
(End of this chapter)