Chapter 432: Full of Sincerity
Hannett knew that everyone was keeping their hands off at this stage, and no one would easily reveal their trump cards. Tobias would not rush to make a choice, and since Gawain had already made it into the top four, it would not hurt to wait and see. If Gawain could really... then...
They need patience and courage.
Only correct market assessment and positioning can help them seize the initiative in the war for Gao Wen, and they cannot rush into anything.
But Hannett also knew that it would be very stupid for them to sit there and wait for news. It was impossible to do nothing. What was more important was what they needed to do? Sure enough.
Less than five minutes after Gawain won the match point, Adidas immediately held a small meeting with senior and mid-level leaders. They needed to sort out information and organize strategies. Perhaps Gawain was the key to regaining their competitiveness in the entire tennis market.
And it's not just the Chinese market.
Now Hannett finally understood why Tobias did not sign directly with Nike, but took the initiative to find them and offer them an opportunity.
Adidas missed it once, but it must not miss it a second time.
After discussion, the senior leader asked Hannett to talk to Tobias on the spot to test Tobias' attitude and tone.
When the call was connected, Gao Wen's post-match press conference was in progress. One of them was at the scene, and the other was watching the live broadcast on the TV screen.
"...What are your thoughts now about the upcoming semi-final, where you may face Djokovic or Murray?"
"Sorry, I'm not sure I should be discussing this right now. My brain is clearly on strike after today's game and I'm not sure what nonsense I'm going to say and then wake up tomorrow morning and see a headline full of questions: Did I say this?"
As Gao Wen spoke vividly and humorously, the reporters in the audience burst into laughter, and the press conference was like a talk show.
The grand occasion in the No. 1 Press Conference Room can be seen through the TV screen. At this time, the entire space is packed with people. Not only are all the seats filled, but reporters can also be seen standing on both sides with great pleasure. The figures on the screen have filled every corner of the field of vision, as if they are about to overflow at any time.
Such a grand occasion was not so exaggerated even when Del Potro defeated Nadal and Federer in succession to win the championship in 2009.
However, facing such a surging crowd, Gao Wen remained calm and showed a different style from that on the court.
To be honest, even the post-match press conferences of Federer or Serena Williams were not so lively. What is certain is that Gawain did show star style, and his angular, sunny and youthful personal image added a lot of points.
Then Hannett heard Tobias's relaxed voice coming from the other end of the phone, "David, I'm working."
"I know, but I believe Gawain can handle the press conference. It would be difficult for all those reporters to break through his blockade, so you can take a break." Hannett joked lightly, still maintaining his calmness.
But it has to be said that the mentality of the two people is completely different.
Tobias chuckled, "David, you didn't call me just to praise Gawain, did you?"
"Why not?" Hannett said matter-of-factly, "I called just to congratulate Gao Wen."
"Oh, thank you." Tobias obviously didn't believe it.
Hannett said very seriously, "John, to be honest, I hope Gawain can win this game. After all, if Kei Nishikori wins, it has nothing to do with us. He is obviously tied to Uniqlo for life, but Gawain is different. He still has endless possibilities."
This is the truth, the absolute truth.
Tobias pursed his lips slightly, laughter rolling in his chest, and then nodded in agreement. He believed that Hannett was telling the truth. "Thank you, I also believe that Gawain has endless possibilities."
"John, can I go to the training ground to watch Gawain's training tomorrow? You know, I also hope to get close to this young man who creates miracles." Hannett sent out friendly signals calmly.
In fact, they all know the real purpose behind these calls and actions, but what is important is not the hidden purpose, but the way of execution.
Adidas believes that they need to show sincerity and not rush things, but to move slowly step by step.
How could Tobias refuse? "Of course no problem, I will send Gawain's training time and venue location later."
"How do you feel now?" Hannett still probed a little. He and Tobias had a good relationship. "Honestly, John, did you really expect it?"
"Of course not." Tobias answered very straightforwardly, "I do see some qualities and potential in Gawain, but you and I both know that there are too many uncertainties in competitive sports. If someone says with certainty that they have seen a tomorrow's superstar, they are definitely talking nonsense."
In fact, Tobias had told Hannett something similar last time, but Hannett did not believe it at that time because he knew that Tobias' words were correct at this moment.
"What did you see?" Hannett was finally willing to listen, even though it was a little too late.
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Tobias smiled. "Faith."
"David, I see faith. You can see this from his game, his conversation, his way of dealing with things, and so on. This is also the most special part of his game temperament."
Hannett knew that this was metaphysics——
The so-called talents and characteristics of a player, sometimes if they succeed, they are the key to success; sometimes if they fail, they are irrelevant, just like "success studies", which works for some people but has no effect on others.
Precisely because there are too many uncertainties in competitive sports, it is difficult to say in a few words whether talent can be realized and to what heights it can reach.
But Hannett couldn't help but think of the last point of today's match between Gawain and Kei Nishikori. Perhaps, belief is a real temperament.
"As for this Grand Slam, it was all Gawain's own hard work. It has nothing to do with me." Tobias remained sober and did not consider himself a mentor. "David, you should have watched Gawain's training. You will know that many things are indeed accidental, but behind the accidental things there is often a necessity."
Harnett agreed, “I can’t wait to get to practice tomorrow.”
The two exchanged a few simple pleasantries, and Hannett stopped talking without saying anything more. "Congratulations again to Gao Wen. Today's game was really exciting."
When he hung up the phone, Gawain was speaking on the TV screen, and Hannett did not speak either, joining the entire conference room in staring at the display screen.
(End of this chapter)