Chapter 433 News Frenzy
"...Obviously, whether it's Novak or Andy in the next game, I'm the only one. I mean, they won countless honors and all the applause with their performance. The audience will stand behind them and look forward to them meeting Roger in the final."
"Honestly, I think I, like all the fans, want to see Rafa and Roger play out at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. If I miss Rafa and Roger, any of the Big Four matches will be enough to get me excited."
Amid the low laughter of the reporters at the scene, Gao Wen also smiled.
Federer and Nadal are known as the greatest rivals in tennis history. They have met countless times in different venues and tournaments, but the only tournament they have never faced off against is the US Open, which is one of the four Grand Slams.
So every year when the US Open starts, one of the topics that everyone will inevitably discuss is, "Can the Federer-Nadal final be held this year?"
"But in this game, I must fight for myself, cheer for myself, give full play to my abilities, and win the cheers and applause with my performance. Even if I need to face the whole world and fight alone, I will burn my life and fight to the last moment."
Modest yet confident, reserved yet resolute, humorous yet passionate, when facing the Big Four, Gawain's performance couldn't be more perfect. He showed his respect for them while also displaying his desire for victory. This was a battle for himself and for his future.
The plain words evoke a vitality and yearning that makes one's blood boil, and truly make people feel the most essential and original passion of competitive sports.
Honestly, no one could have handled this problem more perfectly.
Even while sitting in front of the TV, Hannett wanted to applaud Gawain.
But before the reporters on the scene could respond, Gao Wen added another sentence.
"Fortunately, I won't be fighting alone. At least my father will cheer me on."
Haha, there was a low laugh at the scene, and then a reporter found a loophole, "So where is your mother?"
"Oh, she should be cheering for the respected Mr. Andre Agassi."
Haha, the whole audience applauded and laughed, because at the press conference after the previous game against Wawrinka, a reporter mentioned the issue of Agassi appearing in the player box. Gao Wen also explained the ins and outs of his invitation. The news that Agassi is Jiang Yanyun's favorite tennis player is no longer a secret.
The entire press conference was filled with laughter because of Gao Wen's joke.
Hannett really wanted to give a thumbs up to Gawain. He was able to perform so easily and freely amidst the pursuit and blockade of more than a hundred reporters. This one talent could easily crush ninety-nine percent of professional players. It was indeed a rare ability.
"... Gao Wen, you realize that you are making history, as an Asian male player, and as a professional player participating in the Grand Slam for the first time. Any identity is writing a series of records. So what is the most memorable moment for you in this US Open journey?"
This was another question from a reporter, with obvious "bias". Others couldn't hear it, but Hannett could immediately sense the deep meaning behind the words.
The top four, in the reporter's opinion, was the end of Gao Wen, and it was impossible for him to make further breakthroughs. It was for this reason that they should start preparing a summary of the competition for Gao Wen. However, the reporter's questions were relatively mild, and he did not directly and sharply point out the problem and launch a frontal attack.
Of course, such a question is not difficult. Answering "fans" is always the best answer, which can not only deal with reporters, but also please fans and spectators. What's more, if Hannett remembers correctly, there was a small episode between Gawain and the fans in the second round of the game, which can be used to deal with reporters.
But the reason why Gawain is Gawain is because he does not follow the ordinary path -
"Oh, I was hoping that this moment would come later."
Gao Wen said this lightly, with a little joking and teasing, with a smile on his face, obviously hinting that he still has hope for his next game, but he is not the type to show off or flaunt it. His confidence and composure from the inside out successfully resolved the questions from reporters.
And, this is still not all.
"But for now, the most impressive thing is this moment."
Hmm? What's the answer? The post-match press conference? But what's so memorable about the press conference? Is it the moment of defeating Kei Nishikori and reaching the semi-finals?
"When you called out my name accurately, huh, I finally don't have to worry about going to the wrong press conference."
One second, two seconds, three seconds, and the whole audience burst into applause.
At the pre-match press conference of the first round, Gawain was met with the cold shoulder from all the reporters; then when he faced off against local favorite Isner, he was suppressed by the audience again. Gawain resolved the awkwardness with a witty self-introduction.
These two events are still among the most classic moments of this year's US Open. One has to admire the cleverness and wit with which Gao Wen handled them, and he truly demonstrated his charm and potential.
Who could have known that just ten days later, Gao Wen would be among the top four at the US Open?
Applause, thunderous applause! The reporters really gave Gao Wen applause from the bottom of their hearts. Such a clever and light response, with a little self-deprecation and a little humor, easily ignited the enthusiasm of the entire press conference again.
Hannett withdrew his gaze and looked at the other people in the conference room.
No one spoke, they just exchanged glances. They had seen too many professional players, top stars in different sports and fields, but Gao Wen's calm and wise radiance was still rare, especially considering his age.
"We have to get this contract, guys, we have to."
Finally someone spoke up and expressed what was on everyone's mind.
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Hannett couldn't help but feel his heart surge. The battle to sign Gao Wen had officially begun.
It is conceivable that after the press conference, the world's attention will be focused on Flushing, because history has moved forward once again; and more importantly, because they are witnessing the birth of a superstar.
This is also true.
Here, Adidas is holding a meeting in full swing.
Over there, the front pages of all the major news outlets were reporting on—
This time, it’s not the sports page.
"Making history, an Asian male player reaches the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time!"
“The journey of miracles has not stopped yet.”
"Incredible performance successfully sniped Kei Nishikori, and Gawain's first Grand Slam journey is still not over."
"Having eliminated three seeded players, Gao Wen's pace of making history continues."
"Unstoppable! The 18-year-old Gawain's undefeated streak is not over yet!"
"Who can stop him?"
(End of this chapter)