Chapter 435: Each One Has Their Own Calculations
"Is the Wild Card Fantasy Miracle About to Happen Again?"
The Los Angeles Times' headline triggered a massive attack and instantly became the target of public criticism.
If it were ordinary media, the influence might not be that strong; if it were Chinese media, others would naturally think that they were cheering for the hopes of their own country. Regardless of whether they agreed or not, it was at least understandable, and everyone should just seek common ground while reserving differences.
But, the Los Angeles Times? Seriously?
Not to mention that the Big Three of Djokovic, Murray and Federer are all still on the draw, one can imagine how difficult it would be for Gawain to continue to break through; just to say that in the entire history, there is only one male player who can accomplish such a feat, Ivanisevic, and that Wimbledon championship is the only Grand Slam trophy in Ivanisevic's career, which shows the coincidence.
And Gao Wen? Was the Los Angeles Times really not kidding? It was precisely because of this that the Los Angeles Times became the target of a collective attack by all major media outlets.
Before the night match between Djokovic and Murray started, major news media on social networks could not wait to launch attacks. Everyone was analyzing that no matter which player Gawain faced in the next round, it would be a bad time, and the dark horse would most likely reveal its true colors.
On the one hand, it is because the Big Four specialize in dealing with dark horses; on the other hand, because the competition has reached the semi-final stage, the Big Four must have adjusted to their best condition, and it will inevitably be more difficult for the dark horse to break through.
Moreover, Djokovic and Murray's playing styles should have some advantages over Gao Wen, which further widens the gap in strength.
All these, all analyzed from different angles, can lead to the same conclusion, that is, the initiative of victory is not in Gawain's hands.
The overwhelming complaints and ridicules poured down on the Los Angeles Times.
"Just because Gao Wen was wearing a UCLA jersey?"
"You're losing your mind after watching Dark Horse create a miracle?"
"Are you sure you've checked the draw sheet? Do you want to confirm Gao Wen's potential opponent for the next round before you talk?"
"Did he type this article while lying drunk on the typewriter?"
"Haha, here comes the feel-good joke of the year."
It’s huge and bustling.
If Gawain's victory over Kei Nishikori sparked explosive discussion, then the Los Angeles Times' bold assumption directly burst a hornet's nest.
No one believed that Gao Wen could continue to win, no one.
Reece Bennett was browsing the information on the social network and couldn't help but smile. "One second ago, everyone was still marveling at Gawain's 55-game winning streak and discussing 'who can beat Gawain'. The next second, the answer came out: 'The Big Four'. Are you sure this isn't a standard answer copied from others? There's nothing new about it."
Adidas is keeping a close eye on Gao Wen, so how could Nike be careless? However, Nike is different from Adidas, and they have their own plans.
Bennett raised his head and looked at Eric Robinson in front of him, "Well, what do you think?"
Robinson was busy in Europe, but Gawain's performance became more and more exciting. All signs proved that Robinson's original judgment was correct. Nike needed Robinson to truly confirm Gawain's potential.
It has nothing to do with his performance at this US Open, but rather confirms Gao Wen’s possible future.
In other words, if Galvahan is just like Ivanisevic, who exploded once and then fell silent, with an element of luck, they will still strive to sign him, but the amount and salary will naturally be adjusted; but if Galvahan can be like Clijsters, who won three Grand Slam titles after his comeback and performed even better than before his retirement, then Nike's strategy will be completely different.
They needed Robinson's professional advice.
So, Robinson flew back to New York overnight and watched Gawain's match against Kei Nishikori to see if Gawain continued to grow in the short two months from the U.S. Championships to the U.S. Open - only Robinson knew Gawain's ability and performance two months ago.
"You mean, surpassing Djokovic or Murray to advance to the final?" Robinson raised his eyebrows. "My opinion is that Gao Wen has the ability to do so."
"What?" Bennett was startled. Apparently, deep down, he didn't expect such an answer. "I mean, I'm not surprised by your answer. I'm just surprised by your certainty."
Robinson shrugged. "That's how competitive sports are. No one can predict the outcome unless they compete in the game. The only thing we can do is analyze a possibility and a trend. What I want to say is that Gawain has the ability, the belief, and the determination. If Djokovic or Murray expose an opportunity, Gawain will seize it."
Objectively speaking, from the perspective of absolute ability, Gao Wen is naturally still some distance away from the Big Four, but competitive sports do not look at absolute strength, but on-the-spot performance and competitive state.
Some players have an ability value of 100 points, but they are in poor condition and only perform 50 points in this game. Then, even if the opponent is just an ordinary player with an ability value of 55 points, as long as they exert their full ability, they can win.
It's that simple.
Bennett thought about it carefully, but he sensed something more from Robinson's words, "You are full of confidence in Gawain's future."
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This time, Robinson was very sure, "Believe me, if you see the growth and transformation of a player in just two months, as well as his training attitude and game temperament, you will believe without hesitation like me that Gao Wen has the potential to become the world's number one in the future."
"...Eric, do you know what you are saying?" Bennett was a little shocked.
Why? Because since Federer topped the world rankings on February 2, 2004, the title of "world number one" has never left the Big Four for a full decade; moreover, even being among the top four is very, very difficult, which is the origin of the legendary title of the "Big Four".
During this period, countless talented youngsters won the praise of "potential future world No. 1", but no one was able to break the dominance of the Big Four.
What Bennett and Robinson didn't know was that even in 2021, this situation has not changed. Even if Murray fell behind due to injury and the Big Four became the Big Three, there was still no player who could break through the blockade.
And now, Robinson thinks Gawain has what it takes to break the blockade?
Bennett couldn't believe his ears because he knew this was their private conversation. Robinson was also responsible for judging Nike's treatment of Gao Wen. Robinson would never joke. If he joked, it might mean a difference of millions of dollars in value.
Robinson certainly knew this, but he still said lightly, "Reese, I can't give you a definite answer. Only time can tell."
Even in the face of Bennett's shock, Robinson still did not change his words.
(End of this chapter)