Chapter 575 Doubles Partner
Huff, huff.
His lungs were burning as Gawain breathed in big gulps. The most direct feeling he had after lacking systematic training was that his endurance dropped very quickly.
But physical training is like this. There seems to be no obvious growth over time. However, as soon as the training stops for a period of time, there is a cliff-like drop, just like a deflated balloon, flying all over the sky but you can't catch it.
"Hey man, let me give it a try?"
Hearing the enthusiastic shouts in his ears, Gao Wen turned his head and saw Dominic Thiem, another well-known training fanatic in the men's professional tennis world.
Gawain did not answer, but glanced at Pelt.
Pert nodded to indicate that physical recovery training cannot be achieved overnight, but needs to be improved step by step. "Rest for ten minutes, and then prepare for the formal batting training."——
So far, it's just a warm-up.
Gawain then turned around and waved to Tim, then walked over with heavy steps. With each step, large beads of sweat could be seen falling, and the deep and shallow marks were just like the footprints of Bigfoot.
Bang! Gao Wen and Tim high-fived each other, and then Tim came on the court holding the racket, smiling and greeting.
"Good morning!"
Pelt had no intention of exchanging pleasantries. He just nodded and signaled with his eyes that Tim should start moving, as he was going to pass the ball to him.
Tim jumped a few times on the spot, and then entered the training state. He had already seen Gao Wen's training, so he naturally knew the process.
At the side of the court, Gawain picked up a bottle of mineral water. Although he was extremely thirsty and his throat seemed to be on fire, he still took small sips to replenish his water several times.
This is to allow the body to slowly adapt to regular hydration, so that it can form a relatively stable consumption during the game and avoid a roller coaster reaction in energy consumption.
All these details are a long-term plan formulated by Sampras after he officially became Gowan's coach and after in-depth discussions with Peart. The goal is not three months or half a year, but after one or two seasons, when Gowan's body fully adapts to the rules of professional competitions and develops habits that suit him.
"out!"
Russell's shout could be heard from above the court, and it was obvious that Thiem's shot did not go into the zone.
Pelt immediately shouted.
"Don't keep thinking about exerting force. This is not a hitting drill, but a drill for the feel of the ball that combines footwork and control. Stay focused and don't be so anxious."
"out!"
"Hold on, Dominic, hold on! Focus on your footwork and wrist control. Hitting the ball with power is not my goal in this training."
Throughout Thiem's career, he has always been a model of giving his all without reservation. In every game, he consumes all his energy and gives his all, exerting force on every shot and fighting for every ball.
Someone once said that Thiem is a younger version of Nadal.
It can be seen that Thiem does have many similarities with Nadal, and their playing styles, mental will, and training attitudes are also very similar; but there are still many differences between the two people's games. Nadal is tough, while Thiem is hard.
These are two different things.
It can be seen from the shot at this time that Gao Wen couldn't help but smile and shouted.
"Dominic, be soft on your wrists."
Tim did not answer Gao Wen, his attention was still on Pelt's feeding, but it can be seen that he gradually found the feel for the batting practice.
"Enter!"
At this year's US Open, Thiem successfully entered the fourth round, but unfortunately lost to Berdych who was in the best form of his career. His performance was amazing.
If it weren't for Gawain's brilliance, Tim would have won more attention and praise.
After finishing the US Open, Thiem did not immediately join the Asian season competition, but took a three-week rest and adjustment.
There are two reasons for this.
On the one hand, in Grand Slam tournaments, regardless of winning or losing, once you enter the second week, the physical and mental consumption is very severe, and adjustments are often needed.
On the other hand, Austria has a military obligation, and Thiem needs to fulfill his national obligation this year and serve in the army for four weeks, so he returned to his homeland for a military physical examination. If there are no problems, he will join the army during the off-season after the end of the season.
After the rest, Thiem chose to go to Neon to compete, but his touch was not good and he lost to Kevin Anderson in two sets in the first round; then he came to Shanghai.
The Shanghai Masters, to put it simply, is a top-level tournament with 1,000 points. Its tournament standards are second only to the Grand Slam. There are only nine Masters tournaments throughout the year, and all the top players will gather together without exception.
The same is true for Tim.
Inviting Thiem to the meeting was not Gawain's idea, but Sampras and Tobias's idea after discussion:
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They hope that Gao Wen and Thiem will form a temporary doubles team and participate in the doubles competition of the Shanghai Masters.
The main reason is to adjust the status.
Like Thiem and Gao Wen, he faced a bit of a slump after the US Open. His performance in Japan was very poor, and he did not have the touch he had during the US Open at all. He lost in the first round, so he now needs more games to get his touch back.
Thiem can be Gawain's hitting partner - definitely better than Russell; at the same time, the two of them playing doubles together can also help find the rhythm of the game.
Similar situations are common in professional tennis. Except for Federer, the other three giants actually occasionally compete in doubles to find their form.
Moreover, doubles matches are a very important means of honing net skills. Djokovic later realized his shortcomings in net skills, and the number of times he participated in doubles matches to hone his skills through actual combat increased significantly.
In women's professional competitions, Martina Navratilova, the Williams sisters, Aryna Sabalenka, Elise Mertens, Ashleigh Barty and others are all players who excel in both singles and doubles.
In men's competitions, the competition in both singles and doubles is extremely fierce. It is almost impossible to balance them all, and players need to stay focused. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly rare for players to win both the top singles and doubles tournaments at the same time.
But it is undeniable that occasional guest appearances in doubles matches are very frequent.
At the 2017 Laver Cup, the scene of Federer and Nadal teaming up for a doubles match is still a classic moment that fans talk about.
Now, Sampras also hopes that Gao Wen can try doubles:
Firstly, Gao Wen still has too little competition experience. He needs to play as many games as possible. Besides, the pressure of doubles matches is not that great. After all, it is not Gao Wen’s main event, so he can enjoy the competition.
Secondly, Gao Wen needs more games and more time to adjust his condition, and doubles is undoubtedly a fresh attempt.
Thirdly, Gao Wen’s net skills need to be honed. Basic training can be done slowly during the off-season, but honing them through doubles matches is also an idea.
So Tobias invited Thiem, who readily accepted the invitation and came again to serve as Gawain's batting partner.
First update.
(End of this chapter)