It is always relatively easy to talk on paper, because those rules, those principles, and those laws are all right in front of you, as simple and clear as mathematical formulas.
Sitting in the office, holding a tablet computer, analyzing the movement and bounce of the clay court, those changes, those irregularities, those mines, it sounds clear and logical, not only clear and simple, but also easy to understand. It seems that the clay court has been analyzed thoroughly, but the actual operation is not
It's another matter.
"Understanding red soil" has never been that simple.
Nadal was able to take the "King of Clay" to a whole new level precisely because of this innate understanding and reading that no one can match.
In the past, from the 2006 season to the 2007 season, Federer once created an astonishing record of 54 wins and two losses in the four Grand Slams and the year-end finals, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open and year-end finals for two consecutive years, but the only
It’s a pity that he finished second in the French Open for two consecutive years——
All lost to Nadal.
In fact, in 2006, 2007, and 2008, Federer reached the French Open finals for three consecutive years and faced the same old opponent for three consecutive years. However, Federer was never able to overcome the mountain of Nadal. Even in the 2008 finals, he was
I swallowed one duck egg in three plates and was unable to fight back.
It is precisely because of this that in 2009, when Federer finally realized his dream by defeating Soderling in the French Open final, the Swiss King knelt down and cried with joy.
Even Nadal, who was watching the final in front of the TV, had tears in his eyes and sent a text message to Federer immediately after the game to express his blessings.
Of course, Nadal is Nadal, and that is a unique existence; however, for every player, understanding clay soil is a homework.
However, this course is so difficult that even the new generation is unwilling to take it seriously——
Don't say "post-90s", the new generation of "post-95s", to be precise, starting from players like Djokovic and Murray, they have gradually become lazy.
On the one hand, it benefits from technological advances in rackets, strings, sneakers, etc.; on the other hand, it benefits from the advancement in players' physical fitness and training methods.
This also makes the differences between different venues smaller and smaller. Players often adopt similar playing styles, and no obvious differences can be seen in different venues.
For example, Medvedev has almost no changes in the way he moves on hard courts, grass and clay, and there is basically no sliding. He relies entirely on his own legs and feet.
Of course, professionals have also conducted in-depth analysis and found that this is feasible. Such is the strong offensive style represented by Sharapova and Serena Williams. They did not make adjustments based on clay soil, but also relied on their own style of play.
Winning the French Open championship is the overall trend of the times.
In addition, the ground maintenance methods of red clay and grass are becoming more and more advanced, and the uncertainty of roughness is reducing, so that the difference between grass and hard ground is getting smaller and smaller, which also gives the new generation room to "lazy" from another aspect.
, you can conquer the world with just one trick.
However, Graf's idea is slightly different.
Clay courts are typical slow-speed courts. The honeycomb clay structure devours speed and power very obviously. Simply put, it is often difficult for power players or cannon-serving players to give full play to their advantages on clay courts. Once the power is no longer effective,
, there's nothing left to do.
In direct contrast, the tactical combinations on clay courts are more diverse, richer and more flexible, which is very suitable for players with diverse playing styles; moreover, there are many rounds, which are a severe test for endurance, brainpower and concentration, and are more suitable for those who dare to
Players who make different attempts.
For example, Gawain.
Graf believes that Gao Wen's style of play can also shine on clay courts, but the prerequisite is that he needs to find his own understanding.
Sampras and Agassi agreed 100% with this.
First of all, it is certain that things are not easy.
Gao Wen has always grown up on hard courts. For a typical hard court player, if he suddenly switches to a different court, his batting, tactics, layout, ideas, etc. all need to change. This is tantamount to breaking his own habits and rules.
Just by thinking about it, you will know how difficult it is.
Moreover, from a professional point of view, it is very, very difficult to switch from hard to red clay; conversely, it is much simpler to switch from red to hard:
Because red soil can cultivate more comprehensive and detailed basic skills, these basic skills can often be adapted to different venues and are a comprehensive exercise; but on the other hand, the requirements for basic skills on hard courts are much simpler and rougher. When moving from hard courts to grass and red clay
You will become acclimatized.
Swedish legend Bjorn Borg is known as a unique figure in the history of tennis. He has won a total of 11 Grand Slam championships in his career, six French Open and five Wimbledon, including 1978 and 1979.
In 1980, he won the French Open and Wimbledon back to back for three consecutive years.
Such a feat is still considered to be a unique feat that cannot be surpassed or copied, because switching between two completely different venues in just one month is so difficult that it is unimaginable. Switching between different venues is definitely not only
It's just a change in the type of golf course.
Now, Gawain needs to meet a new challenge.
However, you always have to try and see how things will develop.
If they refuse to try and take risks, there is no problem in continuing to stick to Gao Wen's current style of play; however, they will never have the chance to know whether Gao Wen has the opportunity to go further on the clay court and whether his career can be more successful.
How possible, so——
All beginnings are hard.
When you take the first step to try, it means that you have already won half the battle.
So, where should we start to understand red soil?
Obviously, not by reading books or watching videos.
After a simple communication to lay the groundwork, Graf and Gao Wen were already on the court, facing each other across the net, and kicked off the training with a warm-up game.
The two people both entered the serving area, Graf stood on his left side, and Gawain stood on his right side, forming a state of standing face to face——
Close combat.
"The movement range is within the teeing area; at the same time, the hitting range is also within the teeing area and cannot leave or go out of bounds."
"My range is within the second area, and your range is within the first area."
Graf simply divided the area and showed a smile to Gawain.
"Just think of it as mini tennis. Just like table tennis, this is your national sport. You should be familiar with it. Let's give it a try?"
After saying that, Graf was not modest. He picked up a tennis ball and asked with his eyes. After confirming that Gawain was ready, he started hitting the ball.
This game was also played by Gawain for the first time. It was very fresh and he was eager to try it with a relaxed attitude. He expressed his expectations with a smile on his lips.
At first, Gao Wen thought that this was a variant of running back and forth on a tennis court, and there was no essential difference between training on hard courts.
But soon, it didn't take long, after five or six rounds, Gawain realized that he was still too young, and things were not that simple!