This is the best word to describe Court No. 2 at this moment, not only because of the thirty-three-shot round just now, but also because the game situation is completely intertwined.
First, Istomin got match point in Gao Wen's serve, and he was only one point away from the biggest upset since the start of Wimbledon in 2015; then, Gao Wen got a break in Istomin's serve.
Points, running all over the court, passive defense, and giving it all a go show off the style of a Grand Slam champion to the audience.
The whole place was boiling.
"What an amazing way to get this break point!"
In the commentary room, there was a mixture of shock and admiration. A simple sentence can deeply feel the storm in the mind, and the scalp is numb and the whole body is trembling.
In the midst of one wave of adrenaline rush after another, the commentators had to maintain their last bit of calm and continue to explain in the stormy storm.
"The next point is the real test for Istomin!"
"This break point was only the fourth break point that Gao Wen got in the whole match. The previous three were from one in the first set and two in the third set; and Istomin successfully saved all three.
With a break point, I still maintain a record of winning all serve games in this game so far.”
"However, this break point is different from any previous one, and it is even different from the match point in the previous game."
"Obviously three minutes ago, he had a match point and was about to end the game. In the blink of an eye, he had to save a break point in order to continue the third set. Such ups and downs, such twists and turns, such turbulent waves, all crowded together, it has a great impact on his psychology and state.
pose serious challenges to the stability of the country."
"For Istomin, whether he can continue his consistent outstanding performance despite fluctuations in mentality and a stalemate situation is the key to victory."
Obviously, Gawain understands this, and Istomin also understands this, but precisely because he understands the importance of this point, the subtle change in mentality will also be the most severe test for the players.
The audience in Stadium 2 also understood this. After the overwhelming applause and cheers, they fell silent again, paying full attention and holding their breath.
"30:40".
Before serving, you can clearly see Istomin taking a deep breath, looking up at Gawain, and seemed to be keeping his mind calm.
Then, throw the ball——
When the tennis ball enters the sunlight, you can clearly see the golden powder mixed in the mustard yellow light and shadow. It seems to be melted into the brilliance, but it also seems to be dyed green bit by bit, which is in line with the slowly unfolding court in front of you.
Fusion into one, and finally turned into an arrow across the entire field.
coming!
The first serve successfully entered the zone, but clues can be seen from the state of the first serve:
Istomin's brain must have been racing with thoughts and he was unable to sort out his thoughts.
He failed to determine whether he should choose to fight or be conservative, failed to determine whether he should increase the threat of the first serve or reduce the risk to ensure that the first serve entered the zone to create pressure, and failed to determine whether he should attack or see-saw after the first serve. The entire tactical routine was inconsistent.
is blurry.
At critical moments, it is dangerous to have no ideas, but it is also dangerous to have too many ideas.
As a result, Istomin's first serve entered the zone smoothly. However, the effect of the serve was ambiguous and the tactical intention was unclear.
The speed is 180 kilometers per hour, which is quite satisfactory, neither fast nor slow.
The landing point is between the inside corner and the close body. It is neither awkward nor embarrassing. It does not tear the angle apart and does not squeeze Gawain's swing space.
Not bad at all, just... mediocre.
As a result, Gawain was caught off guard——
This time, Gao Wen did not predict, but followed Istomin's serving action and struck out reflexively. His sight caught the inner corner of the tennis ball, and he rushed out. He set off the forehand early and was ready to receive the serve. He was highly concentrated.
The attention caused Gawain to react immediately.
However, as soon as he stepped forward, he realized that Istomin's serve angle was not widened. It was a bit awkward to serve the ball neither from close range nor from an inside corner, so that his movements seemed redundant. In the end, he collided head-on with the car. Unexpectedly
Create a squeezing effect and compress space.
...Is this considered an unintentional intervention?
However, Gao Wen always remained focused, and his follow-up reaction speed was very fast. Although the forward inertia of his footsteps was too fast to brake in the blink of an eye, his upper body immediately leaned back to distance himself, and continued to swing the racket along the trajectory of his forehand, his body was like a
The bow and arrow are usually fully drawn, and the strike is struck with the forehand.
One touch, one top——
The forehand racket was facing the tennis ball, moving along the direction of the body, and without enough time to swing the racket, he hit the ball directly with a backslash and rushed out.
Use your strength to fight!
Because Gawain's entire body had already risen into the air, he had no way to actively exert force. In the end, he could only push back the power of Istomin's serve.
The quality of the returned ball is neither good nor bad. It lacks a little control, but the landing point of the returning ball is slightly beyond expectations. Although the angle is not stretched, the landing point is deep enough.
……Chance?
In the blink of an eye, Gawain had already noticed the change in the situation. From Istomin's serve to his own return, the situation changed rapidly.
tread.
Gawain was adjusting his steps and paying full attention to Istomin's movements, vaguely making a guess.
Tread, step.
Gawain's center of gravity had moved slightly, and then he saw Istomin's batting action, his suspicion was confirmed, and the movement followed immediately——
Istomin's mind was indeed so full of thoughts that he was unable to sort out his tactics:
Facing Gao Wen's return serve, the landing point was slightly deeper, but not that deep. There was still about one and a half steps from the baseline. It had a little pressure and impact but it was far from enough. If Istomin is willing
, he still has room to counterattack and continue to realize his serving advantage.
However, Istomin didn't think about it. Hitting the ball was just a subconscious action. He hit a backhand with both hands, the simplest and easiest diagonal shot that didn't require thinking, and then hit the tennis ball back again. Rhythm, speed, power
All of them are quite satisfactory, a very typical transition shot.
Perhaps the only thing worthy of praise is the line control.
Even though it was a transition ball, Istomin still slightly opened the angle and sent the return ball to Gawain's backhand position. There was still a large space from the baseline triangle, which could accommodate two balloon men, but it was enough to knock Gawain out.
Get mobilized.
Across the court, Gawain is indeed moving——
Move left, move left. Move left!
The whole step was very light and very determined, and he was in place in the blink of an eye.
However, it did not stop and continued to move left.
Wait, could it be...
Sideways forehand?
Istomin:!!!
Everything happened so fast. Before Istomin could react, Gawain, who had predicted and prepared early, had already completed the transfer in a series of dazzling cross-step changes, moving from the backhand position to the forehand.
bit, then——
Sideways forehand.
Kick on the ground, soar into the air, leap forward, white clothes fluttering, like a dashing swordsman, unsheathing his sword and striking out with heavy punches.
Ah ah ah ah ah……
The energy is rising steadily, and one blow is fatal.
Straight line, deep zone, sudden force without warning, breaking the balance forcefully, the tennis ball fell into the blind corner like a meteor, setting off a turbulent wave.