The third set is slowly coming to an end. Once Bellucic can continue to hold serve, he will take the lead in winning the fifth game, pushing Gao Wen into a situation where there is no way out.
Gawain has a clear understanding of this, but ankle sprains are still a problem. If it doesn't hurt, it won't hurt. If you ignore it, you should ignore it. Some moves and some shots still need attention. The last thing you need now is a second injury, adding insult to injury.
This also means that Gawain's brain needs to work.
In Belucic's past two service games, as well as the one in front of him, Gao Wen has been making some attempts, even at the risk of making mistakes——
However, the hot weather and humid air really didn't help.
Another return ball went out of bounds, causing Gao Wen to shake his head slightly, feeling that the entire force and rotation control were not right in today's environment.
Especially after the third set, the sun gradually climbed to the top of the head, and the rolling heat waves continued to hit the face from the ground. Then the tennis ball hardly moved, not only the hitting, but also the cutting, not sure if it was the air.
Changes in density are also caused by changes in your body's reaction.
Maybe, there are some different factors.
However, this does not mean that Gao Wen will stop trying. Looking at the score, it is already "40:15" anyway, so he should give it a try.
boom!
In the outer corner of the first area, Bellucic served.
Gao Wen watched the tennis ball closely, and rushed out with a big stride. He immediately realized that this serve was not fast, and Bellucic was not a superman. In such a competition environment, Gao Wen felt something
, the same is true for Bellucic, it is fair to both parties.
Now, in order to ensure the scoring rate of the first serve and prevent his second serve from becoming the target of Gawain, Bellucic is also adjusting his first serve tactics, increasing rotation, distracting the focus to create threats, and trying to knock Gawain out.
Pull out completely to gain more advantage for your next shot.
——Speed 176 kilometers per hour.
This is a typical first serve on clay. In situations of high temperature or reduced physical fitness, similar first serves are very common in clay court matches.
Gawain's first reaction was timely enough. He rushed out with a big stride and struck with a forehand.
It's like cracking a whip.
Simply and neatly, follow the direction of body movement, connect the inertia, strength, and take-off movements, and shoot in one go.
Then, with a twist of his wrist, the speed of the racket head increased instantly, a touch of firmness and determination burst out from his eyes, and the crisp sound of hitting the ball was heard.
boom!
straight line.
Dead corner.
Without any delay, he got into the blind corner accurately. Even before Belucic started, he had already landed and rebounded, rushing towards the bottom line barrier.
Return serve ACE.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium was buzzing and roaring. Seeing Gawain's neat winning score, both of them couldn't hold it back and started to get restless.
However, the two players on the court seemed particularly calm. Neither Gawain nor Bellucic were the type to be shaken by the slightest situation.
In fact, what Gawain has been trying is to increase the speed of the racquet and shoot suddenly——
Originally, this was Gawain's best attack method.
That is to say, in a strong confrontation, the balance of the confrontation is suddenly broken, whether it is a diagonal or a straight line, relying on the strength of the forearm and wrist to complete the control, unexpectedly breaking the opponent's balance and rhythm, and increasing the threat of the attack through some unexpected line choices
, and finally lay the foundation for scoring.
Not to mention defending the title, if Gao Wen wants to break into the second week of the US Open and compete with other top players, this shot is indispensable.
In the three games in Flushing so far this year, Gao Wen did not use this racket very frequently. This was mainly due to the impact of injuries. The feel and condition were not adjusted to the best, so he did not act too hastily and took it step by step.
Slowly exploring the ground, today it is a little more urgent——
Although he can't feel pain for the time being due to his sprained ankle, it doesn't mean he's safe. He still needs to use smarter and simpler ways to win.
Judging from the current situation, he still lacks the collision and polishing of the game, and the control of the entire hand still has not reached a level that he is satisfied with.
The timing of the shot, the timing of hitting the ball, the timing of speeding up the racket head, the timing of tactical attacks, etc. These invisible details still feel lacking.
However, there is no shortcut to this. The only way is to keep trying, polishing and adjusting through competition.
Now, there are no distracting thoughts in Gawain's mind, only one thought:
How should I score the next point?
"40:30".
So, will Bellucic try the outside corner in the second zone?
Not only for Nadal, but for all left-handed players, the outside corner of the second zone is an important skill. The only difference is that Nadal's use and execution are the most mature and outstanding. Not only the serve, but also the
The offensive connection in the next shot after serving is all top-notch.
Of course, Bellucic also knows this trick.
Gawain, do you want to make a bet?
The reason is very simple. Bellusic also realized that the third set was coming to an end, and he also hoped to win this game as soon as possible and continue to consolidate his advantage; especially when he just lost an ACE in receiving the serve, his mentality fluctuated slightly.
, will Bellucic hope for a fatal blow?
Tap tap, tap tap.
Gao Wen's footsteps continued to move quickly, and as he watched Belucic's throwing action, his body reflexively started to act first.
With a kick and a rush, he rushed towards his left side.
Zone 2. Outside corner.
You've got it!
Backhand with both hands, triggering the shot early, moving forward strongly, without giving in or hesitating, the collision of strength and power has already hit the target head-on.
boom.
Heavy sword, attack.
This time, Gawain did not take the risk of choosing a straight line, and the entire swing speed increased significantly, hammering along a diagonal line.
The tennis ball, like a spark hitting the earth, rushed towards Bellucic with a majestic momentum and a roaring heat wave.
Bellucic was a little embarrassed.
He was retreating, trying to create enough space for himself, but he couldn't keep up with his speed. As soon as he took a step back, the tennis ball was already in front of him, so he had to rush his forehand.
Generally speaking, the power of the forehand is stronger than that of the backhand. Gawain's backhand slash is exactly opposite to Belucic's forehand, so Belucic should have the upper hand; but at this time, Gawain's
The two-handed backhand was fully exerted, and the superposition of strength and strength burst out with sharp and thick energy, which suppressed Bellucic's forehand.
Bellucic is a little soft-hearted.
Stability is Belucic's strength, but his hitting still lacks some edge.
Roll the forehand, pull the topspin habitually, and push the tennis ball back.
However.
The parabola of the tennis ball still rose slightly, and the impact and suppression from the power of Gawain's backhand shot could be clearly seen at this time.
Bellucic immediately realized the danger, started to adjust his steps in small steps, and prepared to defend. He had just served and was already passive——
Gawain, his footsteps have reached the bottom line.
