When the semi-finals between Federer and Gauvin slowly kicked off and continued to produce exciting rounds in the opening stage, Djokovic, who narrowly defeated Dimitrov in five sets to advance to the finals, was not able to rest. Press release after the game
The bustle and bustle of the meeting were still waiting for him.
In the post-match interview, the question about the opponent in the final was undoubtedly an important one——
Different opponents, different games, and different situations.
Djokovic understands this all too well. He respects, admires and is equally vigilant about his two opponents, talking eloquently all the way.
When reporters asked Djokovic "the difference between the two opponents in the two finals", the world's No. 1 pair was also ready for this question.
Obviously, Federer is an old rival. In 2007, Djokovic reached the Grand Slam final for the first time in his career, in Flushing, New York——
The opponent in the final was Federer.
Although he lost that final, that year also marked the beginning of Djokovic's official transformation and his rise to the top ranks.
Over the years, Djokovic and Federer have met and played against each other in different events and occasions and at different stages of different Grand Slams. They are already very familiar with each other. If they meet again in the final, it will be "Djokovic VS Federer 0".
It is conceivable that both parties are very familiar with each other.
Naturally, Gawain is in sharp contrast.
So, when switching from Federer to Gauvin, Djokovic said it smoothly.
"Gao Wen and I have met many times. Obviously, my fighting record is at a disadvantage. For me, every fight with him is a challenge."
"But he and I have never met in a Grand Slam final. I believe this should be a new game, and I am ready for it."
result--
The whole audience was stunned.
So much so that the host of the press conference had to remind him, "Novak, you completed a classic showdown in the Melbourne Park final at the beginning of this year."
Djokovic:…
It can be seen at the scene that Djokovic was obviously stunned, then showed an embarrassed smile and waved his hands repeatedly to express his apology.
"I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry, I completely forgot about it."
"Look. He has already beaten me in a Grand Slam final. I believe if we meet again on Sunday, he should be the more confident one."
"I will go all out and hope this time I can change the outcome of the game."
Although Djokovic resolved the embarrassment with a smile and self-deprecation, reporters and netizens still collectively exploded after the press conference.
In the Australian Open final at the beginning of this year, Djokovic not only led by a huge score of "2:0", but also had three consecutive break point opportunities at "0:40" in the third set. However, he suffered a comeback and lost the game.
The epic final witnessed Gao Wen's feat of winning two consecutive Grand Slam championships.
Not to mention Djokovic himself, even the fans couldn't bear to look back on the past, and almost no one wanted to mention that tragic defeat.
Comparable to the level of PTSD.
It would be completely understandable if Djokovic and the fans try to erase all memories of this year's Australian Open final.
But I never expected that Djokovic actually said it directly, without realizing the problem at all, and seemed to really have lost his memory.
The scene was filled with embarrassment——
After all, the Australian Open final was only six months ago. Isn't this selective forgetfulness an insult to the opponent?
The entire audience in the press conference room was stunned and dumbfounded. It was like the scene of a car accident. Even those who experienced it personally could not believe what they had just witnessed.
Later, discussions on social networks exploded. It was generally believed that Djokovic lacked respect for Gawain. Although his words were polite, he actually did not treat Gawain on an equal footing at all. His father
Serjan's various remarks were resurfaced.
"Look, here's the evidence. Apparently, that's what they really think in the privacy of their homes."
It is conceivable that no matter whether Gao Wen loses or wins the second semi-final, reporters will never miss this topic at the post-match press conference.
and.
Gawain has advanced.
Now, the show begins.
The second semifinal game ended. Although it was approaching 1:30 a.m. local time in New York, the players' work was still not over.
There are not only post-match press conferences, but also post-match on-site interviews.
Arthur Ashe Stadium is still very lively. After all, only a few spectators are leaving the stadium. The carnival atmosphere inside and outside the stadium has just begun. The early hours of the morning are when party animals are most awake, happy and excited. The atmosphere is noisy and lively.
The night sky was dyed red wantonly.
On-site interviews can also be regarded as feedback from the players to the audience.
Courier immediately asked Gao Wen about his outlook for the final——
Obviously, he already knew about the small incident at Djokovic's post-match press conference, but he did not intend to mention it, but expressed respect.
At the beginning of the year, Melbourne Park kicked off with the epic showdown between Gauvin and Djokovic; at the end of the year, Flushing also ended with such a showdown, drawing a perfect end to the Grand Slam battlefield throughout the year, and everyone was looking forward to it.
With both players able to contribute wonderful performances in the final.
However, Courier mentioned last year's semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. That was Gawain's famous work. Compared with defeating Kei Nishikori and Wawrinka in the first place and then defeating Cilic in the semi-finals, Gawain was upset in the semi-finals.
The shock and impact of defeating Djokovic is still vivid in my mind a year later.
Gao Wen had no way of knowing the episode of Djokovic's post-match press conference. There was no doubt that he expressed his respect and admiration for the champion.
"In fact, since I stepped onto the court in New York this year, one of the questions people have asked me most often is the difference between this year and last year."
"Things are indeed different."
"However, when the game reaches this stage, this year is slowly overlapping with last year, and everything seems familiar again. Facing Novak, I still have to lower my profile to attack him. He is still the player who performed this year
Preferably the player who has been in better form recently."
"Maybe this year is different from last year, but for me, the situation is getting closer. I also believe that Novak is the more favored side. There is no doubt that he is a respectable champion, so if I
If you want to defeat him, you need to put in 200% effort."
"I'm not sure if my body is ready yet, but mentally I am."
"Of course, this is for me, and I hope that for the audience, this year is a new game. Compared with last year, it would be nice if they can change it a little bit."
One second, two seconds——
Arthur Ashe Stadium was stunned for a moment, looking at each other and exchanging glances, and then the whole audience burst into laughter.
Wait, was Gao Wen just complaining about the audience not giving enough support last year, or was he complaining about tonight's semifinals where the audience overwhelmingly supported Federer?