Both players' returns were frantically testing on the edge of going out of bounds. The switching between offense and defense danced precariously on the edge of the cliff. The tension of the confrontation was instantly pushed to the extreme, and the quality of the entire game suddenly rose to a new level.
Then, Murray also showed his true potential.
Faced with the backspin that hit his feet, he showed unparalleled wrist control when hitting the rebound ball. With one pull and one turn, he unbelievably hit a backslash on the skateboard, and once again aimed at the sideline and flew at high speed.
Attack continuously and pull the trigger.
and!
That's not all.
In the next step, Murray pressed forward with all his strength. His center of gravity was squeezed and shaken and he leaned forward without hesitation, and sprinted along with the inertia.
Target: In front of the net.
In the most unlikely situation, Murray chose to sneak attack with the ball and go to the net.
This scene seems familiar——
In the U.S. Open semi-finals and finals, Gauvin used this tactic, suddenly surfing the Internet at a moment when there was no opportunity. It seemed reckless but was actually cautious, and seemed risky but was actually steady. This made both Federer and Djokovic panic.
Feet, balance will be overturned.
All along, Gawain has always been learning, drawing experience and wisdom from the four giants, and applying it flexibly in the game in his own way; and now, Murray has also begun to learn from Gawain's interpretation of the game, which really means
Gawain has a place in the ranks of giants.
The combination of "bounce ball + following the ball to the net" really broke the guesswork, but Murray's eyes were particularly firm, and his steps and body shape remained light.
Then, Murray could see that Gao Wen on the other side of the net was advancing at full speed, sprinting with a sliding step, and completing a pull-up shot at a low point with a backhand with both hands. The control of his forearms and wrists made it clear at a glance that he was crossing the net.
Fall sharply.
Murray's muscles all over his body were tense——
Step up!
Step up!
Step up!
Facing a return ball that drops sharply across the net, you need to move as close to the net as possible to find a suitable hitting point. At the same time, you need to control the racket surface to maintain the angle as much as possible. If you press it too hard, it will go down the net, and if you hit it too wide, it will go out of bounds.
.
Murray was fully focused, pushed his backhand forward slightly, and hit the ball before the tennis ball fell. The hitting position was above the net, which also gave Murray enough space to press down, but he still needed to be careful.
Be careful if you use too much force and it will fly away.
Secondly, be careful if you cannot bear the force and may hit the net.
Control. Brake. Retrace.
The action was completed in one go. After completing the volley at the net, the preparation for the next shot was quickly connected. Murray not only showed the courage of a giant, but also showed the comprehensiveness of his skills, and he had the upper hand again in the blink of an eye.
At this time, you can see the flexibility and lightness of Gawain's second start after the sudden stop and turn, and the continuous long-step lateral movement. He has already arrived before he has time to blink, and he even has time to observe.
Murray's heart tightened, Oops!
In the volley in front of the net, Murray was still too cautious. He did not fully exert his force and did not push the line completely deep, leaving room for the ball to be returned. Gao Wen gained breathing space, but Murray became the target.
……how to respond?
Before Murray had time to think carefully, Gao Wen had already made his choice. After all, Gao Wen was still passive. He saw the tennis ball about to hit the ground and jumped twice. He had no time to adjust and had to take action immediately.
One jump, one pull.
Lobby!
Murray's small steps were immediately adjusted.
Rub rub rub, rub rub rub.
The friction between the soles of the shoes and the court made a harsh sound, surging above the eardrums. Only then did they realize that the O2 Stadium was silent and staring with bated breath. They did not expect that the game would suddenly become tense and exciting, and their brains had not had time to turn around.
Get caught up in the game.
Back off, back off again.
Murray retreated while observing, determining his position on the court and the landing point of the tennis ball. He was about to return to the baseline. If he did not intercept, the advantage in front of the net would be easily destroyed by Gawain.
Murray knows Gao Wen. If he cannot complete the half-court high pressure and is forced to retreat to the bottom line, Gao Wen will immediately go to the net to put pressure on him without hesitation.
No, we can't wait any longer.
Pulling onions on a dry land, Murray jumped backwards.
Uh-huh!
The strength in his waist and abdomen exploded. At the moment when the tennis ball was about to pass over his head, Murray stretched his body to the extreme and used his wrist to grab the racket and buckle it.
Ah! Ahhh!
The power exploded deep in his Dantian, and Murray had completely escaped the shackles of gravity, but his movements were still reluctant, precarious, and he could barely reach the ball. It was really difficult to exert force with such movements.
However, it was eventually intercepted.
One cover, one press——
Unable to exert force, Murray still used his wrist to control the line, reverse slash, press the backhand, push into the deep zone, and the tennis ball turned into a light and shadow.
drink!
After hitting the ball, Murray lost his temper and followed the pull of gravity to return to the ground. Without even waiting for adjustment, his steps rushed back to the net again, taking continuous steps to keep his center of gravity light and staring at Gawain.
Kick on the ground, run wildly, sprint.
Gawain had turned into a ray of light and shadow, rushing toward the backhand position like a shooting star. He was fully focused and his eyes were clear. Even if he was passive, he still showed an unwavering determination. With a glance, the entire court space was already in his eyes.
Murray knew that Gawain was looking for a way to break the net.
So, how will Gawain choose?
Straight line? Diagonal line? Lob shot?
Murray's pupils shrank, he stepped forward, paused briefly in front of the net, deliberately diverted Gawain's sight, and then moved towards the forehand position——
straight line.
Murray prepares to block the straight line.
He knew that straight lines were more difficult, and ordinary players would often choose diagonal lines to break the net, but Gao Wen was not an ordinary player. He noticed Gao Wen's action of setting off the shot in advance and controlling the pace of his steps. Murray judged that Gao Wen should
Be prepared to choose a backhand to break the net in a straight line.
With one kick and one push, Murray's body flew out immediately.
Then--
You've got it.
The straight line is indeed a straight line. He has lost to Gao Wen four times this year. Murray has already made his own judgment on Gao Wen's line selection.
However, before the joy could show up, Murray's expression changed.
quick.
Fast and heavy enough.
Gao Wen used his left leg as a support, braked, controlled his body, and grabbed an ascending point with a backhand with both hands. He caught the weakness of Murray's backward high pressure and was unable to exert force. He chose to exert force himself and switched from defense to offense.
Turn passive into active, and increase your speed and power with one shot of your backhand in a straight line.
Very sudden, but very solid.
This is Gawain's current ability.
Even if you are passive, you still need to keep a clear head and find the right way to turn the situation around. It only takes one shot to turn defense into offense——
A gap is enough.
Facing top-notch giants is no exception; or to put it another way, it is precisely because facing giants, facing giants who stand at the pinnacle of the ATP, Gao Wen is more focused, dedicated and stronger.
Murray has accurately guessed the route, but his footsteps are actually a little slower. After all, standing in front of the net, the entire reaction time is compressed. When the forehand reaches out, he can already feel the tennis ball before he has time to prepare.
The turbulent force of the friction string hitting the wrist.
Oops.
You can tell from the feel of the ball without even looking at it. It's parabolic, off track, and terrible to watch.