Everyone knows that Nadal's defense is unique in the world, but there are few opportunities to witness Nadal's different methods on the offensive end. That is, you can feel this quality in the game with Federer, and now you should add Gawain, two people.
The confrontation on both ends of the offense and defense is really nice to watch.
Nadal also understands this clearly.
Therefore, offense is not only about attacking, but also about grasping the rhythm and seizing opportunities, hitting the iconic forehand topspin, and continuing to increase the intensity.
This time, Nadal did count Gawain.
Although Gawain was ready, Nadal's golf quality was indeed excellent, and he had already created an advantage for him without any fancy shots.
After a slight delay, Gawain's footsteps appeared.
Passive, very passive.
But Gao Wen did not panic. He cut backhand with both hands and completed the processing quickly. This was a strong backspin cut that swallowed up all Nadal's top spin. It cut at a high point and knocked the tennis ball back from top to bottom. He also consciously
Pull the angle back a bit to reduce the impact of the angle.
In other words, Gao Wen needs to compress the coverage space of the court back, not only to pull Nadal back, but also to create convenience for his own defensive adjustments——
Defense is not just about defense, but it is about using one shot to prepare for the next shot and the next shot. This is excellent defense.
Otherwise, falling into defense will mean falling into passivity and will never be able to reverse the situation.
A truly outstanding defense requires more thinking than offense.
At this time, Gawain was like this.
Cutting is cutting, and the rhythm of this round did not drop significantly. Gawain's backspin cutting made the tennis ball fall to the baseline like a meteor.
tread!
With one step, his left leg pushed his body across the singles line and returned to the court. Just as he was about to return to his defensive position, he saw Nadal taking the lead.
Nadal was trying to grab the ascending point, but Gao Wen's backspin cutting could not restrain him. He did not even need to completely bend his knees. A topspin forehand shot was enough, and the second consecutive forehand attack completed the violent release.
ah!
Nadal roared again, hitting the forehand with full force.
The tennis ball, along the diagonal direction, hit Gawain's backhand position continuously with similar lines and similar landing points, and continuous heavy punches continued to hit the same position.
Just like boxing.
But this time, Gao Wen's focus has been adjusted, and the placement and rhythm of the defensive cutting in the previous shot have won him a precious breathing space.
then.
The front foot is still moving along the right side to return to defense, the back foot suddenly stops and turns, and then takes a long step to reach the position, and the upper body leans forward, and the shot is taken before the steps are in place.
Grab the rising point.
Look, this is the detail as well as the layout. The space gained by the defense in the previous shot not only allowed Gao Wen to adjust his footsteps, but also won some offensive space for Gao Wen. Gao Wen did not hesitate or hesitate, and seized it immediately.
Even if there is no gap, a passage must be torn open.
On that side, Nadal grabbed the ascending point and compressed the rhythm.
Here, Gawain also grabs the rising point to increase the rhythm.
The whole game was completely tense——
Without warning.
Gao Wen's backhand skills can be seen in this shot, and grabbing the rising point is only part of it. His upper body and arms are fully extended, and he shoots the backhand with both hands at a low point, releasing the Nadal-style super spin to finish the shot first, and
Keep your arms straight and complete a heavy hammer beat.
It's not about changing the line, it's just like hitting a baseball home run along a diagonal line.
ah!
Roared out.
Ahhhh!
Fully exerted.
Gawain's backhand with both hands suddenly exerted force to open up the angle and complete the shot. The tennis ball aimed at the shallow area on Nadal's left sideline and passed through it. The horizontal space of the entire court was widened again in an instant.
Power, speed, angle, perfect collision.
The whole audience was stunned and dumbfounded.
Although Nadal's steps were on the forehand position, and he adjusted in small steps to prepare to return to defense, he immediately realized Gao Wen's intention to hit the ball, braked to control his steps, and immediately stepped towards the left and rushed out.
And, take one more step.
But, still embarrassed.
Mainly the angle.
Gao Wen controlled the landing point in a shallow area, which could completely separate the angle. Nadal's footsteps did not have time to step forward to gain space for the ball, so he stood outside the singles line and extended toward the doubles line to try to hit the ball.
ball.
The body has been stretched to the extreme, but it is still not enough.
Very, very reluctantly.
The fundamental reason still lies in gaming——
Nadal has been returning to his position to defend, taking care of his backhand position. After all, in the second half of the deciding set, Gauvin completely aimed at Nadal's backhand and continued to attack. Including this round, there was no exception. In the first half, Gauvin repeatedly returned the ball.
Nadal's backhand was held back tightly.
Unexpectedly, without warning, when Gawain launched another attack, he actually chose to break through from the forehand, and Nadal was killed and caught off guard.
In the connection between offense and defense, Gao Wen gained an advantage in this game.
Nadal's reaction was timely enough, but he still couldn't keep up with his steps. He relied entirely on the strength of his upper body to reach the ball. His forehand hit the ball at the extreme position. In the blink of an eye, he could only rely on his wrists, which were rubbed fiercely.
Spin to complete the push.
Uh-huh.
Nadal groaned.
but!
The tennis ball was pushed back and flew back in a full rainbow arc. At this time, one can once again see Nadal's superb defensive ability. Even though he was so passive and had almost no time to touch the ball, Nadal still created a friction.
Remember the diagonal return with strong topspin.
Tennis ball, raised high.
This gave Nadal valuable time to adjust, regain his center of gravity, adjust his steps, quickly return to defense, and regain his position to continue fighting.
Everything happens in the blink of an eye.
While waiting for the tennis ball to reach Gawain's position, Nadal had already made adjustments; moreover, it was not easy for Gawain to handle this return ball.
Tennis balls have a shallow landing point, high bounce, and strong spin. Although they have no speed and seem to have no power on the surface, Nadal's returns always have a particularly strong tail. If you don't pay attention, Gawain may directly hit the ball.
The return ball went flying, not into the net, but into the stands from the anti-aircraft cannon.
Moreover, Gawain’s position is also awkward——
Or, cut in and finish the shot near the sideline of the doubles line, which is equivalent to getting the entire court out of the way.
Or, he enters the baseline and completes the ball and goes to the net, but the gap on the right side of the court is still completely open.
On the one hand, it is difficult to handle the shot; on the other hand, it is difficult to cover the court space.
This is Nadal's defense. Returning the ball in an absolute dilemma can still create problems for the opponent and launch a counterattack through defense.
In fact, this is also Gawain's strength, but in front of Nadal, he lacks the weapon of strong topspin, and some shot processing is not as rich as the buttons.
Now, what should Gawain do?
To be honest, Gao Wen was neither surprised nor panicked. He stepped forward, stepped forward, cut to the baseline, took advantage of the trend to hit the net, and had already set up his posture early with his two-handed backhand.
Seeing that Gawain was about to launch an attack, at the moment of taking action, he paused and then pulled back——