Although Gao Wen had given full warning, the quality of Djokovic's hitting was indeed excellent. The pressure from different methods and angles restricted Gao Wen, so that the quality of Gao Wen's return was affected and did not meet expectations.
When you hit a lob, you see the height but not the distance.
At first glance, you can tell that this is Djokovic's opportunity shot. The previous shot's straight forehand and the combination of following the ball to the net create an opportunity. The next shot and the high pressure in front of the net can end the point.
.
At the critical moment, Djokovic once again showed his giant style.
Calm, bold and cunning.
Even though Gao Wen had anticipated that Djokovic might choose to go to the net, he was still in trouble. Djokovic's layout was really clever. The lack of quality of the previous shot put Gao Wen in a desperate situation.
so what?
Of course, continue to observe and defend.
A narrow escape from death means there is still a glimmer of hope.
The route and placement of Gao Wen's lofted ball are slightly ambiguous. The middle is not the middle, and the angle has no angle. It is vaguely pushed towards Djokovic's left half, but the angle of the diagonal line is not completely torn apart.
.
This is actually an accident.
Gao Wen tried to control the parabola, but there was not enough space to hit the ball and the friction was not superimposed enough, so that the control of the line also showed some deviations.
But Gawain glanced at the parabola and realized that this might be an opportunity.
Precisely because the return parabola is ambiguous, not in the middle or on both sides, this also means that Djokovic’s high-voltage lines are limited——
The limitation mentioned here does not mean that Djokovic can only choose slashes, but that Djokovic's posture on the net will limit his hitting.
It is the same for any player, because the reaction space after hitting the ball is limited. Once the batting posture is determined, the batting line is also determined. Whether it is cutting or volleying, straight or diagonal, it is often difficult to change.
Perhaps, the only exception is Federer. His skills at the net are superb, he can change at any time, and he is omnipotent with control based on his touch.
In addition, Nadal can be added. His hitting action in front of the net is characterized by concealment. Although he rarely temporarily changes volleys or high-pressure lines, it is not easy for opponents to identify. Coupled with the blessing of spin, he can often shake
surpass the opponent.
Djokovic is not in this category.
Therefore, for that high-pressure ball in the first set, Djokovic changed his hitting line at the last moment and his technique was wrong, so he went directly to the net.
Now, the position of Gao Wen's lob shot is ambiguous, and the clues of Djokovic's hitting line can be seen from the position of the net and the posture of the body.
Gawain needs to calmly observe——
Djokovic also made a covert move, always moving sideways along the road. Originally, Gao Wen's lob line was more towards the backhand position, so Djokovic simply moved forward along the diagonal line and switched to sideways.
The position of the hand, holding the racket high, looking up at the tennis ball.
Judging from the position, after turning sideways, Djokovic can hit any line. The diagonal line is the gap, the straight line is the turnaround, and the middle line is the pursuit. There are many options.
But Gao Wen noticed the posture of Djokovic's shoulders. The right shoulder was not raised, and the left and right shoulders were at a relatively balanced level.
slash.
Gawain's prediction.
Looking at the overall situation, this is Djokovic's most likely hitting line, and at the same time, the only way to reverse the situation is opening up in front of him.
At this time, there was no time to think and consider over and over again. Grasping an intuition, Gao Wen had already rushed towards his left backhand position.
Tap tap tap, tap tap tap.
His footsteps moved quickly, his eyes were firmly locked on the hitting action on the other side of the net, and then he could see Djokovic rising into the air to block the shot and slam the tennis ball down like a heavy hammer.
Oblique line. Shallow area. Use force. Heavy dunk.
Djokovic also knows that his combined strength is not enough, and the instant burst of blocking shots in front of the net is not suitable for him, but occasionally, he still uses such heavy dunks to increase his momentum and break the deadlock. At least the battle needs to be staged.
The goal of this shot is very obvious. It relies on a shallow landing point to create a high parabola, which directly allows the tennis ball to bounce off the ground and then fly towards the spectator stands. This also means that the opponent cannot touch the ball and conclude with a winning point.
However……
Strength, or lack of strength.
Djokovic is at full strength, but is that really the case?
No.
of course not.
Djokovic has always been unable to flexibly control his posture in front of the net. A little excessive force may cause his hitting posture to deviate, causing the smash to go out of bounds. This is an inventory, so his smash naturally adds some insurance.
Full strength, that is, real full strength, still brings some control.
This little bit of control meant that the flight trajectory of the tennis ball after it bounced off the ground was lower than expected, and it was not possible to completely pull up the parabola.
Then, a figure appeared on the line of the tennis ball's second fall.
It's Gawain.
Slash! It’s indeed a slash!
Gawain was not secretly happy, but instead became more and more alert, his muscles tensed up, and he entered a state of complete selflessness, because he knew that the situation was still critical, and he still needed to give it a try for a chance of survival.
The steps were already close to the doubles line, and he set up his backhand with both hands early. He was observing while moving, and did not rush to take action. Instead, he waited for a moment, concentrated on it, and took action with a burning gaze.
Beat lightly.
A light hit, no force, no topspin, but control of the steps and posture, and then the ball is shot forward like a spring breeze, using the force of the hit, wrapping the rotation and power, and pushing in a straight direction.
This is the only chance of survival.
From prediction to movement to layout, Gao Wen had a panoramic view of the entire stadium's spatial position. He made judgments and made decisions in a blink of an eye, and there was no hesitation when taking action.
It looks gentle, but is actually tight.
It looks light but is actually neat.
The tennis ball unexpectedly collided with Gawain's racket in this way, and then flew back in a straight line, crossed the ocean, crossed the cliff, embraced the starry sky, and landed accurately in the forehand gap behind Djokovic.
Amidst the turbulent waves, there was a sense of tranquility.
Relaxing and freehand, taking a leisurely stroll——
Then.
Djokovic's figure can be seen on the opposite side of the court. He has just completed a block and smash. He is a little clumsy, making hurried adjustments and moving laterally.
It's just started, and the opportunity has already been missed.
Watching the thrilling light and shadow break free from the blockade and open his arms to embrace freedom, his steps stopped awkwardly and clumsily.
Wow!
The whole place was turbulent.
Wow!
At the O2 Stadium, Gao Wen raised his right fist high, his eyes bright, his fighting spirit high, his whole body dripping with sweat, and he was as terrifying as a bloody war god. Everywhere he looked, he could clearly feel the heat wave coming towards his face.
, the heart instantly lost control and started beating crazily.
Winning point.
It was actually the winning point.
Gawain survives from a desperate situation and fights his way out of danger!
Not only did he not give up, but he also fought hard until the last moment. His calm and wise, calm and generous playing temperament once again turned the tide of the battle.