In Mayer's serve game, Gauvin got two consecutive break points, but this is not the point, because Gauvin also broke Mayer's serve in two games in the first set; the focus should be:
In the nine points since the start of the second set, the scoring ratio between the two sides was "7:2". Mayer only scored two points, and the other seven points all belonged to Gawain, and they were basically winning points.
This means that unforced errors are effectively controlled, and at the same time, the offensive success rate is greatly improved.
This is a good thing.
So, what happened during the short 120-second inter-set break?
Actually, it's not a secret.
To put it simply, Gao Wen reduces his risk of hitting the ball, such as diagonal attacks. When he feels good, he will directly aim at the sideline or hit the ball in the blind spot. In this way, he can establish an advantage faster; but now, hitting the ball
The landing point will leave more space, often one step away from the bottom line and the side line.
At the same time, Gao Wen improved the sudden changes in the arrangement and combination of his batting lines and the connection changes in the offensive rhythm. He disrupted Mayer's return inertia through layout and changes, and then established a situation for himself to score easily without taking risks, reducing the risk.
Make mistakes and take the initiative at the same time.
Of course, the price is that it takes time and brainpower——
To put it more directly, at the US Open, the fighting round could be ended within three to five shots; but now, Gao Wen needs to spend seven or nine shots to form the winning point.
The overall consumption of physical strength and energy is obvious.
But this is the point. On the one hand, Gao Wen really needs time to find his touch now, so he needs to stay patient and adjust his condition bit by bit; on the other hand, Gao Wen's current game state is not very good, and his physical strength fluctuates more obviously.
Using competition as a substitute for training is the best way now.
Patience, still patience, the more impatient you are, the more patience you need.
At least, judging from the start of the second set, the effect was good.
Break point!
Pah. Pah. Pah.
Mayer was shooting the ball, looked up at Gao Wen, and then threw the ball.
In Mayer's serving movement, the arc of the arch bridge is very full, just like a fully drawn bow and arrow. However, compared with the completeness of the entire serving movement, the power conversion rate is relatively low, and the speed of the hit is only
It’s about 185 kilometers, and the ball’s tail power isn’t too heavy.
Area 1, outer corner.
Just like Gawain's game point in the previous game, Mayer also chose the outside corner for his first break point, suppressing Gawain's forehand.
Obviously, after the glory of the US Open, Gawain's technical characteristics have now been fully displayed in front of everyone, and the arrangement and combination of tactics have become simpler. Suppressing Gawain's forehand is a tactic Mayer frequently used in the first set, and the effect is
good.
So, how does Gawain respond?
Kick, step, lunge.
Gawain rushed out with a lunge. It looked like he was unable to keep up due to lack of physical strength, and he was a little lazy in moving his steps.
Because the footwork was not in place, the batting action was naturally unable to be complete. Gao Wen was unable to complete the regular swing, so he slashed his forehand down like a machete, completing the return of serve in an unconventional way.
Then you can see the tennis ball drawing a parabola.
Whoosh!
The arc is not high, but the landing point is not deep, and most importantly, there is no force, which also means that Mayer gets the opportunity to serve and attack.
Huh!
There was a gasp in the diamond court. Even a layman knew not to hit the ball easily, just like table tennis and badminton. How could Gao Wen make such a mistake when receiving the serve?
Is it really because I have no physical strength and am lazy in my steps? Or is my footsteps not borrowing any strength from the ground?
On the court, things are changing rapidly.
Mayer was preparing to receive Gao Wen's return, but he immediately realized that Gao Wen did not use his strength to receive the ball this time. He rushed forward with a push and made a prompt decision to enter the court and was ready to complete.
field attack.
Tap tap tap.
Tap tap tap.
Mayer's step-up awareness was weak, and the entire attack was not connected very quickly, but he still entered the court as soon as possible within his ability. When waiting for his steps to arrive, he had already missed the opportunity to directly volley the ball, and could only
Wait for the tennis ball to hit the ground before hitting the ball again.
Then, Mayer realized that this was a strong topspin, and the bounce after landing must be very high. If he missed the hitting point, he might have to hit the ball in a very awkward way above the shoulder position, not only unable to exert force.
, and there may be mistakes——
This is a trap.
Mayer had to grab a hitting point. Although this was not his strong point, he continued to adjust small steps to find a comfortable hitting space, patiently waited for the tennis ball to land and rebound, and then swung the forehand shot.
The details, right here.
Mayer's whole racquet movement is relatively large, and grabbing the ball is not his strong point. If he grabs the ball a little faster, it will easily miss it, so he would rather grab it slower and use his swing to force the tennis ball over.
This is also a safer approach, and this is true for clay court players.
The "King of Clay" Nadal was also like this when he was just starting out. It was not until 2011 that he slowly evolved and got rid of such a habit. Later, he would no longer hit the ball like this on hard courts. If necessary, he would grab
The ability to hit the ball is also very strong, and you can even change the way you hold the racket to increase your success rate and attack power.
boom!
Mayer's bat had already flown over, but then, Mayer discovered that Gao Wen immediately appeared on his batting line and was waiting.
what happened?
One second ago, Gawain lunged and cut.
The next second, his right knee pushed straight on the ground, and Gawain stood up directly. With a push, his body was already moving toward his backhand position to defend himself.
But these are just smoke bombs, because Gao Wen knows that Mayer's offensive connection ability is not close enough, and Mayer often hits the diagonal forehand attack habitually, but his backhand is the weak link and often changes the line and landing point.
To complete the cover, Gao Wen deliberately added a large amount of top spin friction, creating a very awkward return ball for Mayer's offense.
If the opponent was Wawrinka or Kyrgios, such a shot would basically result in being beaten to death directly. Gao Wen would never receive the serve like this; but the opponent was Mayer. After the first set, Gao Wen
Wen dared to try such a wild and unexpected return.
Tread.
Emergency stop and turn.
Tread.
Even the lateral movement on the left was a trap, further convincing Mayer to attack diagonally, but his center of gravity always remained flexible, and he completed the change of direction without hesitation, facing Mayer's ball head-on.
Stand firm! Kick off the ground! Swing the racket!
At the moment of release, he pushed his wrist forward slightly, and there was no need to pursue the extreme angle and line, because Mayer, who was standing in the half court, was already in a dilemma, so Gao Wen only needed to hit the tennis ball in a relatively safe and conservative manner.
A straight line is enough.
Attack!
boom!
The tennis ball rushed out directly, passing through Mayer's position, and before the brain had time to operate, the referee's voice announced the score.