The referee extended his tone and announced the score.
Murray turned towards the baseline and continued to ask for the ball from the caddy. In the eighth game of the third set, which was also Murray's fourth serve, there was no change in the start and the trend of the set continued.
Then--
Off the net in one fell swoop.
The reason is very simple. Physical strength fluctuates and lacks sufficient pedaling power. Naturally, exertion is the technical link that first feels the impact.
Murray's serve has always been not very good. The average speed of the first serve is about 190 kilometers per hour, and the average speed of the second serve will drop to about 170 kilometers per hour.
From a purely first-server perspective, Murray is not a cannon-type player, but he also has his own set of tactics. Overall, his first-server level is almost the same as that of Djokovic and Nadal. It can be said that each has its own characteristics.
Pros and cons.
However, in the second serve session, Murray's level was somewhat behind him and he fell more severely. This is one of the reasons why he won less and lost more when facing the other Big Three. Against ordinary players, Murray's second serve
They are already struggling, let alone the giants who are at the top?
Therefore, Murray actually needs his first serve very much.
However, when the physical trough comes, the decline in kicking strength and arm swing strength will inevitably lead to a decrease in the success rate of the first serve. During this period, Murray will often adjust his tactics to match the quality of his serve to complete the tactical deployment and look forward to spending the time.
difficulties and get back on the right track.
Of course, for Murray, this is not difficult——
Defense is his strength.
In the eyes of ordinary fans, there has always been a deep impression that Nadal is a typical representative who started on defense, especially compared to Federer.
But in fact, after years of polishing and growth, Nadal's focus on offense has become more and more obvious, and the entire tactical system and playing style are quietly changing, although defense is still his specialty.
At the same time, among the Big Four, Murray is the truly typical defensive player.
there are many reasons.
Partly because of Murray's body, compared to Federer's coordination, Nadal's strength, and Djokovic's flexibility, Murray's strength has always been a shortcoming, even if Murray eats six meals a day to try to gain muscle.
Strength, but inherent deficiencies still limit his further improvement.
Partly because of Murray's character, in his bones, he lacks a bold and decisive murderous spirit, and his edge is slightly rounded. However, it is also undeniable that the impact of physical factors plays a role in the growth process.
An important role, which creates such a character.
Murray said in an interview that he likes boxing very much because he thinks boxing and tennis have many similarities.
"World-class boxing champions are not aggressive. Victory in boxing matches will only belong to those who remain standing."
This is also Murray's game philosophy.
Therefore, Murray is not afraid of defense, nor is he afraid of being passive.
Off the Internet in one fell swoop?
It doesn't matter, Murray knows that this is an inevitable dilemma when his physical strength is at its extreme, and he has already been prepared in his heart and just executes it according to the plan.
Second serve.
Before preparing to serve, Murray looked up at Gao Wen and noticed immediately that Gao Wen's position was advanced.
As mentioned before, in today's world tennis, due to the technological development of rackets and strings, as well as the improvement of the physical fitness of the new generation of players, the power of the serve has been steadily improving. Even players who are not cannons often have powerful serves.
This also forces the receiving side to step back slightly to gain more time and space for themselves to receive the serve. Nadal has further promoted this tactic. Other players may be one, five or two meters away from the baseline when receiving the serve, but
Nadal may be four or even five meters away from the baseline.
But in fact, in the 1990s, the top returners, represented by Agassi, all stood on the baseline to receive the serve.
Just look at the women's players' games.
Because the women's serve lacks power, Serena Williams often goes inside the baseline to receive the serve, killing her with one shot.
Nowadays, male players who advocate offensive play tend to move closer to the baseline, especially when facing the second serve. Federer is a typical representative.
At this time, the same was true for Gawain, whose footsteps had already reached near the bottom line.
Murray was not surprised, because this was his second serve, which was indeed weaker. It was normal for Gao Wen to want to receive the serve and attack, but Murray was not an idiot. He was indifferent after seeing Gao Wen's actions. He had the initiative to serve.
After all, it is still in the hands of Murray, and he will naturally be able to make adjustments.
Kick the ground! Hit the ball!
District 2, outer corner!
The serve speed is only 158 kilometers per hour.
Such a serve is almost equivalent to a women's second serve, but when Murray is at his peak physical strength, he often serves such a slow serve.
However, Murray also hides his own tricks:
Shallow landing point, large outside angle, reduced force serve.
This is a tactic that deliberately uses the physical principle of the angle of incidence to create a large outside angle. After landing, the tennis ball will rush out of the doubles line; at the same time, after the force is completely reduced, the opponent has no way to use the force to fight.
It is necessary to actively exert force while moving at high speed.
The difficulty rises straight up.
Finally, due to the restriction of the super wide outside angle, it is often difficult for the opponent to create a straight line. The diagonal line is a high probability choice, which also prepares Murray for the next shot.
What seems like a weak serve is actually a tactic——
Especially for Gawain's position.
Gao Wen's footsteps are standing on the baseline, which also means that the time and space to rush to the outside corner to complete the ball are compressed by Gao Wen's own movements, and the difficulty will naturally further increase.
"Attack vs Counterattack".
Just from one shot, you can see the content of the game between Gawain and Murray.
but!
Gao Wen seemed to have been prepared for it long ago. Anticipating Murray's choice of outside corner, his lateral movement was very timely and firm, and he started immediately.
And, a step forward.
Not only did he not avoid it, but he also took the initiative to face it.
It was precisely at this step that the tall and powerful Gao Wen had already entered the infield. He used a two-handed backhand to trigger the shot early, grabbing the first rising point after the serve landed and rebounded.
Murray's serve has almost no speed or power, which also means that Gao Wen is given enough reaction time and enough time to attack.
Rob!
Gawain's backhand was solid and heavy, a sweep that swept across the entire court, and a force burst out from deep in his Dantian.
"ah!"
At the rising point of the tennis ball, complete the sweep from top to bottom, and then the tennis ball will jump out.
slash!
Murray's prediction was also accurate. Gawain indeed chose the diagonal line, but as soon as his steps started, the tennis ball had already jumped out.
As fast as lightning.
Murray didn't even have time to draw the racket, the tennis ball had already formed a breakthrough, which made Murray's movement completely useless, and he could only look up to the sky and sigh.
Return serve ACE.
"15:15".
Game and anti-game, the back and forth between Gawain and Murray burst out strong sparks, but this point, more or less, has an element of luck... right?
However, Gawain then used actual actions to prove that it was not the case.
"15:40".
After winning three points in a row, Gao Wen once again got break points in Murray's serve, and it was two in a row.