Match point

Chapter 44
The legend is formed in this way. In the process of word of mouth, a little bit of exaggeration, a little bit of deviation, a little bit of decoration, and then it expands several times:
During the offseason of 2013, UCLA held a "Friendship Invitational Tournament". In the official game, an unknown NCAA player defeated the Australian genius Kyrgios. Kyrgios was completely suppressed in the whole game , unable to fight back, and even swallowed a duck egg.

Obviously, from the nature of the game to the process of the game to the result of the game, it has long been completely changed, like an urban legend, leaving a deep imprint.

……

Billy Martin let out a long breath, but his brows were still tightly tangled together. Even if he raised his hand to stretch his brows, they were entwined again in less than two seconds. The worry and anxiety in his heart still could not be calmed down. When I came down, my mind was full of questions.

Indeed, UCLA is still the favorite to win this year's NCAA tennis team championship. Thompson and Geelong are both in the first echelon.

However, the team competition is about the overall strength of the entire team. No matter how good the first singles are, they can only complete one game. Compared with the abilities of top players, the third to sixth singles are the most important. Heavy.

That was the case against Virginia in last year's championship game.

After a fierce battle, the Bruins had a 3:2 lead in total and took the lead to usher in the championship point. As long as they can win another game, they can reach the championship. However, in the last two games, the third singles and the fourth singles Both of them lost, and their opponents reversed the game, and watched the championship trophy slip through their fingertips.

Comprehensive strength, this is the most precious charm of a team champion.

Although the Bruins have a group of good players, the overall strength of the competitors is not inferior——

The rival University of Southern California is still the number one favorite to win the championship. Naturally, needless to say, the University of Illinois, University of Oklahoma, University of Virginia, Ohio State University, etc. are all evenly matched. In addition, there are dark horses waiting quietly. , can never be taken lightly.

Now in the Bruins team, Thompson and Geelong are indeed in good condition, but they are not without hidden worries.

Thompson was the sixth singles player in the team last year, and his record was mediocre. He lost a lot of key battles, and his performance under heavy pressure was disappointing; The heavy responsibility of the first singles, under the pressure of much attention, whether it can continue the state of the autumn season is also a big question mark.

Jilong has been steadily improving in the three years since he joined the team. Last year's third singles and this year's second singles showed an upward curve in terms of talent and level. However, due to differences in physical conditions, Jilong has always faced strength players. It is relatively difficult, consumes a lot of energy and physical strength, and it is also a challenge to maintain a good state throughout the long season.

Outside of them, Gage-Brymer (Gage-Brymer) in the third singles and Mackenzie Macdonald in the fourth singles are all typical teenage styles-the state is ups and downs, sometimes crazy, beating anyone It's nothing to worry about; sometimes the state is in a downturn, and it is not surprising to lose to anyone.

Moreover, not only the ups and downs throughout the season, but also the ups and downs in a game are very obvious.

Of course, this is the commonality of young players, and it is also a feature of youth games and NCAA games, but as the head coach, Martin needs to consider the overall situation, how to fully mobilize the players' state, and how to arrange the number of matches reasonably-just like Tian Ji's horse racing, This is very particular.

The problem is that the position of the team's fifth singles and sixth singles is currently unresolved, which may also affect the formation of the third and fourth singles. This is also the most troublesome place for Martin.

Carew Sale, Joseph-Di-Giulio, Dennis-Mkrtchian and Gawain.

The overall strength of these four players is between equals, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Martin still has not made a decision and remains open to competition.

On the one hand, it is hoped that players can maintain a positive and optimistic spirit and devote themselves to training, form a healthy competition, and stimulate each other's best state.

On the other hand, it is true that there is no best choice, and it takes time to observe slowly.

From the perspective of physical talent alone, Gao Wen is undoubtedly the most outstanding, especially his ball feel and touch, Martin left a very deep impression, but unfortunately, the serve and forehand lack aggressiveness, which is not good for male tennis players. Undoubtedly fatal.

Especially in the university arena, these young students are alive and kicking. Every time they return the ball, they round their arms and hammer with all their strength. It is easy to fall into passive defense of running back and forth.

It is true that Gao Wen's mobility and defensive ability are top-notch for a 193-centimeter man, and his rounds may not necessarily be a disadvantage; The knees are worn out, and the effort and benefits of running are often not proportional.

Martin didn't want Gawain's talent to be exhausted early in such a way. He needed more patience and waited for Gawain to grow slowly.

Some time ago, Martin naturally didn't miss the rumor about "Gauwen defeated Kyrgios".

But as a professional coach, Martin also knows that things are definitely not that exaggerated, at least the nature of the game and the final score are very different from the facts.

Kyrgios is not ranked high in the world, but his physical talent and batting ability are beyond doubt, and he does have the potential to become the world's number one. With Gao Wen's current level of ability, he wants to compete in a complete game. Defeating Kyrgios is almost impossible.

Later, Martin also learned about the details of the entire game. Through professional eyes, Martin was able to see the key points at a glance.

Kyrgios' carelessness and negligence are very important prerequisites. At the same time, Gawain's wisdom and composure when facing strong opponents also left a deep impression on people.

The match and combination of the serve, the choice of the route to return the ball, the way of handling the difficult situation... These details can show Gao Wen's tennis wisdom. The score of "5:0" is a bit exaggerated and a bit lucky, but it is also Gao Wen A manifestation of ability.

Since the winter training, in a short period of time, Gao Wen's investment and growth have really made Martin's eyes shine, and he is also looking forward to Gao Wen's future growth——

This is also the most precious trait of young people. Talent is a rare treasure, but not everyone can fully tap their own treasure.Now it seems that Gawain is discovering his potential step by step. Given time, Martin believes that Gawain will be able to defeat Kyrgios with dignity.

However, the spring season is just two months away, and the six singles seats are still undetermined, so there is not much time left for them.

(End of this chapter)