The Absolute on the Tennis Court - Chapter 173



Only Krnovel

Episode 173

Cincinnati Open (8) – Benchmark

(Cliff Drisdale) – ESPN Caster

“Baby Federer is one step ahead again. It was difficult, but Dimitrov took the game.”

(Patrick McEnroe) – ESPN Commentary

“I feel like the match will be a little long. Game 3 is over and 15 minutes have already passed. “Both players have the ability to break the opponent’s game at any time.”

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▷ SET 1

2: Grigor Dimitrov

1: New Universe

Dimitrov’s tennis, which I saw in real life, was much more similar to Roger Federer’s than what I saw in the video.

This was especially true of the serve movement.

It almost felt like a duplicate.

However, while participating in the rally, I realized that the texture of tennis was slightly different from that of Roger Federer.

Barrel, barrel.

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

Bounce the tennis ball handed to you by the ball person on the floor with your hands and racket.

Afterwards, I stood at the baseline and prepared to serve.

The rallies lasted long in all games.

So, I think the search war is roughly over.

Taang-!

.

widely.

The toss was slightly shaken and the serve was caught in the net.

At moments like this, it’s a little disappointing for me.

But I immediately shook it off and focused on my second serve.

bang-!

A kick serve with good rotation landed well in the box, and Dimitrov, who was a little away from the baseline, moved to the side and attempted a return.

When I first served, I thought it went well, but I think it was a better serve than I thought.

During the return process, my opponent moved much further to the side than I expected, so I aimed for the wide open court and hit a backhand with a sharp angle.

bang!

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【“Fifteen, Love.”】

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(Patrick McEnroe)

“This guy handles the shot so easily you wouldn’t feel it, but it’s a pretty difficult shot right now. It is not easy to adjust the zero point in that way. A one-handed backhand covers a larger area than a two-handed backhand, but has a larger rotation path to transfer sufficient force. So getting the timing right is very difficult. “You must always be prepared in advance.”

.

Taang-!

.

bang!

The opponent surprisingly did not have a good forehand return game.

So we are continuing to target there.

This return was also short and bounced high.

The location where the ball landed was also close, so I decided to move quickly and take the same method as before.

The shot type is forehand.

but.

bang!

Like before, I aimed for the open court.

After that, I ran right away.

This is because it seemed like the opponent would chase.

bang!

It looked difficult, but the opponent who caught up well hit a cross shot with his forehand, and as I moved towards the net, I brought my racket to the ball and volleyed.

The shot landed again in a wide space on the other side.

“and-!”

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【“Thirty, love.”】

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(Patrick McEnroe)

“We stopped talking, but the backhand from earlier was really difficult. “He took the steps in advance and was able to hit the backhand at a wide angle because his preparation was perfect.”

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Taang-!

.

bang.

This time, I tried Serve & Volley, and hit a return that fell low on the backhand side and dropped it in the opposite direction.

After running for a while, my opponent stopped and turned around, and after easily winning three points, I walked towards the ad court and asked the ball person for the ball.

As long as you don’t make any mistakes, this serve will end.

This is because the opponent gave up a little while ago.

Rather than straining too much, I think I will focus on my next serve game after conceding a game point.

Taang-!

.

【“Game, space.”】

also.

I knew it would be like this.

Although there were some good serves, I don’t think it means you can’t receive it if you are determined to return it.

It’s a common choice and focus strategy, and I used it.

This is why a less powerful serve was used.

Right away, we prepared for the return game.

Barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel.

Taang-!

.

bang.

.

widely.

The returned ball fell into the net.

The Duece side is definitely tricky.

He doesn’t try to slice like Roger Federer, but the angle is quite deep so it feels far away.

On the other hand, I don’t know much about the AD side.

It doesn’t feel particularly threatening.

Taang-!

.

bang.

Receive a serve toward the center service line with your forehand.

Likewise, we aimed for empty spaces.

This is the foundation of the strategy established by the coaches today.

I want my opponent to swing the racket while running.

I heard that one is a little weak.

bang!

.

widely.

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【“Fifteen All-”】

In the next deuce court serve, the opponent again served at a deep angle, leading to an ace.

I don’t know how long these subs will continue to come in, but I think we need to think about how to deal with them.

Adcote again.

Taang-!

.

“Fault!”

The opponent’s first serve ended up being a fault, and the second serve was received one step ahead, as always.

bang!

The ball returned with the backhand is crossed.

Then the opponent took a step.

Crack.

Seeing that the opponent was trying to handle a shot that would normally be hit with the backhand with the forehand, I decided that the opponent might change direction right away.

and.

bang!

As expected, the opponent chose a straight shot.

But, why?

He is a player who knows how to apply strong topspin to his backhand.

So the net clearance is high.

The reason it is difficult to pass the tennis ball to the left or right of the net is because the actual height is higher, and the net clearance of the shot is lower than intended due to the mechanism.

However, if you can apply heavy topspin like Dimitrov, you can handle it with the backhand without any additional movement.

But why?

Why make that choice?

bang!

.

“oh-!!”

“Wow-!!”

Clap clap clap clap-

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(Cliff Drisdale)

“Great shot.”

.

Choosing a straight shot with the forehand was a fatal mistake.

Because of that, they gave me a point.

First of all, when you step to hit a forehand, there is too much space in the opposite direction.

If I had prepared in advance, I would have been able to take steps and find a position right after sending the shot, but that wasn’t the case now, and the situation after the stroke was so bad.

The opponent also realized that the open court was too wide, so he stepped too hastily and ended up conceding a point on my straight shot.

And secondly, if you really wanted to hit a shot with your forehand, you had to hit a pushed cross shot instead of a straight one.

I don’t know if they were too concerned about making me run, but if I had sent a cross forehand, it would have been a burden for me because I would have had to hit a straight shot to attack the open court.

But now, instead, he gave me the opportunity to hit a forehand cross winner, and I paid too much attention to that part, so I moved ahead and ended up giving up the closer one.

I just need to do it with a backhand.

Really, why?

Even if I question it three times, I still don’t know.

Taang-!

.

bang!

Did the other person also realize that it was a mistake?

I made a mediocre stroke mistake.

widely.

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【“Thirty, forty.”】

It is impossible to know whether the opponent is shaken or not.

What should I say?

Slightly blurry?

Even now, entering the fifth game, I still don’t have a clear image of my opponent.

So I waited for the next first serve.

I think you can judge from this.

Taang-!

.

widely.

Deucecourt, who had shown strength throughout, suffered a fault on his first serve.

I think I can really sway my opponent.

I’m a little nervous because it’s been a while since I’ve done this.

Barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel.

Worries and fears disappear as if they never existed once you take a step forward.

There is no time to think for long anyway.

Soon, the ball emerged from the opponent’s hand.

I immediately moved forward.

Even more than originally.

With big steps.

bang-!

When the second serve was made, I was already right in front of the service line, and immediately after bouncing, I moved my arm to hit the racket.

bang.

The opponent, who hesitated and retreated, swung his racket in a clumsy motion, and I, aiming accurately at the high, helpless ball, confirmed the break point with a strong smash.

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(Cliff Drisdale)

“LOOK AT THAT-!! Sneak Attack By Young Federer! “At a time when no one expected, a truly clever strategy emerged!”

(Patrick McEnroe)

“Hello-! It seems like the universe is saying hello to Dimitrov. Baby Federer? But, I’m Young Federer. Stop giving in to me now, okay? “In a battle between two talented men, it was Woo Joo who showed his sparkle first.”

(Cliff Drisdale)

“This is the first break point of the match.”

* * *

【“Game, set, universe.”】

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▷ End of SET 1

4: Grigor Dimitrov

6: New Universe

Baby Federer.

This was Grigor Dimitrov’s favorite nickname, and at the same time, it was an evaluation that bound him like a spider’s web.

In the past, when I was a teenager, I took it as a positive sign that I could grow up to be as good as Roger Federer, but no matter where I went, there was only Baby Federer and my ‘real self’ did not exist.

People wanted to resemble Roger Federer not only in his performance on the tennis tour but also in his behavior.

Exemplary and sincere.

That kind of image.

On the outside, it seemed like he was receptive to this request, but in reality, Grigor Dimitrov was rotting inside.

The biggest cause is, of course, tennis.

After repeated early exits from major tournaments such as the Grand Slam or the Masters, the media began to criticize Dimitrov, saying he was overhyped.

In addition, rumors about Serena Williams and his relationship with Maria Sharapova, who was in a real-life relationship, also had a negative impact.

At this time, people said that Dimitrov was less focused on tennis and more focused on using his smooth face to meet women.

It wasn’t true, but it made Dimitrov sick.

That was the reason why I broke up with Sharapova.

The pressure of being called Baby Federer all his life and having to live as someone other than himself was surprisingly difficult for the delicate Grigor Dimitrov to bear.

But today.

“Whoa-”

Dimitrov felt like he could throw off the pressure that had been going on for nearly 10 years.

‘You suit me better than me.’

Dimitrov glanced at the bench where Shin Woo Joo was sitting, then returned his head to its original state and drank water.

I played not bad tennis today.

It was like that throughout the Cincinnati Open.

“… .”

Putting down the water bottle, Dimitrov looked at his player box.

His lover, Nicole Scherzinger, is there.

His expression wasn’t very bright.

Dimitrov smiled brightly at his lover who cheered him on and told him to stay strong.

Outside, they were whispering about each other, even though there was a 13-year age gap between them, but Dimitrov thought it was just people who didn’t know anything talking freely.

This is the part.

Nicole Scherzinger told us about this.

Nicole Scherzinger, who has been active in the entertainment industry as a singer, choreographer, and broadcaster for a long time, taught the delicate and delicate Dimitrov how to maintain his balance.

It also means that outside evaluations, voices, and anyone who wants to criticize you should not affect your life.

Precisely from then on, life became much easier.

And I could make any decision.

I am prepared to give up the nickname ‘Baby Federer’, which I did not want at first, but people have given me and have judged me based on that nickname.

People would continue to call him by the same nickname in the future, but Dimitrov was prepared not to be influenced by it.

【“Time, player ready.”】

As the second set began, Dimitrov walked to the baseline and prepared for a return game.

Then I saw Shin Woo-joo starting his routine.

I couldn’t believe I was fifteen.

‘Monstrous bastard.’

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

Taang-!

.

‘Tsk.’

Dimitrov, who missed the serve sent with a slice, frowned slightly and moved to the ad court.

I couldn’t accept it now.

The point where the serve dropped.

Spin on the ball.

Everything was perfect.

bang!!

.

【“Game, space.”】

Shin Woo-ju, who pushed aggressively and at a fast tempo, took the game point first, and Dimitrov, who returned to the bench and sat down, continued to think again.

Tennis shown by Shin WooJi today.

That’s something you can’t do yourself.

Aggression.

strength.

Footwork.

judgment.

When compared to the tennis player Roger Federer, the new universe was much better in every way.

Of course, if the standard is set on tennis as a whole or other areas, the gap is not very wide, but in a situation where the tennis pursued is the same, this difference is decisive.

bang!

.

.

bang!

I had the same thought during the rally.

It’s time to be aggressive.

bang.

Even then, he habitually took a step back.

I still don’t know why.

However, speculation was possible.

Things that are commonly seen on the outside.

So, plays that fans can cheer for.

When you do these.

bang.

.

“Oooh-!!”

“Hey!”

Clap clap clap.

This is because fans were unfailingly happy and confident that he was the next Roger Federer.

I constantly struggled to live up to expectations.

In reality, you can’t do that.

“ah!”

bang!

.

.

“ah!”

bang!

Taking his strokes with powerful grunting, Dimitrov said goodbye to his past self.

And the result is.

【“Game, set, match, universe.”】

I returned to the defeat I had become accustomed to.

After conceding the last goal, Dimitrov looked up at the sky, took a deep breath, and walked forward.

I met Shin Woo-joo in front of the net.

“You were amazing.”

“thank you.”

“okay. “Can I ask you one question?”

“yes?”

“What does Roger mean to you?”

“… .”

After thinking for a moment, Shin Woo-joo gave an answer, and upon hearing that, Dimitrov nodded and admitted defeat.

I lightly tapped Shin Woo Joo’s chest.

“Go higher. “Because you beat me.”

“yes? Oh, I’ll try.”

“okay. it was fun.”

“… “Me too.”

Shin Woo-joo, who had not expected the answer that he was happy, answered belatedly, and after shaking hands with the referee, Dimitrov looked at the boy, winked, and packed his bags.

Meanwhile, Shin Woo Joo celebrated as the winner.

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(Cliff Drisdale)

“Huge Moment! This is the moment a 15-year-old boy reached the Masters semifinals! It’s also a win for Young Federer! I wonder how far the universe’s ranking will rise when this competition ends. “We are looking at history now.”

(Patrick McEnroe)

“No one who watched this match could deny the result. “This is a victory achieved through tennis skills.”

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As commentator Patrick McEnroe said, it was a match in which the team lost due to being overwhelmed in terms of skill.

Although it was the law of division, it was rather light.

Dimitrov’s team could be seen in the distance.

Dimitrov, who walked away with a smile, was the first to hug his girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, and then he also lightly hugged Daniel Valverdo to comfort him from the pain of defeat.

“Hey, Daniel.”

“huh?”

“Have you planned a vacation in the winter?”

“Well, not yet… .”

“Then that’s good. Instead of taking a long vacation in the winter, I want to play tennis. “Can you make a separate schedule for me later?”

“… okay. However much.”

The way tennis players accept defeat varies from time to time, but the reaction Dimitrov is showing now is extremely unusual.

And Shin Woo-ju also feels this difference through the conversation they had right after the match ended.

“There is.”

“huh?”

“The next time I see you, I think I’ll be really scared.”

“What are you talking about?”

“just… “That’s how it feels.”

While Shin Woo-ju confessed to the coaches the emotions that only those involved in the match can feel, Atticus Kirkland waited for a man outside the center court.

After a while, he followed the man moving past him.

After walking in silence for a while, Harding Bitterwolf rummaged through the inside pocket of his jacket and took out something. Atticus grabbed it with a smile and then turned around and walked away.

There is a short word written there: .

However, the meaning was conveyed perfectly.

“Michael? it’s me. Speaking of the universe’s October schedule… .”

The stories and stories of several men intertwined on the day of the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals will be concluded for now by deciding Shin Universe’s schedule for the third week of October.

Letting the world know that his streak of breaking the record for the youngest Masters has not stopped.

And a few hours later, Shin Universe’s opponent was decided.

【“Game, set, match, chilic.”】

This is Marin Cilic, who lost at Wimbledon.

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▷ GAME SET (quarterfinals)

4 4: Grigor Dimitrov

6 6: New Universe

* * *

※ 2016 Cincinnati Open semifinal matchup

[2nd place] Andy Murray (1)

vs

[6th place] Milos Raonic (4)

[14th] Marin Cilic (12)

vs

[31st] Shin Universe