The Absolute on the Tennis Court - Chapter 175



Only Krnovel

Episode 175

Cincinnati Open (10) – Flexible

#. USA, Mason

#-One. Lindner Family Tennis Center

#-2. center court

▷ 15 minutes before match starts

0 0 : [14th] Marin Cilic (12)

0 0 : [31st] New Universe

The first match of the semifinals between Andy Murray and Milos Raonic ended with a set score of 2:0 (6-3, 6-3).

Andy Murray, who won the Rio Olympics following Wimbledon, proved his recent excellent momentum.

And ahead of the second match, none of the fans left their seats.

People were wandering around the center court, wondering if there were any resale tickets, but only a few officials came and went, and no one was lucky enough to watch the last match of the day.

“I’ll sit here.”

“okay.”

New Universe’s player box is filled with people.

TNU.

And that’s Atticus Kirkland.

“hey.”

“… huh?”

“Why are you so mesmerized?”

“Oh, I was thinking about it for a moment.”

“It’s not good to be too serious. You did everything you could, right? “I think you’re pretty convincing this time.”

“really?”

“I bet everything.”

“haha. okay. Everything is on the line… .”

Last June’s Queen’s Club Championship and Wimbledon brought tennis player Shin Woo-joo to the world’s attention, but they were also competitions that showed TNU’s limitations.

On the other hand, it was a time when Andrei realized his limitations.

The boy needed a much better coach, and he felt he was not capable of doing it.

So I decided to leave New Universe.

There has been no change in this decision yet.

But apart from this, my pride did not allow me to lose again to an opponent I had defeated once.

As a coach, I wanted to help the players.

I hate the feeling of doing nothing.

More than anything, I didn’t want to hold Shin Woo-ju back.

Returning the serve with a slice.

To keep the rally going as long as possible.

and.

“Whew, I can do it.”

“… .”

“… .”

Ace Joyce and Filip Razic exchanged glances as they looked at Andrei, who was very nervous and muttering to himself.

They also know the stress Andrei was under.

How much pain this man suffered.

Shin Woo-joo doesn’t know, but they themselves watched it from the side.

Because he cared for Shin Woo-ju more than anyone else, he found it difficult to bear the fact that he had become an obstacle to the boy’s future.

Time passed, and it was already 8:10 PM.

The match is about to begin.

As if he had been waiting, the announcer began his energetic introduction.

【”ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2016 Western & Southern Open! Let us introduce the two challengers heading to the men’s singles final! I’m from Korea! “God-woo-lord-!”】

.

“okay-! “Cheer up, Universe!!”

“mind-! Is it hot? Screw it, mulberry!!”

Ace and Philip deliberately raised their voices louder for the sake of Andrei, who was depressed.

Shin Woo-joo, who became the first Korean Vogue cover model and the first Asian sole model in Vogue’s 125-year history, is receiving a lot of attention that cannot even be compared to yesterday.

Although those aspects may have weighed heavily on his shoulders, the boy smiled brightly and waved to his fans again today.

.

(Song Min-hee) – JTBS Caster

“Yes – it is a new universe. I was really surprised today. The first Asian solo model in Vogue history. The youngest male solo model in Vogue history. “This is such a big deal. Now, all I have to do is win today’s match and show that I’m better at tennis.”

(Lee Hyung-taek) – JTBS Commentary

“I also took a quick look at the photo earlier, the atmosphere. Wow, even though he was the same guy, I was just amazed.”

(Song Min-hee)

“This match is an opportunity for Shin Woo Joo to avenge his loss. In the last Wimbledon quarterfinals… .”

* * *

▷ SET 1

0: New Universe

0: Marin Cilic

Wimbledon was a very special experience.

Every day is deeply imprinted.

Even these days, Wimbledon Center Court comes to mind sometimes.

Everything is in order.

Everything is perfect.

Eerily quiet at the same time.

A cathedral on a tennis court.

When the coin toss was over and I faced Marin Cilic for the heating, I instantly felt like I was at Wimbledon.

however.

bang!

.

.

bang!

As soon as we lightly exchanged shots, the imaginary glass shattered and we returned to the Lindner Family Center, which was like the front yard of a simple country house.

There was an opportunity.

It’s hammering.

bang!

It was different.

It may be a hasty judgment, but Marin Cilic’s performance on hard courts was definitely different from what he felt at Wimbledon.

Back then, we hit together, and I got top spin strokes back then, just like now, but at Wimbledon, the bounce was almost at the bottom of my pelvis.

But now the ball is bouncing almost at waist height.

bang!

.

.

bang!

stroke.

Bali.

smash.

Finally, after making a few serves from their respective baselines, they returned to the bench and prepared for the match.

I quenched my thirst with diluted vitamin water.

Additionally, there are bananas and energy bars.

These are things you eat when the match gets long.

.

(Chris Fowler) – ESPN Caster

“I see a bag containing a banana and an energy bar. What people are most surprised about right now is this guy’s stamina. Even though he has a similar schedule to other adult athletes, he doesn’t seem to have any problems physically. “This is quite surprising, considering this boy is only 15 years old.”

(Patrick McEnroe) – ESPN Commentary

“As it begins to gain fame, various stories are coming out about space. Among them, there was an article I found interesting, and it was about his parents. As it is known, Baron’s father was an Olympic medalist and member of the national handball team, and his mother is also a member of the national swimming team. However, the mother of the universe took charge of the 800m freestyle and a whopping 3km marathon event.”

(Chris Fowler)

“Swimming 3km?”

(Patrick McEnroe)

“Yes, that’s according to the article I read.”

(Chris Fowler)

“If this boy inherited his mother’s blood properly, his physical strength would be understandable. “It’s interesting.”

.

My ears suddenly feel itchy.

Who talks about me?

After wiping my ears with a towel, I stood up.

Hand the ball person a new towel.

Then he asked someone else to give him the ball.

Since it was before the match started, all the balls were fresh.

I chose the one with the fluffiest fluff.

I plan to add a slice serve from the beginning.

I already made up my mind like that yesterday.

【“First game of the first set. Serve from space.”】

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

【”paly.”】

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

bang-!

.

【“Fifteen, Love.”】

I won the first point very easily.

If you get off to a good start, you feel good.

He moves straight to the Ad court and receives a ball.

I don’t think there’s any need to make a special choice just yet.

The ball actually held in my hand was smooth.

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

I also try to take the second serve wide.

So, towards the Alley line.

Taang-!

.

bang.

The opponent’s return was reported to be quite high.

It falls in front of the baseline.

bang!

.

.

bang!

First rally of the match.

I continued to attack the backhand, and my opponent, who hit it with both hands, put strong top spin on the shot.

As the bounce was high, it was not easy for me to put effort into the shot, so I switched to the backhand during the rally and took a cross with a lower net clearance.

The opponent responded with a slice.

bang.

While the ball was slowly crossing the net, I changed my steps again and took the forehand position.

Now I have two options.

I don’t know what will help.

For now, I followed my instincts.

He changed his grip to a semi-western and chose to continue attacking his opponent’s backhand.

I wanted to keep pushing my opponent.

That’s why.

bang!

.

bang.

The opponent desperately stretched out his arm and somehow caught the shot sent at a deeper angle.

But the ball rose weakly.

Slowly run towards the net and observe the situation.

It seems like it’s going to fall and fall.

So I picked up the pace a little more.

Then.

bang!

.

“and-!”

.

(Patrick McEnroe)

“It was a great forehand. The biggest reason why I rate this boy so highly is in shots like this one. He continues to aggressively push his opponents to take the lead. However, it is not particularly reckless. Rather clever. “Looking at it again, it’s a really nice forehand.”

(Chris Fowler)

“Did you know that the subgame win rate in the universe exceeds 80%? “It’s a crazy record.”

.

bang!!

.

【“Game, space.”】

I wanted to finish the game straight, and I did.

He returned to the bench just one minute after the match started.

After simply wiping off my sweat, I immediately stood up.

Change coats and hand the towel to the person on the other side.

Marin Cilic also started to move.

Starting now was important.

I need to get the serve that I struggled with at Wimbledon.

Of course, I experienced a lot more than then.

John Isner.

Gael Monfils.

Nick Kyrgios.

Ode to Jo-Wilfried.

In particular, the serves of John Isner and Nick Kyrgios were extremely threatening.

But for me, the opponent’s serve still comes first.

For giving me defeat?

perhaps.

To avenge my past loss and confirm that I have grown, I wanted to be able to deal with Marin Cilic’s serve better today than then.

Winning is the next problem.

You should still struggle with your serve and win.

Receive the serve and lose… .

no.

I don’t like both.

What should I do?

【“Marin Cilic’s serve.”】

Barrel, barrel, barrel. container… .

Bow down and think while looking at the other person.

I will receive the serve well and win.

Isn’t that okay then?

Of course, I know it’s not easy.

Taang-!

.

bang.

oh-

received.

But at the same time, I came to my senses.

This is it.

This is the part.

In terms of pure serve power, John Isner and Nick Kyrgios were clearly superior, but Marin Cilic’s serve was more difficult because of this timing.

Actually, I don’t know how I accepted it now.

My body just moved right away.

The returned ball went long.

“OUT!”

.

【“Fifteen, Love.”】

It fell outside the baseline.

It’s unfortunate, but I promise next time.

Move to the ad coat and bend your back again.

Oops, that’s right.

I quickly moved my feet back.

Barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel… .

Taang-!

Center mark.

It moves in response and extends its arms.

At the moment of impact, I gently used my wrist.

bang.

The return went straight over the net and landed in the opponent’s court, and I stood in the middle and waited for a moment.

It’s not a good location.

However, the opponent also failed to properly prepare his posture.

First, you have to swing the racket.

bang!

Flat.

Ball coming over with low net clearance.

Change your grip to full-western.

As soon as you change it and hold it, swing right away.

bang!

The opponent had to move back a little to deal with the top spin shot, which floated high and then fell, and went for a backhand, but the tennis ball got caught in the net and fell.

【“Fifteen All-”】

It’s still hasty to say this, but it’s different from Wimbledon.

Are my reactions faster?

perhaps?

But more than that, I think it’s because of the coat.

Barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel… .

Now I needed more samples.

For now, continue with your strategy.

Taang-!

.

“Fault!”

After my opponent’s first serve was declared a fault, I turned my head and looked at the player box.

Coach Andrei nodded.

So I did the same.

Then I looked down for a moment and, unlike before, placed my feet halfway on the baseline.

When the ball is tossed, it will take about one step.

SABR is not.

It is much later than that.

bang-!

This is not an ordinary kick serve.

Marin Cilic also has a good second serve.

But you can get enough.

If it were me now.

More power here.

bang!!

.

“Waaah-!!!”

.

(Song Min-hee)

“Return point!”

(Lee Hyung-taek)

“Wow – it really felt like an awl right now, didn’t it? What I always found a bit disappointing about Shin Woo-joo was whether his return was a bit weak, but wow, I was really surprised.”

(Song Min-hee)

“You mean return, not the return game?”

(Lee Hyung-taek)

“Yes, yes. It’s just a return. “It’s a return game, you’re doing really well right now, aren’t you?”

.

It was helpful to see that the kick serve would inevitably fly in a wide direction and to mentally prepare first.

Coach Andrei’s advice to think about a forehand return in about 90% of cases when your opponent serves a second serve in a deuce court was spot on.

The initial flow is very good.

and.

bang!

.

widely.

.

【“Fifteen, forty.”】

Marin Cilic’s forehand hit the net once again, putting him at break point.

but.

bang!

.

【“Forty All-Deuce.”】

In a critical situation, the opponent kicked up a gear and scored with his unique play style following an accurate first serve.

A strong serve resulted in a mediocre or worse return, and he immediately took an aggressive shot toward the open court.

Players with the same tendency as Marin Cilic are classified as first strikers because they do not particularly drag out rallies and attempt the most aggressive shots on the ‘first’ stroke after serving.

Among the opponents I’ve faced so far, Marin Cilic is the only one who falls into this category.

“after-”

Barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel… .

I decided to focus on slice returns.

It was because of the type of opponent.

However, when a serve comes in perfectly like before, it is difficult to just accept it.

There is nothing I can do about it.

Half of it has to be left to luck.

Also, the opponent cannot perfectly hit all serves.

Even if you’re Roger Federer, it’s impossible.

So it was important to shake off tennis quickly.

It’s a pity, but we have to forget it quickly.

There are plenty of opportunities to make up for it.

Unless the match is over or you have given up on yourself, it is right to leave your regrets on the court for a while.

A long time ago, I said it would be okay to wear a coat.

Taang-!

.

bang.

Although it was the first serve, Marin Cilic’s serve this time was not as perfect as the previous two.

It was so ordinary that I felt like it was a mistake.

The returned ball goes over slowly.

It was slow and high, but long enough.

Also, the rotation is strong, so you won’t be able to take the first stroke aggressively.

bang!

.

.

bang!

The rally continued for a while, and when we exchanged a couple of backhand shots, the opponent came out with a mediocre shot.

bang!

Couldn’t create enough angle.

The shot fell toward the center mark.

Since it was during a backhand rally at Adcourt, if the shot comes to the same position as now, you can naturally switch to the forehand.

I took quick steps and took the position.

I have already decided where to send it.

Swing the racket and strongly twist your waist at the moment of impact.

bang!

Then the shot went straight.

The opponent moved quickly.

bang.

I somehow succeeded in getting the racket over and passing the ball, but the high ball did not pass the net this time.

“Wow!”

.

【“Advantage, space.”】

Once again, I reached the break point and clenched my fists, feeling confident in my initial strategy.

As the match progresses, your opponent will adapt and respond, so you can watch the situation and make changes or push further.

Since it was a defensive strategy that dealt with the opponent’s strengths rather than exploiting their weaknesses, I would not be unreasonably stubborn.

But what is clear is that, as I said before, on hard courts, the opponent’s serve does not feel as overwhelming as at Wimbledon.

It was great, but we can deal with it.

I wanted the other person to feel this too.

Then, of course, I will exert more power.

Taang-!!

.

“Fault!”

Because mistakes will happen just like now.

This is also psychological warfare.

Barrel, barrel, barrel, barrel… .

Now there is only one step left.

but.

bang!!

.

【“Game, Cilic.”】

I guess this time is not the right time.

The second game went to the opponent.

Ah, that’s a shame.

It’s a little difficult to shake off my emotions right now.

But I guess I’ll do it.

After taking a moment to wipe off my sweat and stand at the baseline as late as possible, I was back to my usual mood.

【“First set, third game. Serve of the universe.”】