The Absolute on the Tennis Court - Chapter 184

Episode 184

US Open (2)

Ahead of the opening of the competition, the interest from Americans pouring into Shinwoo was truly enormous.

As a country with the most developed sports industry and the most passionate sports fans in the world, this aspect was well demonstrated in tennis.

There have been young tennis stars in the past, one of them being Taiwanese-American Michael Chang, but this was the first time a teenager like this had appeared in the world of social media.

Some said that this kind of attention would be a burden to the boy, but today, Shin Woo-joo was showing on the court why people couldn’t help but like him.

bang.

.

“Oooooh-!”

A drop shot that shook up the flow of a fierce rally.

When the tennis ball hit by Shin Woo-ju’s racket narrowly passed over the net and fell into an exquisite position, loud exclamations and cheers erupted from the mouths of those who were concentrating all their attention on the court.

“Yeeeeeeee-!!”

“Waaah-!!!”

.

【“Game, set, universe.”】

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.

▷ End of SET 1

3: Jared Donaldson

6: New Universe

(Chris Fowler) – ESPN Caster

“Really Incredible – the universe put on a fantastic tennis show in the first set. “It’s a perfect US Open debut.”

(Patrick McEnroe) – ESPN Commentary

“This is why this guy is so popular. Although he can certainly do things that are hard to believe for a 15-year-old, he plays tennis that is very enjoyable to watch. Tennis in space is colorful and fresh. “No player has ever played tennis in this form.”

(Chris Fowler)

“Here are the highlights of the first set, but it was as varied as you said.”

(Patrick McEnroe)

“SABR, slice, drop, forehand, never handles a point the same way for a single moment. Even serve aces are taken in various ways. From the fans’ perspective, every moment will be tense. In a good way. You may be watching the match in anticipation of what Woo-ju will make, but the choice is up to Woo-joo to make. “Because he has the power to decide.”

.

.

Although the set took 34 minutes from start to finish, those watching the match felt that time passed in an instant.

Anna Wintour, who rarely smiles brightly, surprised many people by smiling like a child, and when she performed an exquisite back spin drop shot, Jay Z even gave her a standing ovation.

Although each person’s expression was slightly different, what was clear was that everyone here at Lewis Armstrong Stadium was enjoying tennis.

As Patrick McEnroe, a commentator for ‘ESPN’ who broadcasts the entire tournament, said, New Universe’s tennis was diverse and enjoyable to watch.

“… “He’s an incredible kid.”

“I didn’t expect that much either.”

“really? you?”

“Not everyone can guess right, Simon. and… .”

Bora Navarre stops talking and looks at the new universe.

Then, after a while, he spoke again.

“No one can expect something like that.”

“but. Ranked 15th in 134 days.”

“The common sense in the tennis world has changed.”

The broadcasters used Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as examples to compare viewers’ experiences, but in fact, it was Boris Becker who entered the ATP Top 15 in the shortest period of time.

The record is 554 days, and Michael Chang, who holds the record of being the youngest Challenger/Grand Slam winner ever, also entered the Top 15 in 652 days.

Of course, the two skipped the Top 15 and ranked 8th and 6th, respectively.

However, the number of male professional tennis players at the time was only a quarter of what it is today, and the methods of counting points were very different, making it difficult to provide objective comparative data.

Above all, the two people’s records are at least 420 days later than New Universe’s 134 days.

Patrick McEnroe’s words, saying that any record is bound to be shabby in front of the new universe, and calling the boy an outlier, are surprisingly true without a single exaggeration.

Bora Navara had a strong premonition that Shinwooju would become No. 01 in the future, but even she did not expect this.

“It’s rather unfortunate for you.”

“Well, it’s a good opportunity.”

“It will be one-sided.”

“I guess so.”

Originally, the ATP planned to bring together the future of tennis and hold a tournament in November of this year.

As part of the ‘NEXT GEN’ project promoted by Simon Hickson, it was an event tournament aimed at publicizing the future of tennis.

In addition, due to Shin Woo Joo taking the lead in #NEXT GEN after Roland Garros, there were companies waiting in line to sponsor the tournament once it was held.

Financial success is a certainty.

The prize money is at least $4 million.

However, the reason ATP decided to postpone the tournament for a year after much deliberation was because it judged that Shinwoo’s dominance would actually be detrimental.

It was obvious that the other young players invited to #NEXT GEN would be relatively poor, and the meaning of the project, which was created to not rely on one or two players, would also greatly fade.

In the end, ATP held back tears and decided to wait one more year, praying that New Universe’s competitors would grow quickly.

In fact, Shin Woo-ju has already easily defeated the #NEXT GEN players who were pointed out as being in the same generation as him.

Alexander Zverev (Washington Open).

Denis Shapovalov (Roland Garros).

Daniil Medvedev (Wimbledon).

Taylor Fritz (Atlanta Open).

etc.

Even his current opponent, Jared Donaldson, is one of the next three players highly anticipated by the United States, and was listed by the ATP on the list of invitees to the #NEXT GEN tournament.

The first set has only just ended, and due to the nature of tennis, the flow can turn at any time.

However, many people, including Simon Hickson, sensed that an upset would not happen today.

The difference revealed in the first set was that big.

【”time. Player, ready.”】

The referee’s call announcing the start of the second set is heard, and warm applause pours in for both players as they return to the court.

Of course, most of it is directed towards the new universe.

“Would you like to make a bet, see?”

“bet?”

“huh. “I’m betting this match ends 3-0.”

“It’s not even funny. It’s such an obvious thing to say. And where is the first thing you say?”

“Tsk tsk. is it?”

“Ha-my sister married someone like this… .”

“hey-! “Now that’s a bit hurtful.”

“Wow.”

“Tsk tsk.”

Among tennis reporters, Bora Navarra has been watching Shinwoo for longer than anyone else.

It was a little disappointing that the boy who had grown up so quickly had already run away, but the senior reporter of ‘TENNIS’ is still watching the new universe with enjoyment.

【“Second set, first game.”】

Now, the second set begins with Shin Universe’s subgame.

* * *

▷ SET 2

3 1: Jared Donaldson

6 2: New Universe

I never for a moment thought that I was a weak opponent.

I actually played some pretty tricky tennis.

I had lost a set to Wawrinka at the previous Cincinnati Open, but when we faced each other, I felt like I could understand why I was able to do that.

First of all, my feet were fast.

The defense was also significant.

I don’t know if this was done to take advantage, but it was also interesting that the basic position was about two feet back.

So, there were times when shots I thought I missed came back as counterattacks, but in the beginning, I wasn’t well prepared for that, so I made some mistakes with my shots.

But now I’m completely used to it.

【“Donaldson’s serve.”】

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

The opponent’s routine is very simple.

So the serve rhythm is fast.

And the toss is extremely high.

As far as I know, he was the same height as me (188cm), but the height of the toss seemed to be twice that of mine.

It seems like they are trying to increase the hitting point.

This is also a fun part.

Taang-!

.

bang.

Except that the hitting angle is high and requires some getting used to, the speed of the serve itself is average.

Most first serves were 110 to 120 mph (approximately 177.0 km/h to approximately 193.1 km/h), and one or two out of 10 were slightly faster than 120 mph.

If the angle was a little tricky, it was difficult to allow or return an ace, but other than that, it wasn’t as difficult to receive as it is now.

bang!

.

.

bang!

And one thing.

bang!

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【“Fifteen, Love.”】

The backhand was quite impressive.

In particular, Down the Line was handled well.

Even things that were supposed to be crossed were processed in a straight line.

At first, I thought they were trying to score points even if it was too much, but now I’m acknowledging that it’s the opponent’s skill.

It is inevitable that we lost a point on a shot like this.

Because it was a good shot by the opponent.

“Whoo-.”

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

After a long time, it became a match where the right-handed opponent had to be forced to shoot forehand shots instead of backhand shots.

The forehand wasn’t bad, but it felt relatively ordinary, so the result was good when the rally was continued with the forehand.

The opponent also knows this and switches frequently.

So there are a lot of straight shots on the forehand.

Taang-!

.

widely.

The first serve went into the net.

As always, I plan to take one step forward.

This was a good second serve return.

bang-!

An ordinary kick serve that fell around the center service line.

I was fully prepared and swung my forehand hard.

bang!

.

“YEA–!!”

Clap clap clap.

After turning my body to the side to create an angle, I pushed the forehand forward with enough unit turn.

After the serve, the shot that landed in front of the opponent went off the side line, and, satisfied with quickly tying the score, he moved back to the deuce court.

bang!

.

.

bang!

Forehand rallies are not exchanged more than twice.

Even now, the opponent has set a straight line.

It may have been a well-established strategy, and it felt natural as it became part of my play style, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to just try to run away from weaknesses.

It’s okay if the other person doesn’t notice.

bang!

Unless it is.

bang!

.

“Wow-!!”

.

【“Fifteen, Thirty.”】

As it is now, it ends up being a strategy like this.

I received the opponent’s forehand straight with a backhand.

From now on, I plan to make shots like this often.

I wanted to show a slightly different reaction in the future.

I want to have a little more fun on the court.

bang.

When the desired result was not achieved with a straight forehand shot, the opponent immediately changed his method of response.

I just sliced ​​it right away.

You were so good.

okay.

like this.

I want to stay here longer.

bang.

Ta-dak.

He runs forward and manages to get the racket right before the ball hits the court twice.

The sound of the racket frame hitting the hard hard court surface continued, and I tightened my grip again and ran along the net, only watching the direction of the ball.

Considering the speed and direction the ball was moving, it seemed like a point would be awarded even if just one step was taken to the side.

What should I do with this?

Should you give it a try?

As I was running while looking straight at the tennis ball, I passed the ball and placed it between my crotches.

Then.

bang!

I tried the tweener, which involves taking a racket between your legs and making a shot.

During practice, I played around with the coaches by exchanging rallies with just a tweener, but today is the first time I tried this shot in real life.

When I looked back immediately to see if the ball was going properly, I saw my opponent running diligently.

Maybe I can catch up.

He’s really quick on his feet.

bang.

however.

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(Andrew Castle) – BBC Commentator

“OH- It’s STUNNING!! “It was a fantastic scene, no doubt about it!”

(Lleyton Hewitt) – BBC Commentary

“Jared Donaldson continues to try to play to his strengths, but it feels like the universe is eating it all up. When quick feet clash with quick feet, the one with better skills is likely to win. “This is another flashing scene.”

.

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(Lee Hyung-taek) – JTBS Commentary

“Wow, now, I’m showing you all sorts of things. You hit the ball between the crotch, right? It’s a technique that players like Nick Kyrgios and Gael Monfils are good at, but Shinwooju can do it too.”

.

bang!!

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【“Game, space.”】

I succeeded in getting a break in my opponent’s second serve game.

It was a set that started with the right to serve first, so as long as the serve is not lost, you will be able to take the second set as well.

It helped that I didn’t just go out aggressively.

If that were the case, I think it would have been a little more difficult.

He is a counter puncher with quick feet and is good at backhands and slices, so he will be used to dealing with aggressive players.

It is understandable that Wawrinka struggled.

This is because he has considerable backhand ups and downs.

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

Barrel, barrel, barrel.

This time, I would like to change the rhythm a little.

I plan to experiment with a lot of different things today.

However, this does not mean belittling the other person.

Taang-!

Unlike before, the first serve in the deuce court was placed on the closest side from the beginning.

The opponent’s backhand return comes to mind.

When I saw that, I immediately ran.

Serve and volley.

bang!

.

【“Fifteen, Love.”】

The opponent, who was completely deprived of the initiative, had to choose one direction and run, while I took the time to check who was moving first and shot in the opposite direction.

And the second serve was similar.

【“Thirty, love.”】

I was curious how the opponent would react to the successive serves and volleys and what kind of judgment he would show.

The return position in particular did not change.

But it must be in your head, right?

That I can run again.

Taang-!

.

bang.

After the third serve, the returning opponent quickly turned around and stood.

But this time I didn’t move forward.

Instead, he hit a shot that drew in the opposite direction.

bang.

As the forehand slice flew away from where I was, I saw the opponent’s feet, which had flinched, stop.

I wasn’t prepared at all.

Again, the score went up.

【“Forty, love. Game point.”】

.

(Lleyton Hewitt)

“This is truly amazing. You are in complete control of the match. You score with two serves and volleys, and then right after that, you hit a drop shot like you do now? Come on. It’s huge. “I don’t think that’s all I can say.”

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【“Game, space.”】

.

(Chris Fowler)

“It’s an overwhelming performance. The game point is earned by simply taking the final point with a 132 mph serve. “This is a difficult moment for Donaldson.”

* * *

While everyone was immersed in tennis in the new universe, fierce competition was taking place behind the scenes.

as soon as.

‘This is giving me a headache.’

Starting with Louis Vuitton’s menswear designer Kim Jones, who asked for only 10 minutes before practice, Karl Lagerfeld has been secretly requesting to be alone at any time.

Additionally, Anna Wintour suggested a tea party to celebrate the hugely successful Vogue September issue, which I was planning on accepting.

Jay-Z also expressed his desire to be introduced directly, and many other celebrities expressed their desire to become friends with him.

All of this was secretly delivered to Atticus Kirkland through a third party, and it seemed like he had to answer carefully because they were so big-name people that it would be difficult to refuse.

Since we decided to drastically reduce our external schedule after the Cincinnati opening, it was difficult to force people to meet up.

‘Vera will be disappointed.’

When Atticus, who had begun to quickly organize his priorities, was lost in happy thoughts, Shin Woo-ju heated up the court with another witty shot.

“Hwi—ik!”

“Poof!!”

A jumping shot that showed off a lot of athletic ability.

After landing, Shin Woo-ju clenches his fists and smiles, and people laugh and applaud generously.

Shin Woo Joo stands under a large spotlight.

Without a doubt, he is today’s protagonist.

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▷ GAME SET (128 rounds)

3 2 2: Jared Donaldson

6 6 6 : New Universe

* * *

《New Universe’s Winner Court Interview》

Q1. “Congratulations on your victory. How do you feel about your US Open debut?”

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A1. “I think I had quite a bit of fun playing tennis. The reason we were able to do that was because the fans responded so positively to each and every shot. The fans today were the best. (Cheers pour in)”

Q2. “I’m curious about the secret to accomplishing amazing things.”

.

Q2. “I don’t think there is any secret, I think I was lucky. I have great coaches and parents who believed in me from a young age. I don’t think there’s anything I can do about that. If I had to say a secret, it would be to eat well and sleep well. “What I’ve realized recently is that rest is really important.”

Q3. “Do you have any goals for the US Open?”

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A3. “I want to stay as long as possible. I didn’t particularly think how far I had to climb. “I think it’s important to stay long because you learn a lot every day on the court.”

Q4. “Learning more here is a scary thing.”

.

A4. “I want to do better than I am now. When you look back on a game you lost, there are always a lot of things you regret. “I learned a lot from losing to Andy Murray in Cincinnati.”

Q5. “There is a possibility of meeting Andy Murray in the quarterfinals.”

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A5. “Like I said, I’m just trying to think about it one step at a time. I will think about the quarterfinals when the time comes. But really, if I meet Andy Murray again, I want to win this time. “3 losses is too much.”

Q6. “It is gaining maximum popularity. “What do you want to say to your fans?”

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A6. “Thank you. love.”

* * *

※ Shinwoo’s next US Open matchup

[35th] Viktor Troitsky

vs

[15th] Shinwoo (13)

===

Upon victory

[24th] Ivo Karlovic (22)

vs

[58th] Donald Young

face off against the winner of