Match point

Chapter 1305 Surrounded by Fans
The French Open, also known as Roland Garros, has one of the most special rules among the four Grand Slam tournaments:
Players are not allowed to train at Roland Garros until the tournament officially kicks off.

What does this provision mean?
That is to say literally, before the start of the Grand Slam, including during qualifying matches, all players are prohibited from training on the playing field.

However, players need to adapt to the field, what should we do?
It's very simple, just follow the official arrangement of the event.

The event will arrange field training and field adaptation time for all players shortlisted for the draw, three times a week, one hour each time.

Here, the specific venue arrangements are different and particular.

There are three large stadiums in Roland Garros, namely Phillippe-Chatier, Susan-Lenglen and No. [-] stadium.

Generally speaking, the three chances of the top eight seeds can be trained twice at the Philippe Chatrier Stadium, and then once at the Suzanne Lenglen Stadium.

In specific situations, players apply by themselves, and the tournament organizing committee makes arrangements according to the application situation. Not all players' requests can be approved.

In other words, high-ranked seed players have the opportunity to train in three large stadiums, because they have a greater chance of landing on these stadiums in official games; unseeded ordinary players will go to another [-] venues for training, because this It will be the main venue for their competition.

So what is the reason for such a special provision?
First, the space is limited.

For the other three Grand Slams, there are dedicated training grounds outside the competition venues. Wimbledon even opened up a brand new training ground five kilometers away from the All England Club.

However, the Paris City Hall rejected Roland Garros' request for expansion, so that the number of venues was insufficient, and it was difficult to meet the training needs of the players when the qualifying matches were in progress.

Second, site maintenance.

The maintenance of clay and grass is very complicated and difficult. Before the official competition, the organizing committee needs to spend a lot of time on maintenance.

In fact, Wimbledon also has a corresponding tradition——

Due to the difficulty in maintaining the grass, in order to ensure that the stadium remains intact and beautiful when the game kicks off, players are prohibited from training on the center court.

After all, the characteristics of grass courts, once stepped on, will cause wear and tear, and after wear and tear, it will not be restored, which will seriously damage the visual effect. It is necessary to wait for the end of the game, remove all green grass, replant, and re-prune. This is a long process. And arduous process.

Therefore, Wimbledon also has a special tradition:
On the first match day, the first player to set foot on the center court was the defending champion of men's singles, which opened the event.

On the second match day, the first player to set foot on the center court was the defending champion of women's singles.

In other words, Wimbledon's center court, before the official opening of the game, no one is allowed to step on the court. The defending champion's first appearance is equivalent to kicking off the annual event of Wimbledon. Set foot on the immaculate green grass field, full of brilliant lights.

This tradition has become an honor, an added bonus given to the defending champions.

If the defending champion is absent, the top seed of the event will take his place.

However, Wimbledon prohibits adapting to the center court and court one. Correspondingly, the practice court of the game is fully open to players.

Like Roland Garros, all training is completely banned, and then arranged by the organizing committee, which is the only one among the four Grand Slams.

But the key is that the players need to train, they need to adapt to the climate and environment in Paris, they need to adapt to the rhythm of the Grand Slam.

Just relying on the opportunity to adapt to the venue for a total of three times for one hour each time is far from enough for competition preparation.

Therefore, every player who comes to Paris to compete will, without exception, conduct daily training in private clubs other than Roland Garros.

It is precisely because of this that qualifying players can often have more advantages in the French Open. After all, they have withstood three rounds of tests here——

The chance of being upset has also increased slightly.

It is also precisely because of this that the fans also have the opportunity to get in touch with the players at a closer distance. The players left the crowded Roland Garros. Only a small number of hardcore fans can know the training venues chosen by the players. The odds are naturally skyrocketing.

At this moment, this is the situation.

Although this is the first time for Gao Wen to participate in the French Open, this is not the first time he has come to Paris to compete, nor is it the first time to come to Paris for training.

In this city, Gao Wen also already has a small group of fans, and there are more and more fans waiting at the door of the private club.

Maybe, on social networks, the pressure is overwhelming, but in real life, there are cute faces everywhere you look.

"Gao Wen, Gao Wen, Gao Wen! I really like you."

"Welcome to Roland Garros."

"No matter what the outcome, we support you."

"I love watching your games."

"Gao Wen, win everything! You deserve it!"

Bustling.

twitter.

In the line of sight, a figure emerged, not many, that is, about 34 people, but they blocked the exit alley of the private club.

Looking around, most of them are young people, their faces are full of enthusiasm and excitement, and they are expressing their support with their voices, gestures and facial expressions.

A second ago, Gao Hongli was still thinking about how to speak.

In the next second, Gao Hongli temporarily put his thoughts aside, and played the role of manager and bodyguard, taking the lead to help maintain order.

Gao Wen also slowed down, trying his best to meet the demands of the fans——

The conversation between him and Gao Hongli can be put aside for a while. These fans have been waiting here for a long time, and he needs to thank them for their support and attention.

Autographs, group photos, hugs.

This is just basic politeness, the most important thing is to look into everyone's eyes, express your response with your eyes, and deeply remember every lovely face in front of you.

pity.

Even though Gao Wen had already slowed down, the turbulent crowd around him seemed to have no end in sight. After all, he couldn't satisfy everyone's wishes. Amidst the din of laughter and cheering, Gao Wen stayed for 10 to [-] minutes. He apologized again and again and bid farewell to the enthusiastic fans.

"Thank you."

"Thank you!"

Gao Wen repeatedly expressed his thanks, and under the support of Gao Hongli, he took steps and finally left the door of the private club.

"Gawain!"

There was still a heart-piercing cry from behind, trying reluctantly to keep Gao Wen.

Gao Wen turned around, waved his hand, and responded with a smile, but he didn't stop.

At this time, the noise had calmed down a little, and those shouts and conversations gradually became clearer.

"Gao Wen, wait!"

"and many more!"

"He! Please stay for him, he has been waiting for you here for four hours."

There was a little anxiety in those hasty words, and even a little crying, a little helpless and a little urgent.

Gao Wen's footsteps finally came to a halt.

(End of this chapter)