Who would still play tennis after being reborn?

Chapter 159 German Boy Adolf

At Melbourne Park, the sun had lost much of its heat by evening, and a refreshing coolness washed over you.

Gu Cheng, dressed in a white battle robe, stood at the baseline, his tall figure outlining a resolute silhouette in the sunlight.

He gently swung the racket in his hand, his gaze calm yet sharp, as if he had taken in the entire court.

Across from him, 17-year-old German boy Adolf tightened his wristband. Standing at 1.85 meters tall, he possessed the ruggedness characteristic of European players. He looked up at his opponent, his eyes showing both wariness of the unknown and the confidence of a top-ten ranked player in the European U18 rankings.

The first-round match of the Australian Open junior tournament was about to begin, under the watchful eyes of everyone.

"Gu Cheng serves in the first set," the referee announced.

Adolf leaned back slightly, deliberately taking half a step back in his stance, intending to suppress his opponent's first wave of attacks with a steady return of serve.

At this moment, Gu Cheng slowly raised his arm, and the tennis ball was precisely thrown five meters into the air. The force and angle seemed to have been calculated countless times.

His body was like a bow drawn to its limit, the backward tilt of his head was astonishing, his right shoulder almost touching his ear, and his muscles were taut to the extreme.

In an instant, the racket shot out like a black lightning bolt, and with a loud "bang," the tennis ball, traveling at a speed of over 200 kilometers per hour, grazed the edge of Adolf's racket and flew straight towards the corner of the court with a sharp whooshing sound.

The electronic scoreboard flashed instantly, and the bright red "15-0" stung Adolf's eyes.

"How is this possible?!" Adolf staggered around, the dull thud of the tennis ball hitting the ground still echoing in his ears.

He stared incredulously at Gu Cheng's fluid movements as he finished playing, his initial contempt for him as "just a child" instantly vanishing.

The second ball came hurtling in, and he focused intently on Gu Cheng's movements, trying to predict its landing point.

However, the tennis ball strangely traced an outside-spin arc, suddenly changing direction just before touching the baseline.

Adolf's pupils contracted sharply, and he instinctively lunged to his right. His fingertips barely grazed the ball's feathers, but the white sprite mischievously slipped away from his hand and landed steadily within the boundary.

A few gasps erupted from the stands, and a seasoned fan in the front row quickly set up his binoculars, exclaiming, "Sure enough, in the youth tournament, even without any difference in skills, Gu Cheng's strength is a complete crushing defeat for the other players. There won't be any surprises."

"Among people of the same age, there are probably only one or two in the whole world who can get a point from him, or even... you could say there isn't one."

"His matches are incredibly impressive. He is already incredibly strong, and his amazing footwork allows him to maintain an absolute advantage even without using any specific skills."

"Adolf is quite strong, the No. 8 seed in the Australian Open Junior Tournament. If he hadn't met Gu Cheng in the first round, it wouldn't have been impossible for him to make it to the semifinals or even win the Australian Open Junior Tournament. It's a pity that he met someone even more monstrous in the first round."

"As expected, given Gu Cheng's current form, he probably won't hold back and will finish the match as quickly as possible, right?"

Adolf bit his lower lip and vigorously wiped the sweat from his face with a towel as the third ball hurtled towards him.

He raised his racket to try to intercept, but only felt a gust of wind pass by. The tennis ball grazed the edge of the racket and exploded into white smoke two meters behind him.

At that moment, he suddenly remembered his coach's instructions before the match: "When facing an unknown opponent, first observe their weaknesses."

He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and told himself, "Don't panic, I'll definitely find a weakness."

When it was Adolf's turn to serve, he deliberately tossed the ball very low, trying to disrupt Gu Cheng's rhythm with strong spin.

However, Gu Cheng seemed to have anticipated his thoughts and started moving before the ball even hit the ground, like a cheetah poised to pounce.

At the moment of the forehand strike, the sound of the racket hitting the ball was crisp like the sound of a gunshot, and the strong topspin sent the return ball flying across Adolf's hair to the opposite corner.

Adolf instinctively took three steps back, his mind filled with shock: "In such a stalemate, I can't gain the slightest advantage?"

It's important to know that Gu Cheng didn't use any ball skills.

Even so, he was still no match for him.

In fact, they were constantly being pressured and beaten throughout the entire match.

This is what broke Adolf's heart the most.

If Gu Cheng used his skills and he was no match for him, that would be understandable. After all, even professional players ranked in the top 100 or even top 20 in the world would be no match for Gu Cheng when he used his skills. It's perfectly normal for someone like him, who is ranked in the top 20 in ITF Junior Circuit points, to lose.

But Gu Cheng didn't use any ball skills, he just relied purely on his basic skills, and he still managed to suppress him completely, which was the most unbelievable thing to him.

If things continue like this, he has no chance whatsoever.

His breathing became rapid, and sweat dripped down his chin, soaking the handle of the racket, but his eyes grew increasingly determined.

We need to take advantage of the moment when Gu Cheng isn't using his skills to score a point or two, so we don't get shut out.

In the third game of the first set, Adolf finally got his chance.

Gu Cheng's serve slowed down slightly after glancing off the net. Adolf's eyes flashed with excitement, and he decisively turned to the side, unleashing a powerful forehand smash.

The tennis ball flew with a strong diagonal trajectory, like a bullet leaving the barrel, towards the open space on the court.

The entire audience held their breath, thinking this would be Adolf's first point.

However, a white figure suddenly appeared from the side like a ghost, and Gu Cheng precisely sliced ​​a moon ball with his backhand just before the ball hit the ground.

Adolf looked up, watching the tennis ball streak across the azure sky, and despairingly realized that he had no time to retreat.

His feet moved frantically, but the ball landed calmly and steadily inside the boundary, as if mocking his helplessness.

"3-0! Gu Cheng wins!" The referee's voice echoed in the empty stadium.

Adolf slumped onto a bench by the field, covering his face with a towel, unwilling to let anyone see his expression.

Just then, he heard cheers of "Go! Go!" coming from the stands. He peered through the gap in the towel at Gu Cheng, who was drinking water across from him.

The boy stared intently at his sneakers, as if the crushing defeat he had just delivered was nothing more than a routine scene in his daily training.

Adolf clenched the towel tightly, his fingernails digging deep crescent-shaped marks into his palm, a fierce determination rising within him: "I can't give up, I must win a point!"

At the start of the fourth game, Adolf adjusted his tactics, frequently volleying at the net.

When he successfully intercepted the ball at the net, a few claps of applause rang out from the stands, and someone shouted, "That's how European players play!"

However, Gu Cheng's response was flawless. He began to move Adolf around with precise baseline cross-court shots, deliberately pausing for half a second before each shot, his eyes quickly scanning his opponent's position, as if he were making a meticulous calculation.

In the fourth game, when Adolf was forced to retreat awkwardly from the net for the seventh time, his calf muscles began to twitch uncontrollably, and every step he took was accompanied by excruciating pain.

But he still gritted his teeth and persevered. Sweat blurred his vision, but he just wiped it away casually and threw himself back into the fierce battle.

In the stands, the audience's emotions were completely ignited. The commentator excitedly shouted, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are witnessing a rare shutout! Gu Cheng's forehand and backhand transition speed has surpassed the level of the junior group, and Adolf's tenacious defense also deserves our warmest applause!"

The audience, who had originally been cheering for Gu Cheng, turned their attention to Adolf. Some held up signs that read "Never give up," while others led the applause for him.

Adolf felt encouraged, a warm feeling welled up in his heart, and his tired body seemed to be infused with new strength.

In the fifth inning, Adolf's physical strength was nearing its limit, but his fighting spirit was getting higher and higher.

In the sixth game, his serve was in jeopardy. His hair was stuck to his sweaty forehead, and every breath he took was heavy, like a bellows.

When Gu Cheng earned a break point, Adolf suddenly changed his serving rhythm, unleashing a flat serve at over 185 km/h straight at Gu Cheng. Gu Cheng hastily blocked the ball with his racket face, and the ball flew softly towards the net.

Adolf's eyes lit up instantly, and he took three steps to the net, his heart filled with anticipation.

However, just as he swung his racket, a white figure appeared on the sideline again—Gu Cheng delivered a precise backhand straight through the net, the tennis ball grazing his racket and landing steadily within the boundary.

"Game, Set and Match! Gu Cheng, 6-0!" The referee's voice pierced the sky.

Adolf stood frozen in place, staring at the glaring "0" on the scoreboard, his throat tightening and his eyes slightly reddening. Just then, thunderous applause erupted from the entire stadium, the roar almost lifting the entire arena.

In the stands, someone shouted, "Adolf, you are a true warrior!" Many people waved German flags, and some even displayed a banner that read "Glory in defeat."

Adolf looked up at the enthusiastic audience, and the resentment and grievance in his heart instantly turned into tears of emotion.

Gu Cheng strode to the net, extended his hand, and said with respect in his eyes, "You played very well. Let's play again next time if there's a chance."

Adolf watched the figure leave the field and return to the rest area, sensing the calmness emanating from the other person, and recalled his own triumphant moments when he swept aside his opponents in European competitions.

At that moment, he finally understood that this match was not the end, but the beginning of a brand new chapter in his tennis career.

On this arena full of glory and challenges, the clash between sharpness and resilience will never cease.

The opening whistle of the second set sounded like a war drum. When Adolf returned to the court, he tightened his wristbands even more, as if trying to squeeze all his resentment into his muscles.

His eyes no longer held the initial disdain, but instead burned with fighting spirit, like an enraged beast ready to launch its fiercest counterattack.

Gu Cheng remained calm, bouncing lightly a couple of times to loosen his ankles, as if the 6-0 scoreline was just a gentle warm-up.

He stood at the bottom line, his eyes fixed intently on Adolf's every move.

The second set began with Adolf serving. Clearly, having been shut out in the first set, Adolf was well-prepared. His serve was more tricky, powerful, and faster than in the first set.

However, facing Gu Cheng, whose strength far surpasses his own, the result of the match was still as expected.

In the return game, Gu Cheng used his superior strength to win the match, changing the score to 1-0.

When the referee announced "Gu Cheng serves," the spectators in the stands held their breath, anticipating the intense clash that was about to unfold.

Gu Cheng's serve remained elegant and powerful, the tennis ball soaring high into the air like a spirit imbued with life.

His body leaned back to its limit, his muscles bulging in the sunlight, forming beautiful lines.

The moment the racket swung, the air emitted a sharp whistling sound, and the tennis ball rushed straight towards Adolf's forehand at extremely high speed.

Adolf was prepared. He moved quickly, lowered his center of gravity, and stared intently at the incoming ball. His racket struck the middle of the ball precisely, sending the return with strong spin towards Gu Cheng's backhand area.

This time, Adolf's return shot was noticeably better, with both speed and angle being extremely threatening.

However, Gu Cheng's reaction speed was terrifying; he started almost the instant Adolf hit the ball.

His feet moved as quickly as if they were on springs, and his backhand shot was executed in one smooth motion. The tennis ball flew back at an even faster speed, landing in a tricky spot, heading straight for Adolf's baseline corner.

Adolf gritted his teeth and sprinted forward with all his might, barely managing to block the ball back just as he was about to lose his balance.

"Great shot!" A burst of enthusiastic applause erupted from the stands, this exciting exchange had the audience on the edge of their seats.

A glimmer of hope welled up in Adolf's heart. He knew that as long as he maintained this state, he would have a chance to break the embarrassment of scoring zero.

In the following rounds, Adolf's attack became more aggressive and proactive. He constantly changed the rhythm and line of his shots, trying to disrupt Gu Cheng's rhythm.

In Gu Cheng's second service game, Adolf seized the opportunity and successfully narrowed the score to 30-15.

This was the first time he had come so close to scoring since the start of the game.

His heart was racing, his breathing was rapid, and his eyes were filled with longing. Gu Cheng, however, remained calm and composed. He took a deep breath, adjusted his stance, and then served a flat serve to the outside corner.

Adolf made an accurate judgment, quickly moved into position, and hit a powerful forehand smash. However, Gu Cheng had already anticipated his return trajectory, moved to the left in advance, and executed a beautiful backhand straight pass, once again defusing the crisis.

Adolf slammed his racket in frustration, his heart filled with resentment.

But he didn't get discouraged; instead, he became even more determined to score. When it was his turn to serve, he tossed the ball high into the air and swung his racket with all his might to hit it.

The tennis ball flew towards Gu Cheng with tremendous force, like a cannonball.

Gu Cheng remained unfazed, standing firmly in place, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the ball came to him, he swung his racket decisively, returning the ball quickly and flat, directly hitting Adolf's open space.

Adolf sprinted forward, trying to salvage the point.

His footsteps left white trails on the field, and sweat dripped from his forehead, blurring his vision.

But he paid no attention to any of that, his eyes fixed on the tennis ball.

Just as the ball was about to hit the ground, he leaped high and blocked it back with his racket. Although the return wasn't of high quality, he successfully saved the ball.

Gu Cheng gave him no chance to catch his breath and immediately launched a fierce attack.

He constantly moved Adolf to the left and right, keeping him constantly on the move on the field.

Adolf's energy was rapidly depleting, his steps became increasingly heavy, and each run was accompanied by intense pain.

But he gritted his teeth and persevered, refusing to give up on any ball.

In the latter half of this round, Adolf's body had reached its limit.

His legs felt like they were filled with lead, and every step was incredibly difficult.

Sweat soaked through his clothes, and his hair stuck to his face, but he didn't even have time to wipe it away.

However, his eyes remained resolute; as long as the ball hadn't hit the ground, he would do everything in his power to save it.

Gu Cheng's every shot was like a precise scalpel, always finding a weakness in Adolf's defense.

Despite his best efforts, Adolf was still unable to withstand Gu Cheng's attack.

When Gu Cheng finished the set with a beautiful ace, the score was 6-0.

Adolf braced himself on his knees, breathing heavily. His eyes held disappointment, but even more so, a stubborn refusal to give up.

In the stands, the audience stood up and applauded Adolf's tenacious struggle.

They were moved by the German boy's perseverance. Although he still failed to score a single point, his fighting spirit and tenacity on the field earned everyone's respect.

Gu Cheng also cast an admiring glance at Adolf. He knew that although this opponent had lost the game, he had won dignity.

(End of this chapter)