Return to 2002: Freestyle Superstar

Chapter 463 My 2004 season is over

Back to back Tour Champions!

Although Chen Ran has won many tour championships in his career so far, there are not many back-to-back championships.

The last time I had a deep memory was the Sunshine Double Crown, and this time it was the "Chinese Double Crown"!
At this point, the Heineken Open, which lasted for six years starting in 1998, has come to a perfect end!
Chen Ran represented China and won the last two championships, defending the glory of local players.

Even the organizing committee of the Magic City lamented that when they applied for this event, they purely wanted to expand the city's influence. With the mentality of accompanying the prince to study, they never thought that there would be Chinese players to win the championship of this event.

The emergence of Chen Ran was an unexpected surprise, and it greatly stimulated the city's enthusiasm for tennis in the Magic City.

In addition, people have also expressed strong interest in how long Chen Ran's record of "winning all the local events he participates in" can be maintained.

You know, even national table tennis players cannot guarantee to win the championship in all locally held events.

Of course, they may want to "put on a show" occasionally and deliberately allow foreign athletes to try out a few championships. Otherwise, others will stop playing and they will be embarrassed.

As for Chen Ran, he has no such scruples. His attitude towards the championship is to take everything he deserves.

It is no exaggeration to say that even if Chen Ran won the annual Golden Slam, there would be no such worries.

So he didn't need to act and deliberately used losing to create suspense.

"Really, I didn't realize this record if you didn't remind me before the game."

At the press conference after the game, Chen Ran, who had just won the championship, said in front of the reporters, "Of course, I like and enjoy this special record, and I will still aim for this next year."

"Next year? The difficulty will increase exponentially next year!" a reporter from Shanghai reminded.

In next year's Chinese season, Chen Ran will participate in an ATP Masters 1000 tournament, a 250 event in Ningjiang, and the year-end finals in Shanghai.

Chen Ran wants to win all three events held in China, which is even more difficult than winning any Grand Slam championship.

"Because it is difficult and challenging, it becomes interesting." Chen Ran said with a smile.

He looked around at the reporters, took a deep breath, and continued slowly: "Two championships, this year's Chinese season is perfect for me. The 2004 season is special to me. Not only did I achieve He won the Grand Slam and the gold medal at the Athens Olympics, becoming the second player in men’s professional tennis to achieve the Golden Slam.”

When everyone listened to Chen Ran's words as if they were summarizing, they felt vaguely strange in their hearts.

Soon, Chen Ran's voice continued to reach their ears.

"After a busy season, my body is very tired and there are some hidden dangers...so I officially declare that my season is officially over this year."

Boom~
Chen Ran's words caused quite a stir among the reporters.

What the hell?

Is your 2004 season officially over?

After China won two consecutive championships in the season, you will not participate in the remaining games?
"Wait a minute, you just said that you would give up the European Indoor Season because you would participate in the National Games next year. Don't you even want to participate in this year's competition?"

What did he think after missing the European indoor season for two consecutive years?

"And...you even gave up at the end of the year!"

Many people present were puzzled by this.

Doesn’t Chen Ran want to be number one at the end of the year?

Although Chen Ran has regained the world No. 600 ranking from Federer, his advantage is only less than points.

If he gives up the European season and the end of the year, there is a high probability that he will not be ranked first at the end of the year.

Maybe he doesn't care about being number one at the end of the year and winning the year-end finals, right?
In comparison, the body is more important. "You've already made your decision and you won't change it?" Everyone wanted to confirm again.

"Yes, I have decided."

Chen Ran said with great certainty, "My 2004 season is over. The back-to-back championships in the Chinese season have proven my strength. As long as I am willing, I can get the ranking I want at any time."

For once, his words were full of arrogance and confidence.

"Forehead……"

These Chinese reporters wanted to say something else, but suddenly they couldn't think of any words to refute.

Chen Ran's 2004 season was brilliant enough, and even the ending was perfect.

People want to take advantage of the end of the year to take a good rest, and it seems that this request is not too much.

Tennis is an individual sport and you don't have anyone to rely on.

While you enjoy all the honors, you will also bear the bitterness of all the losses.

"I think the difference between a tennis player and a football or basketball player is that if I have an injury and I don't want to play with it, there's nothing to blame."

"Because in team sports, you are often not fighting alone. When your body is very tired or even injured and you don't want to participate in the game, some things are often not something you can decide alone."

"You have to consider the feelings of your teammates, coaches, even the boss, and of course the fans. Under all kinds of pressure, sometimes you have to give up your principles and play with injuries."

There are endless examples of this in sports competitions. The one that impressed him the most was when NBA superstar Kevin Durant had to play injured under the pressure of the team in the finals, resulting in a ruptured Achilles tendon.

This was also a key factor in his break with the Warriors.

But Chen Ran had no such worries.

I am alone and don't need to consider anyone else's feelings.

"I think... I can totally follow my inner thoughts!"

Chen Ran should give up if he felt it was time to give up, there was nothing to hesitate about.

He also observed everyone's expressions. Some were confused and some understood, but no one asked Chen Ran to continue the game.

That’s the freedom of tennis without the pressure of bosses, coaches and teammates.

……

Soon, Chen Ran's speech after the game spread throughout the world through the media.

"We at ATP have always been player-oriented. Since Chen Ran feels that he is injured and physically tired, we support his decision. Although if he misses the end of the year, ticket sales and game ratings will be affected, but I Support his decision."

"Chen Ran still has a long career, and nothing is more important than his body."

What can ATP Chairman do? He was also helpless.

He was very disappointed with Chen Ran's absence at the end of this year, but he couldn't ask the opponent to compete with a tired and injured body.

The ATP president could only express understanding and regret.

……

(End of this chapter)