Tennis: He's so obedient!

Chapter 145 Asia's Number One? We'll Win! (4000 words, please subscribe)
After Jiang Hong finished the brief interview, he saw the audience surrounding him.

"Mr. Jiang, please sign your autograph for me!"

"Too strong! He swept his opponent in two straight sets!"

"Just sign it on my clothes."

Surrounded by enemies, Jiang Hong finally managed to escape the encirclement and breathed a sigh of relief.

However, he didn't forget his support team who were cheering him on. After taking a group photo, Jiang Hongcai left the stadium.

"By the way, how was the other match?" Jiang Hong asked casually as he approached Li Gong, carrying his golf bag.

Jiang Hong and his next opponent started their matches at the same time, so he was curious about the situation on the other side.

"The match is still going on over there, why don't we go take a look?" Li Gong shrugged and then suggested.

After all, Jiang Hong's match ended too quickly.

There aren't many players with his efficiency.

Jiang Hong hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded and said, "Okay, let's go take a look first."

After all, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle.

The group arrived at another court, where the two players were already in the second set of the match.

The score was 5-3.

"Jiang Hong, which of those two do you hope will be your next opponent?" Li Gong asked curiously as he watched the match.

Jiang Hong shrugged at this.

"Lee Hyung-taek!"

"why?"

Li Gong was a little puzzled, after all, the other contestant was ranked even lower!

"Because I want to challenge the current number one in Asia and see how I'm doing!" Jiang Hong turned his head and smiled.

To be honest, Li Gong also had some mixed feelings.

For a talent agency, its biggest role is to handle the commercial operations of the players.

If Jiang Hong's opponent were a different player, his chances of making it into the quarterfinals would be even greater.

Only by consistently reaching the quarterfinals of ATP Tour events can one truly establish themselves on the tour.

Otherwise, they would have to play some challenge matches to complete their point retention tasks.

If Jiang Hong's opponent is Li Hengze, then Li Gong will promote the next match as a battle for the title of Asia's number one.

Although Jiang Hong's ranking is still far behind Li Hengze's.

However, these were not major problems once their propaganda machine was set up.

Lee Hyung-taek launched a sudden attack, successfully defeating his opponent and advancing to the next round of the competition.

Li Gong turned his head and said with a smile, "Jiang Hong, it seems there's no other choice now but to compete for the title of Asia's number one!"

"I'm really looking forward to it!" Jiang Hong smiled calmly, then turned and left the audience.

……

Bang bang bang!
There was a sudden, urgent knocking on the door of the sports department leader's office in the CCTV building.

"Come in!"

Upon hearing the sound, Zhang Sheng immediately pushed open the door and entered.

With a smile, he said to the leader, "Jiang Hong has made it into the top 16, and his next opponent is Lee Hyung-taek from South Korea!"

"Lee Hyung-taek is currently the highest-ranked Asian player in the ATP rankings!" Zhang Sheng added, worried that his superiors might not know.

The moment those words were spoken, the leader's eyes lit up.

Even if he doesn't understand tennis, he still understands the power of publicity stunts!

He slammed his hand on the table and said decisively, "In that case, let's broadcast tomorrow's match between Jiang Hong and Li Hengze!"

They had already purchased the broadcasting rights for the women's doubles, as there were women's tennis players participating, and the broadcasts would also be done. The men's singles broadcasting rights were given away for free by the organizing committee.

However, unexpectedly, Jiang Hong, who appeared out of nowhere, actually used this broadcasting right.

After all, in this day and age, tennis, football, and basketball are all vying to enter the Chinese market.

CCTV-5's offer to buy the broadcasting rights is definitely a good thing for the organizing committee. Giving up a men's tennis broadcasting right is no big deal.

With a smile on his face, Zhang Sheng rubbed his hands together and said, "Boss, could I commentate on this match tomorrow?"

"Oh dear, other people in the station have also told me before that they want to commentate on Jiang Hong's matches!" The leader pretended to look troubled.

Zhang Sheng immediately began to highlight his advantages, "Boss, in our station, I know Jiang Hong the best. I've had contact with him and am more familiar with his playing habits, so I'll be more suitable to commentate on him!"

After a moment's hesitation, the leader nodded and finally agreed.

"Alright then, this match is in your hands, but absolutely no mistakes can happen!"

"Don't worry, leader!"

After leaving the leader's office, Zhang Sheng immediately took out his mobile phone.

Just as Jiang Hong returned to the hotel and was about to get some physical therapy, the phone rang.

I glanced at the caller ID and it was Zhang Sheng.

When the other party went to Chang'an to film a documentary for him, the two exchanged contact information.

Jiang Hong answered the phone.

"Hey, Teacher Zhang, what brings you here to call me?"

Zhang Sheng laughed heartily, "Haha, I'm here to congratulate you! You've successfully made it into the top 16 of EastNet!"

"Thank you for your concern, Teacher Zhang!" Jiang Hong smiled.

Jiang Hong was not surprised that the domestic community learned so quickly that he had made it to the round of 16 of the Tokyo Open.

After all, he had already seen news reports about his match online last night.

Zhang Sheng didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"Jiang Hong, it's like this, the station has decided to broadcast your match against Li Hengze tomorrow. So, how confident are you about your chances against Li Hengze?" Zhang Sheng asked with concern.

If Jiang Hong loses the game in front of the entire nation, she will definitely face immense public pressure.

Although China and South Korea have been in a honeymoon period in terms of economy in the past two years, with large-scale growth in investment and trade.

Many tourist attraction signs even have Korean writing on them.

However, in sports, South Korea and China are not so harmonious.

For example, in football, the South Korean team has always been a nemesis of the Chinese national team.

However, in basketball, China is stronger than South Korea.

Of course, South Korean athletes are notorious for their lack of sportsmanship.

For example, in the speed skating event at last year's Winter Olympics, the South Korean team actually pushed someone.

However, in tennis, it's quite difficult to ignore sportsmanship!

"In competitive sports, no one can guarantee the outcome until the game is over!" Jiang Hong smiled, then suddenly changed the subject: "However, I believe I will win!"

Zhang Sheng was somewhat disappointed when he heard the first part of the sentence.

After all, Jiang Hong was different from other athletes, and she always showed great confidence in herself.

Saying such euphemistic things now, is it because you lack confidence?

However, the second half of his sentence immediately made Zhang Sheng slam his fist on the table.

"Okay, Jiang Hong, I believe you can do it too!"

"To make a name for ourselves in Chinese tennis!"

"It's a pity I can't be there to cheer you on tomorrow, but I'll be cheering you on from the commentary booth!"

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Hong took a deep breath.

We absolutely must win tomorrow's match. Victory is essential to getting more people to enjoy this sport.

Even in the future, many people will say that Chinese people don't like sports, they only like winning.

However, in the process, some people will also fall in love with the sport.

After today's matches, Jiang Hong's prize money for the Tokyo Open has reached $10000, and he has also gained 25 ATP points.

Jiang Hong's total points reached 312, while her ATP live ranking was 141.

As the rankings rose higher, the rate of ascent slowed down.

If Jiang Hong is in charge of the team's finances, then this month's expenses can be covered by bonuses.

Jiang Hong remembered that he had at least fulfilled his suggestion.

"System, collect the reward!"

[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained Training Recovery Potion *1]

Jiang Hong's eyes widened instantly. Was the system trying to fool him?

However, there was nothing he could do, so Jiang Hong put away the medicine.

Then I opened Tieba and uploaded today's group photo to Tieba.

[Thanks to the members of our Tokyo branch of the internet cafe for coming to support me in person. Do you have any suggestions for my match against Lee Hyung-taek tomorrow?]

Following Jiang Hong's post, the comments section was soon filled with replies.

"Wait, wait, I just saw a pretty girl! Let's have some Q!"

"After Srichaphan's injury, Lee Hyung-taek has become the number one player in Asia. Little Jiang, you'd better be careful tomorrow!"

"Wow, that's fast! Just a moment ago, Xiao Jiang was asking about training methods, and now he's already challenging for the title of Asia's number one."

"What's there to be afraid of? Lee Hyung-taek only has one tour title, and so does Xiao Jiang. We're not afraid of life or death. If you're not convinced, then let's fight!"

"That's right, Xiao Jiang, just do your best tomorrow!"

"Xiao Jiang, if you can beat Li Hengze tomorrow, I'll eat abalone and bird's nest every day and drive a Rolls-Royce until I'm sick of it!"

"Upstairs, what are you doing, freeloading off us like this?!"

"..."

Most people in tennis forums, even if they don't play tennis, have at least watched matches.

Therefore, it was not considered that Jiang Hong won the China Open championship, having defeated several players in their 20s, and that Li Hengze was easily defeated.

The forum users did not put any pressure on Jiang Hong.

Jiang Hong included one suggestion.

[Ding, a suggestion has been detected that the host has received...]

He then shut down the internet to conserve his energy for tomorrow's match.

……

After Jiang Hong confirmed that he would meet Lee Hyung-taek in the third round of the Tokyo Open, IMG and CCTV immediately went all out to promote the event.

How far is Jiang Hong from becoming Asia's number one? One match!

Tokyo Open: A Battle Between China's and South Korea's Top Ten Players

Jiang Hong launches his assault on the throne of Asia's number one player.

It seems that as long as Jiang Hong wins over Li Hengze, he will become the number one player in Asia.

Besides IMG and CCTV making their efforts, even independent media outlets are not to be outdone.

A lengthy analysis of the styles and strengths/weaknesses of Jiang Hong and Li Hengze.

Some people are optimistic about Jiang Hong, believing that since he defeated the world's fourth-ranked player, Davydenko, he can easily defeat Li Hengze.

Some believe that the China Open followed closely after the US Open, so these top players hadn't adjusted their form, making it difficult for Jiang Hong to defeat Lee Hyung-taek.

Some even believe that Chinese tennis is similar to the Chinese national football team, having little chance against South Koreans.

There are all sorts of opinions.

Regardless of their viewpoints, this match certainly made many people aware of Jiang Hong's performance.

South Korean media also published articles supporting their country's top tennis player.

Asia's No. 1 Lee Hyung-taek conquers Ariake no Mori, aiming for the championship.

The only mention of Jiang Hong in the entire report was that Li Hengze would easily sweep aside the young Chinese players, without even mentioning his name.

Besides Chinese media, even Japanese media outlets have published articles about this match.

"Tokyo オープン" Korea-China showdown!テニスの胜はどちらの手に? 》

Tennis Matches Between Three East Asian Countries: Chinese Players vs. South Korean Players vs. Japanese Players

The article states that at the Tokyo Open, Japanese players entered the main draw through wildcards, but were all eliminated in the first round. In contrast, two players from China and South Korea entered the main draw based on their ATP rankings.

Why has Japanese tennis become like this? What's wrong with this country? This is a fundamental question!
……

May 10st!
Today, Jiang Hong and Li Hengze's match was arranged directly in the center court.

Before he even stepped onto the field, he was surrounded by a group of reporters!
"Hello, Jiang Hong, you will be playing against the highest-ranked Asian player in the ATP rankings today. Are you nervous?" A reporter with a round face and small eyes, speaking in Korean-accented English, handed the microphone to Jiang Hong.

Jiang Hong turned his head and glanced at the other party, saying calmly, "Li Hengze shouldn't be the highest-ranked player I've ever faced, so there's nothing to be nervous about!"

At the same time, Jiang Hong caught a glimpse of a CCTV reporter.

"Jiang Hong, hello. How are you doing right now? What preparations have you made for this match?"

The other party was not in charge of tennis, but a football reporter dispatched from elsewhere. Since the station couldn't find someone to fill in at the last minute, they asked him to take over.

Therefore, the questions asked were not particularly insightful; they were just routine questions.

"I'm feeling pretty good, I slept quite well last night!"

Jiang Hong's words almost made the reporter laugh; it was clear that he wasn't nervous at all.

"As for pre-match preparation, be flexible!"

Upon hearing this, the reporter did not press for further questions, but simply offered their blessings.

"Good luck in the game!"

Jiang Hong walked into the players' locker room on the field.

Li Hengze arrived late, after Jiang Hong had already entered the stadium.

The reporters immediately rushed up and surrounded it.

"Lee Hyung-taek, are you confident you can win this match?" The South Korean reporter immediately handed him the microphone with a smile.

"I'm already studying my opponent for the next round, this match..."

Lee Hyung-taek chuckled but did not reply.

Then, with his head held high and an arrogant expression, he walked onto the court.

Upon entering the lounge, the expression on his face vanished instantly, replaced by calm.

That's not what he wanted to say. As a South Korean athlete, he had to appear confident, even arrogant, when facing interviews with reporters.

If you hesitate even slightly, domestic fans will think you're cowardly.

In particular, South Koreans consider themselves a developed country, and given their complex historical relationship with China, they absolutely cannot lose to Jiang Hong.

Even if it's just for the sake of the endorsement, they still have to put on an arrogant expression.

Jiang Hong's victory at the China Open demonstrates the strength of her opponent.

Lee Hyung-taek wasn't entirely confident about this match.

As the staff called.

Jiang Hong grabbed his racket and walked into the players' tunnel!

"Win!"

(End of this chapter)