Fan Zhendong: The downturn before the Olympics was only a short-term pain
There are just over two months to go until the start of the table tennis event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For Fan Zhendong, the first brother of Chinese table tennis, his recent form has indeed made fans pinch a cold sweat. In a few races, Fan Zhendong's performance was not ideal, and he even suffered an upset defeat from some junior brothers. This has raised some doubts about whether he can regain his peak form in Paris and defend the Olympic men's singles title.
Just when everyone began to worry about Fan Zhendong's state, he himself was not too obsessed with it. In a recent interview, Fan admitted that his current slump is only a temporary throes, and for him, it is just a process of accumulating strength, waiting for him to regain his peak form in Paris.
Injuries are the main cause, not an excuse
Talking about the reason for his recent sluggish form, Fan Zhendong did not go around in circles, and directly admitted that the impact of injuries was one of the main reasons. "It's true that my body hasn't fully recovered to peak condition, especially since there have been some old injuries to my wrists and shoulders that haven't healed. This affected my performance in a big way. ＂
Fan Zhendong also admitted frankly that although the injury is a fact, he does not want to use it as an excuse. "Every athlete will inevitably encounter injuries, and the key is how to adjust and overcome the impact of injuries. I'm at this stage right now and I believe that with the right training, I'll be able to get out of the haze very quickly. ＂
Techniques and tactics need to be innovatively adjusted
In addition to the impact of his physical condition, Fan Zhendong also objectively identified some of his shortcomings in terms of technique and tactics. "Table tennis is constantly changing and developing, and my opponents are studying my style of play more and more thoroughly, and if my own skills and tactics are not innovated and adjusted, then the advantage will be slowly weakened. ＂
Fan Zhendong said that he has realized this and is trying to find new ways of playing and coping with it. "I need to make adjustments in the tempo, the spin and the tactical set-up to make it difficult for the opponent to get my rhythm. At the same time, I also need to strengthen some hand-holding and control skills to make my style of play more comprehensive. ＂
The Olympics are the biggest motivator
Although his current form is indeed a bit worrying, Fan Zhendong is extremely confident in his performance at the Paris Olympics. "The Olympics have always been my biggest motivation and goal, and I've done so much for it," he said. The temporary slump doesn't mean I've lost the ability to challenge for Olympic gold medals, and I'm sure I'll be able to show my best when I get to Paris. ＂
"The Olympic Games are a place where every athlete feels more pressure than ever, but I've been through the Tokyo Olympics and I'm confident that I can do well in Paris. Fan Zhendong said with a smile, "You don't have to worry about my state for the time being, just wait and see, I will definitely let everyone see the top performance." ＂
Throughout the interview, we can find that Fan Zhendong is the head of his current situation, and he is not too obsessed with the short-term downturn. He knows exactly where he needs to make adjustments, and he is confident about the Games.
As the pillar of Chinese table tennis, Fan Zhendong does carry the high hopes of fans. But we also have to believe that with the calmness and wisdom of a generation of football kings, he will be able to regain his peak form in Paris and bring new pride to the country and the fans. Let's wait and see, looking forward to Fan Zhendong shining again in the Olympic arena.