The schedule for the Magic City Masters went more smoothly than Cheng Che had anticipated.
After defeating Volkov in the second round, he faced a Spain player ranked 73rd in the world in the third round.
This match was easier than the previous round, with Cheng Che winning in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, without giving his opponent any break points throughout the match.
In the fourth round, the round of 16, he faced an Argentina player ranked 31st in the world.
The match went to three sets. Cheng Che lost the first set, but then won the next two to reverse the situation and ultimately advanced with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Four games, four wins.
When the list of the top 16 was announced, Cheng Che's name was among a group of seeded players.
He was the only player to enter the competition with a wildcard, and also the only new face who was eighteen years old.
His next opponent is equally noteworthy.
Tsitsipas, Greece, is 18 years old, the Champion of this year's Australian Open, and ranked 42nd in the world.
He also won all four of his matches on his way to the finals, including a straight-sets victory over Lu Yunxiao in the third round.
Two eighteen-year-old boys will face off in the round of 16.
At the pre-match press conference, Cheng Che sat on the stage of the press conference room for the first time as a professional player.
The press conference room wasn't large, but it was packed with reporters.
Major domestic sports media, tennis media, and even several entertainment media outlets were present.
When Cheng Che walked in, a flurry of camera flashes went off.
He sat down on the stage, with a microphone and a bottle of water in front of him.
The first question came from a reporter from CCTV Sports:
"Congratulations Cheng Che on advancing to the top 16. As the only wildcard entrant, how do you feel about your performance so far?"
"I played to my usual standard," Cheng Che said. "My opponents in the first few rounds were very strong, but I was well-prepared."
"Your next opponent is Tsitsipas, who is also 18 years old and is this year's Australian Open Champion. What are your thoughts on him?"
Cheng Che thought for a moment.
"He's a very good player. Young, talented, and he won the Australian Open Champion this year; he's in great form."
"You're both eighteen years old, and many people see this match as a contest between the new generation. Do you agree with that assessment?"
"I disagree," Cheng Che said bluntly. "A competition is a competition; it has nothing to do with age. Whoever wins advances, it's that simple."
The audience fell silent for a moment.
Then a reporter asked, "Do you think you can win?"
Cheng Che glanced at the reporter, and the corners of his mouth curved slightly.
"Able."
One word, very light.
But there was no hesitation, no bravado, and not even nervousness in his tone.
It's as if he's stating something he's already certain of.
The press conference room fell silent for a moment, then more reporters began to raise their hands.
"In a previous interview, Tsitsipas said that he had watched your match footage and thought your serve was your strongest weapon. How do you respond?"
"He's right," Cheng Che nodded, "But I don't just serve."
Some people in the audience laughed.
"You've already achieved your best result in Master tournament by making it from the qualifiers to the round of 16. What are your next goals?"
Cheng Che looked at the reporter with a calm expression.
" Champion."
The air in the press conference room seemed to stir up from somewhere.
The reporters exchanged glances, some quickly scribbling something in their notebooks.
Do you think you have the ability to win the championship?
"I believe I have the ability to win every game."
Cheng Che's interview video was reposted on major platforms within half an hour.
On Weibo, the trending topic climbed from # Cheng Che # to Champion Cheng Che #.
The comments section was mixed, with both praise and criticism.
The majority of voices were in favor.
Well said! That's the kind of spirit you need in a competition!
[Eighteen years old, wildcard entry, four consecutive wins to reach the round of 16, why can't I dream of the Champion?]
[His expression during the interview was so calm. It didn't sound like he was boasting; it sounded like he had known this all along.]
Some people think he's arrogant, but he has the right to be. Look at his match against Volkov, the world number fourteen, who won in straight sets without a single break.
I like his unpretentious modesty. In competitive sports, what's the point of playing if you don't want to win?
However, there were also many sarcastic or mocking voices.
[The wildcard player talking about Champion, that cracked me up.]
[Get cocky after a few wins? Tsitsipas will teach you a lesson next round.]
[Eighteen years old, playing in his first Master tournament, and saying he'd win. The last player to say that is now playing in Challenger tournaments.]
[Has he forgotten that Tsitsipas is also eighteen years old, and ranked much higher than him?]
[I hope he doesn't cry when he gets proven wrong.]
These comments were quickly flooded by fans.
But Cheng Che didn't read the comments. He returned to the hotel, took a shower, lay on the bed, and opened the system panel.
[ Charisma Trial - Stage 4: Win the favor of 500,000 people. Current progress: 420,000/500,000.]
He paused for a moment, stunned.
Yesterday it was 350,000, today it's increased by 70,000.
He glanced at the Phantom Pinky Ring on his finger.
The interview at the press conference was seen by countless people, and his words were transmitted to every viewer through the screen.
Although he wasn't with those people, his confidence, calmness, and composure in front of the camera were a source of trust in themselves.
Moreover, the title of " Barrier Breaker " continues to play a role.
His interviews were not only seen by people in the tennis world, but also discussed by sports fans, entertainment fans, and even many people who don't usually watch tennis.
The effectiveness of cross-circle dissemination is vividly demonstrated in the data.
Cheng Che looked at the number and a smile curved his lips.
We're still short 80,000.
If they win the round of 16, they will receive even more media attention afterward.
At this rate, the mission should be almost complete once we defeat Tsitsipas.
He put down his phone and closed his eyes.
I mentally reviewed the video of Tsitsipas's match.
This Greece teenager has a strong serve and forehand, and he moves faster than Berrettini.
He won his match against Lu Yunxiao in straight sets, a clean and decisive victory.
But these weren't the things Cheng Che cared about.
He was concerned about something else.
Tsitsipas was also eighteen years old and was also called a "prodigy" by the media.
This time, he won, making it to the round of 16.
If they keep winning, they'll reach the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.
Champion.
He said those two words, and he has to do them!