In fact, Fan Zhendong sometimes calls Malone Brother Long, but many people always call it by its first name. I feel that there is great competition between them and their relationship is not very good. In my opinion, no matter what you call them, they are harmless as long as you have respect in your heart. In fact, the two of them are really competitive. As an old player, Malone is still fighting on the battlefield and has been through many battles. Fan Zhendong is the representative of the new forces and a leading figure. It seems normal to me that they compete with each other. Without competition, there will be no progress. Without indomitable spirit, how can we improve our strength and win the title of champion?
Fan Zhendong actually has great respect for Malone. After all, Malone's strength is there. Although he has passed the golden age and his strength has declined, he is still the best compared with players of his age. People of ZhangJike's age can't compete for a long time. For example, Xu Xin may retire soon. Table tennis really doesn't have people of Malone's age to serve and play. Malone's love and persistent spirit for table tennis is really beyond the reach of ordinary players. During training, he often sparred with Fan Zhendong. It can be seen from this that he is also very optimistic about Fan Zhendong and is willing to help him grow. Fan Zhendong still respects the help of such a big brother. So I think their relationship is actually quite good.
Regarding Fan Zhendong's address to Malone, I think these are nothing. Who says calling Malone by his first name is not respect? A name is just a name. Respect is not superficial, but heartfelt. In my opinion, Malone still likes this little brother very much.
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