In our ‘Prepare with the Execs’ sequence, Rinky Hijikata particulars why working exhausting is a non-negotiable for him on the observe courtroom.
Australia, 26 July 2024 | Leigh Rogers
A tough work ethic has helped Rinky Hijikata attain unimaginable heights already in his profession.
The 23-year-old from Sydney has achieved career-high rankings of world No.70 in singles and world No.23 in doubles.
He’s a Grand Slam champion too, after memorably scooping the lads’s doubles title at Australian Open 2023 alongside compatriot Jason Kubler.
Hijikata shares a few of his most memorable observe experiences, in addition to beneficial recommendation, in our Prepare with the Execs sequence.
Do you’ve got a favorite time to observe?
Perhaps late morning, simply so I can sleep in just a little bit after which I’m accomplished pretty early within the day.
Do you’ve got a favorite a part of your sport to work on?
I really feel like for me, serving and returning are actually vital. So, a variety of the time, that’s my focus space.
Do you’ve got a least favorite a part of your sport to work on?
Actually, I discover doubles observe just a little bit boring typically. When I’ve to observe my doubles, it’s not essentially the most stimulating.
How do you prefer to construction your coaching periods?
I like competing, which I’d say most gamers would additionally say. That’s what drives us. I positively desire enjoying factors or finishing drills the place there’s some form of scoring.
Are you able to recall the primary time you had a chance to observe with knowledgeable participant?
I’m not too certain. I used to be a hitting companion on the Sydney Worldwide once I was like 14 or 15. I hit with a variety of the ladies and a few the fellows competing on the event, in order that was a reasonably cool expertise for me.
Do you any of these observe periods stand out as significantly memorable?
Hitting with Sam Stosur was fairly cool. She’d simply received the US Open and was one of many world’s high gamers on the time.
Have there been every other extra-special coaching periods throughout your profession?
I obtained to hit with Roger Federer on Rod Laver Enviornment once I was 17. That was fairly cool. I used to be fairly nervous for that one, he’s somebody who I’ve seemed as much as for a very long time.
Is there any gamers presently on tour you’d most prefer to observe with?
Rafael Nadal could be one. I obtained to play towards him, however I’d like to see the best way he goes about his observe and his depth that everybody talks about. I’ve warmed Novak Djokovic up for a match on the Aussie Open once I was a bit youthful, however I’d like to get out on the observe courtroom with him too.
Who from tennis historical past would you benefit from the probability to hit with?
I’d like to have successful with Federer once more, that was actually cool. He’s such a down-to-earth man. I’d additionally prefer to hit with Rocket (Rod Laver). That may be fairly particular to have successful with him. Lew Hoad is one other Aussie legend who was up there as the most effective gamers of his era, so that may even be fairly cool.
What recommendation would you share with aspiring gamers to maximise their coaching periods?
I assume it’s not an excessive amount of concerning the time you’re on courtroom, however extra ensuring that the time you do spend issues. All the time search for small enhancements, as you’ll be able to all the time get higher. Attempt to make it as pleasurable as attainable as nicely. If it’s recent, you’ll be motivated and locked into your session.
Lastly, should you had 5 minutes remaining in a coaching session and will do something you would like, what would you select?
Perhaps play a couple of factors I assume.
> READ MORE: From our “Prepare with the professionals” sequence
Discover your strategy to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on courtroom and have some enjoyable!
