In our ‘Prepare with the Professionals’ collection, Rinky Hijikata particulars why working laborious is a non-negotiable for him on the follow courtroom.
Australia, 26 July 2024 | Leigh Rogers
A tough work ethic has helped Rinky Hijikata attain unbelievable 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 boys’s doubles title at Australian Open 2023 alongside compatriot Jason Kubler.
Hijikata shares a few of his most memorable follow experiences, in addition to precious recommendation, in our Prepare with the Professionals collection.
Do you’ve a favorite time to follow?
Possibly late morning, simply so I can sleep in a little bit bit after which I’m performed pretty early within the day.
Do you’ve a favorite a part of your recreation to work on?
I really feel like for me, serving and returning are actually necessary. So, quite a lot of the time, that’s my focus space.
Do you’ve a least favorite a part of your recreation to work on?
Actually, I discover doubles follow a little bit bit boring typically. When I’ve to follow my doubles, it’s not essentially the most stimulating.
How do you prefer to construction your coaching classes?
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 may be some kind of scoring.
Are you able to recall the primary time you had a chance to follow with an expert participant?
I’m not too certain. I used to be a hitting associate on the Sydney Worldwide after I was like 14 or 15. I hit with quite a lot 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 follow classes stand out as notably 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 classes throughout your profession?
I received to hit with Roger Federer on Rod Laver Area after 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 follow with?
Rafael Nadal could be one. I received to play in opposition to him, however I’d like to see the best way he goes about his follow and his depth that everybody talks about. I’ve warmed Novak Djokovic up for a match on the Aussie Open after I was a bit youthful, however I’d like to get out on the follow courtroom with him too.
Who from tennis historical past would you benefit from the likelihood to hit with?
I’d like to have a success 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 might be fairly particular to have a success with him. Lew Hoad is one other Aussie legend who was up there as top-of-the-line gamers of his era, so that may even be fairly cool.
What recommendation would you share with aspiring gamers to maximise their coaching classes?
I assume it’s not an excessive amount of in regards to the time you’re on courtroom, however extra ensuring that the time you do spend issues. At all times search for small enhancements, as you’ll be able to all the time get higher. Attempt to make it as fulfilling as doable as properly. If it’s contemporary, you’ll be motivated and locked into your session.
Lastly, for those who had 5 minutes remaining in a coaching session and will do something you would like, what would you select?
Possibly play a number of factors I assume.
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