Australian favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis shares an perception into his apply routines in our “Practice with the Execs” sequence.
Melbourne, Australia, 24 Might 2024 | Leigh RogersPractice with the Execs sequence.
Do you’ve a favorite time of the day to apply?
It varies. I form of attempt to practice across the time I feel I’m going to play. However I’d say in all probability round 11am is right. It means the session shouldn’t be too early and received’t end too late. I prefer to get my apply executed with, notably if it’s an extended session, so I don’t really feel like I’m on the courts for ages.
Do you’ve a favorite a part of your sport to work on?
My favorite shot is my forehand, so I like hitting these. I additionally take pleasure in engaged on some inventive stuff, which is one thing I want to include into my sport somewhat bit extra.
Do you’ve a least favorite a part of your sport to work on?
Operating. Loads of motion and side-to-side that’s fairly boring. I don’t actually like doing a lot volley stuff both.
How do you prefer to construction your coaching periods?
It varies on whether or not I’m making ready for matches or doing preseason. I get most excited by level play and aggressive stuff, which I feel brings out the very best in me.
Are you able to recall the primary alternative you needed to apply with knowledgeable participant?
I can’t actually keep in mind, however it might need been after I was 14 or 15 and an orange boy on the Davis Cup. It was a tie in Brisbane and Australia performed Korea. That was cool to apply with the Australian staff and consistently hit with the older guys.
Do any specific coaching periods stand out as probably the most memorable?
I’ve had a number of with Roger Federer in Dubai, that was fairly cool after I received requested. Once I was with Babolat, they organised a apply session with Rafael Nadal on the French Open after I was 16 and simply up-and-coming. That was fairly intense.
How have been your nerves earlier than your first hit with Rafa?
I used to be somewhat bit nervous, however I used to be extra excited as I hadn’t performed in six months. I used to be coming off a stress fracture in my again, so I used to be most nervous about how my again was going to carry up greater than something.
Is there anybody on tour you’d love the chance to apply with?
Not likely to be sincere. I haven’t practised with Carlos Alcaraz, however I’ve performed him.
Is there anybody from tennis historical past you’d love the prospect to hit with?
I liked watching Andre Agassi, I simply thought he was a freak with the way in which he hits it. So, I’d take pleasure in hitting with him.
What recommendation would you share with an aspiring participant to maximise their apply periods?
Be sure to keep engaged and hold having fun with it. It’s higher off doing a shorter apply that’s intense, moderately than simply staying on the court docket for the sake of it and not likely engaged on something.
Lastly, in the event you had 5 minutes remaining in a coaching session and will do something you would like, what would you select?
I’d take a water break (laughs).
> READ MORE: From our “Practice with the professionals” sequence
Discover your solution to play: Go to play.tennis.com.au to get out on court docket and have some enjoyable!
