In our ‘Prepare with the Professionals’ sequence, Rinky Hijikata particulars why working laborious is a non-negotiable for him on the observe court docket.
Australia, 26 July 2024 | Leigh RogersPrepare with the Professionals sequence.
Do you may have a favorite time to observe?
Perhaps late morning, simply so I can sleep in a bit of bit after which I’m finished pretty early within the day.
Do you may have 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 may have a least favorite a part of your recreation to work on?
Actually, I discover doubles observe a bit of bit boring typically. When I’ve to observe my doubles, it’s not essentially the most stimulating.
How do you wish to construction your coaching classes?
I like competing, which I’d say most gamers would additionally say. That’s what drives us. I positively choose enjoying factors or finishing drills the place there’s some type of scoring.
Are you able to recall the primary time you had a possibility to observe with an expert participant?
I’m not too positive. I used to be a hitting accomplice on the Sydney Worldwide once I was like 14 or 15. I hit with quite a lot of the women and a few the blokes competing on the match, in order that was a fairly cool expertise for me.
Do you any of these observe classes stand out as notably memorable?
Hitting with Sam Stosur was fairly cool. She’d simply gained the US Open and was one of many world’s high gamers on the time.
Have there been some other extra-special coaching classes throughout your profession?
I bought to hit with Roger Federer on Rod Laver Area once I was 17. That was fairly cool. I used to be fairly nervous for that one, he’s somebody who I’ve appeared as much as for a very long time.
Is there any gamers at the moment on tour you’d most wish to observe with?
Rafael Nadal can be one. I bought 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 court docket 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 wish to hit with Rocket (Rod Laver). That will 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 will 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 concerning the time you’re on court docket, however extra ensuring that the time you do spend issues. At all times search for small enhancements, as you possibly can all the time get higher. Attempt to make it as pleasant as potential as properly. If it’s recent, you’ll be motivated and locked into your session.
Lastly, if you happen to had 5 minutes remaining in a coaching session and will do something you want, what would you select?
Perhaps play a couple of factors I assume.
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