On a hot streak, Austrian Jurij Rodionov sat down with Karl Corbett of Tennis Acumen in February, 2020. At the time, he was burning through opponents on the Challenger Tour, and had won 14 out of his last 15 matches.
Karl: As you travel. Jurij, what are your favorite places on the tour? Your favorite cities?
Jurij: I'm someone who likes to focus more on the tournament, rather than enjoy sightseeing. So. I would ask the question: “What courts are available?” or “What facilities can I take advantage of?” Even when I'm in Paris or New York or London, I'm not really someone who goes to see the Eiffel Tower or Big Ben or walk around Manhattan. I'm just focused on my tennis, and I like more to spend time on the courts.
Karl: That's very interesting.
Jurij: Generally speaking, the bigger the tournament, the more I look forward to playing it. There's more for the players: better food, better physical therapy, better changing rooms. So, the bigger the tournament is, the more I enjoy it.
Karl: You're very focused. You're very disciplined.
Jurij: Yeah, on a normal day I spend six to eight hours on a tennis court or doing fitness or stretching. So, there is not really a lot of time to do anything else.
Karl: What do you enjoy besides tennis, Jurij? Food, fashion, music?
Jurij: I am very focused on tennis, but I have a personal life, too, even if it doesn't seem like it. I like watching movies, listening to music. I also like to play games video games. Yeah, that's a big hobby. And I also like to spend time with friends. It’s always important to get out of my bubble sometimes.
Karl: Tell us a couple of movies that you like.
Jurij: I love the Lord of the Rings movies. I am a big Lord of the Rings fan. Definitely. You know, I am one of those fans that knows every quote and every single line.
Karl: Some of your favorite music, your favorite bands.
Jurij: I love Linkin Park and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I also like some German bands. Well, I'm someone who likes almost every style of music, except maybe hip hop. That's maybe not my style, but except for that, I'm up for everything.
Jurij Rodionov, talks about his 'breakthrough' tennis, here: (LINK)
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