Tennis Acumen at the Columbus, Ohio Fall Challenger 2022. And we are here with Rinky Hijikata, from Australia.
(photo credit: Karl Corbett)
Tennis Acumen: How did you get started in tennis? What was it like growing up?
Rinky Hijikata: My dad's a tennis coach. I grew up in Sydney, Australia. My older brother and sister used to play a little bit. I used to just go down the courts with them and pick up balls for them and started hitting a little bit. And I really loved to play because I was pretty active as a kid. So, I tried to do everything that I could. I would play any sport. And yes, tennis happened to be the one for me. .
Tennis Acumen: Excellent. And did anyone tell you how hard it was going to be for? .
Rinky Hijikata: Not right away. When you pick up a racket, when you're five, six years old, then you're just playing for the fun of it. You know, your career was never really in mind. So, I was just trying to have fun. And then maybe a bit later on, people were telling me, it's not going to be easy, but it's something that I really wanted to do. And I'm happy that I'm out here playing. .
Tennis Acumen: Are there any other sports that you played growing up? .
Rinky Hijikata: Well, I did whatever I could. I played rugby, surfing, lifesaving at the beach, whatever I could do. I just loved being active and getting out there and playing sport.
Tennis Acumen: Your parents wanted to get you out of the house because you were bouncing off the walls. .
Rinky Hijikata: Yes, the longer I was out of the house, the better.
(This exclusive interview has generated seven ‘quick read’ excerpts, to be posted at tennisacumen.com over time.)
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