Tennis Acumen at the Columbus Fall Challenger 2022. And we are here with Rinky Hijikata, from Australia.
(photo credit: Karl Corbett)
Tennis Acumen: Let's talk about injuries. I'm starting to sort this out. The way I understand it, everybody on the tour every day is hurting.
Rinky Hijikata: Yeah, I think so. I mean, when you're playing 25, 30 weeks a year, it’s tough for you to feel 100% all the time. Most players are carrying some sort of niggles in their body and it's about maintaining good enough health to compete at an elevated level and trying to manage your body as well as you can. .
Tennis Acumen: And part of that management is figuring out where you crossed the line between playing when you're hurting and playing when you're hurt.
Rinky Hijikata: Yes, it's sometimes a difficult one. Sometimes you can play with a little bit of pain, but it won't necessarily get any worse and it's manageable. And sometimes it might be something small, but if you keep playing, then it could potentially get a lot worse and keep you out for a lot longer. So, I think it's trying to find the balance between pushing through something that you can push through and other times just knowing when to stop and have a bit of time off, that's the difference. Every player goes through that decision-making process every day.
Tennis Acumen: That's pretty well said. Rinky, it's been a pleasure. Thank you.
Rinky Hijikata: Thanks a lot.
Tennis Acumen: All right. Love it, man.
(This exclusive interview generated seven ‘quick read’ excerpts, which all appear at tennisacumen.com )
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