Junior Sports Star Rinky Hijikata serving it up to the bigger boys

PINT-SIZED Rinky Hijikata has a habit of beating his bigger, much older opponents when he wields a tennis racquet.

rinky

PINT-SIZED Rinky Hijikata has a habit of beating his bigger, much older opponents when he wields a tennis racquet.

The 1.5m tall Epping 12-year-old was last month chosen in the The King's School prestigious first team. The other five members are aged between 15 and 18.

So far this year he has won the National Under-12 Singles title in Mildura and the Under-12 Bathurst Tennis Junior Open.

Rinky said his older opponents reacted exactly the same when he beat them.

"The older boys aren't very happy," he said with a grin.

"It's a lot of fun because there is no pressure on me as I'm not expected to beat someone twice my size."

Rinky remembered carrying a mini-tennis racquet before he could walk.

"I started playing when I was three or four," Rinky recalled.

He said he enjoyed plenty of support from his dad, Mac, who is a tennis coach, and mother, Junko.

Rinky said he was enthralled with all aspects of the game.

"I love tennis," Rinky said.

"You have the chance to meet new people from around the world," he said.

And he has high hopes for the future.

"I'd like to win Wimbledon one day," he said.

Rinky was last week selected to represent Australia at international tournaments in Europe in the under-12 and under-14 divisions.

He leaves for the nine-week tour in May, his mother, Junko, said.

JUNIOR SPORTS STAR

Nominations are now open for this year's Northern District Times' annual 2013 NewsLocal Junior Sports Star competition can be made at www.juniorsportsstar.com.au