Mark Draper: Taking Rinky Hijikata and Adam Walton to New Heights

The Sit-Down is on location in Brisbane, where producer Rhys de Deugd is joined by Australian coach Mark Draper at Pat Rafter Arena. The timing was perfect, given the two players Draper currently works with – Rinky Hijikata and Adam Walton – were both selected in the Australian Davis Cup team that defeated Poland. A Tennis Australia National Academy coach for 15 years, Draper loves being able to give back to players trying to get the best out of themselves, knowing from experience how difficult it is to make it at the highest level. His own playing career reached a high point in 1998, when he qualified for the Australian Open and Wimbledon and climbed to world No.152, around the same time younger brother Scott was enjoying some of his best results on the ATP Tour. Growing up in Brisbane, Draper’s development was shaped by Australian tennis legend Mal Anderson, whose influence also helped inform his approach to coaching. It’s a philosophy Draper describes as evolving into “talking a little less, listening more, and letting the player take control of their careers”.

0:00 - Davis Cup prep & coaching Rinky Hijikata and Adam Walton
1:24 - A typical day on the road as a touring coach
2:30 - Tennis roots — family, Mal Anderson & rivalry with brother Scott
5:10 - Playing career highlights — Wimbledon vs. Rusedski & the Borg/McEnroe dream
7:02 - Struggles of funding a pro career
9:28 - Influential coaches — Mal Anderson, his father & Michael Fox
11:38 - End of his playing career, a 30s comeback & the move into coaching
16:18 - 15 years at Tennis Australia & balancing Rinky and Adam
18:56 - Coaching men v women & working with Sam Stosur
21:58 - Coaching philosophy & opportunities in men's tennis
24:07 - How the tour has changed & tennis' biggest life lesson

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Welcome to the official Australian Open YouTube channel. The Australian Open 2027 main draw runs from 17-31 January in Melbourne. The tournament takes place for the 115th time and is the first Grand Slam of the year. Carlos Alcaraz is the men’s singles reigning champion and Elena Rybakina is the women’s singles reigning champion. The tournament takes place on 25 hard courts, including Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena. Look out for highlights, press conferences, memorable moments and much more!

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