HARIMOTO Tomokazu: No regrets if I can compete with my signature backhand
21 Jul 2020
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“My opponents had gradually become used to my fast-paced style of play and worked out tactics to defeat me, but I didn’t change, which resulted in frequent losses,” he reflected.
He was suddenly confronted with not being able to win, which pushed him to the verge of losing self-confidence in his own playing style.
“I need more than my backhand to win,” he realised.
He started working on his forehand to transform his playing style, to avoid becoming over dependent on his backhand.
“I tried to work on my lower body, increase training of my footwork and legs, and focus on maintaining a good form to reduce errors,” he remarked.
Harimoto, who is already a ‘practice addict’, trained even harder to strengthen his forehands. As a result, the speed and strength of his forehand shots, which had been somewhat weaker than his backhands, began to improve.
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“The year 2019 was tough for me because I couldn’t regain the momentum that I had enjoyed in 2018. I feel relieved to have been selected for the Olympic Games, because it has been my childhood dream,” Harimoto said, adding that his family also rejoiced and congratulated him.
When he thought about Tokyo 2020, he came up with a notion that had been at the back of his mind — to capitalise and fight with his signature backhand!
“Most of all, it was my backhand that carried me through to the Olympic Games. Whether I win or lose, I will have no regrets if I can fight with my backhand. I’d be satisfied if I could be on the offense by harnessing my fast backhand shots, like before,” he said.