Some tennis players have unusual routines during matches, but Japan’s Rika Fujiwara has taken it to a new level.
Facing Great Britain’s Laura Robson in the second round of an ITF event in Kurume earlier this week, the 35-year-old decided to do press-ups throughout the match. It was strange enough that Fujiwara decided to do this unusual tactic after games, but she also did them between points!
#ITF 60K Kurume turnuvasında Laura Robson ile karşılaşan Rika #Fujiwara puan aralarında şınav çekiyor pic.twitter.com/7XlgU1t46b
— TenisNot (@TenisNot) 19 May 2017
The display was one that impressed Robson. Australian Open semi finalist Coco Vandeweghe was one of many Twitter users that shared the video. Responding to her Tweet, Robson admitted that she was taken back by Fujiwara’s actions.
@CoCoVandey Honestly she did more push-ups in the second set than I’ve done in the last year.
— Laura Robson (@laurarobson5) 18 May 2017
Unfortunately the impressive display of stamina failed to help Fujiwara in the match as she crashed out 6-1, 6-3. Maybe she got too carried away with the press-ups?
Regardless of the questionable antics, Fujiwara has extensive experience in the sport. Reaching a ranking high of 84th in 2005, she has played in five grand slam main draws (failing to win a match). She has also reached six WTA finals, winning the 2012 Danish Open with Kimiko Date Krumm. Fujiwara has been ranked as high as 13th in the world in doubles.
