Vittinghus and Gemke: Preparations and rituals before the big moments

Vittinghus and Gemke: Preparations and rituals before the big moments

By Søren Nielsen

Ever wondered how Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus and Rasmus Gemke prepare and which “rituals” they have before a match? Don’t worry, we have asked them both for you in this article, where you, among other things, can gain an insight in what Vittinghus did when he won the Australian Open in 2016 as well as what Rasmus Gemke’s favorite clothes are for match days.

Both Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus and Rasmus Gemke make sure to prepare thoroughly for every single match during a tournament. Like most top players, Vittinghus and Gemke study and observe their opponents before a match, to identify weaknesses or patterns that can be used to take advantage of the opposing players.

The day before a match as well as in the morning on match days, they usually examine video material with the national coach. At the World Championships in august, Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus had acquired extensive insights in Chou Tien Tien’s playstyle in the final moments of his matches.

- In the final moments of the second and third set, Chou Tien Tien often becomes aggressive. He tries to play closer to the

net and then he attacks from the backcourt. It was completely identical to what we saw on the video the day before, so I was not surprised at all, the explosive singles player explains.

Unfortunately, the thirty-three-year-old Dane lost after putting up a close fight.

Rasmus Gemke is used to examining videos before a match as well.

- We always watch videos with our head coach the day before a match. I typically watch them with Kenneth Jonassen. We talk about the small details and then on the matchday we readjust the most important things, says Ramus Gemke.

The twenty-two-year-old Dane Rasmus Gemke also has other routines. He always changes the grip of his racquet before a match. Furthermore, he prefers to wear his shirt and shorts in the same color.

On match days, he tries to relax as much as possible.

- On a match day I am often on Youtube trying to get my mind off the game for a couple of hours. Up until 45 minutes before my match I am calm, and I greet people I run into. But 45 minutes before a match and forward, I focus on myself and the game, tells Gemke.

Another important aspect for a professional athlete is hydration. Something that Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus is particularly aware of.

- It is a major focus for me to stay hydrated because I have struggled a lot with cramps. It is difficult for me to get enough

water because I sweat a lot during my matches. We have some salt tablets and some energy water I consume during the day. They provide me with the energy and electrolytes that I need, he explains.

Vittinghus does not have any specific rituals.

- Let us be honest. I haven’t won all my matches, so my rituals are clearly not working very well, he says.

However, the Dane can sometimes be slightly superstitious.

- If I play well at a tournament and I have found an excellent place to eat, then I sometimes eat at the same place continuously. I did it when I won the Australian Open in 2016. At that time, I would eat out every night at a small Asian restaurant near the hotel, says Vittinghus.

Hopefully, Vittinghus knows some nice restaurants in Odense. If you see Vittinghus at a restaurant in Odense after a won match, there is a decent chance that he will be returning soon.

However, in some ways Hans-Kristian Solberg Vittinghus is different compared to many of his colleagues. Many would believe he is missing out on something during his warm-up.

- I’m not listening to music when I do my warm-up. I have never done that. I prefer watching the other matches while I prepare for my own, says Vittinghus.

Despite the lack of music in his pre-match preparations it will be exciting to see if Vittinghus can find his rhythm on court at DANISA DENMARK OPEN 2019 presented by VICTOR.