Yoshihito Nishioka on ballsmashing

Yoshihito Nishioka experienced a meltdown during his second-round match against Hubert Hurkacz at the Cincinnati Open on August 15, 2024. After initially leading, Nishioka's frustrations grew when he lost the second set in a tiebreak, leading him to hit balls into the crowd, resulting in multiple penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct, including a rare game penalty. Commentators noted his emotional outburst, with one remarking on his apparent 'self-destruction'. Ultimately, Hurkacz won the match decisively with a final score of 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1. Following the match, Nishioka apologized for his behavior and expressed hope for better results at the upcoming US Open, acknowledging the support he received from fans. He reflected on his performance, stating he needed to focus on maintaining his composure in future matches.