Japanese tennis sensation Yoshihito Nishioka collapsed during his first-round match at the U.S. Open.

In the final set of the contest against Serbian Miomir Kecmanović, the 28-year-old fell to the ground on the court.

Medical personnel and trainers rushed to the aid of Nishioka and provided care.

Nishioka, the top-ranked Japanese player, was helped off the court using a wheelchair.

From the New York Post:

ADVERTISEMENT

Nishioka needed a wheelchair to get off Court 8 as Kecmanović advanced to the second round due to the retirement.

“Thank you very much for your support…,” Nishioka wrote in Japanese on X. “I was already feeling cramps around 3-3 in the 4th set, and my serve at 5-4 (there) was already cramping. In the final (game), my lower back was more convulsive than my legs, and I couldn’t stand up, and then my legs also convulsed. I was having repeated spasms in my shoulder blades, hips, flanks, and thighs.

“I started having trouble breathing, but with the help of the team, I was able to get into a wheelchair, and they carried me away despite my convulsions. The convulsions didn’t stop for about an hour, but they’ve subsided now. My body parts are hurting a lot, so I’m planning to skip doubles and go back to Japan.”

Per Fox News:

Nishioka entered the match as the No. 53 player in the world rankings. After dropping the first set to Kecmanović, Nishioka rallied in the second and third sets. Kecmanović bounced back in the fourth set to force a fifth set.

Nishioka expressed optimism about his prospects in the Davis Cup, an international team event.

“It’s a shame that it ended so badly and we looked like we could have won the match, but this American (hard-court) season we rose in the rankings and there were many moments that gave us confidence, so we will continue to do our best in the Asian season,” Nishioka wrote. “First of all, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the Davis Cup.”

WATCH:

 

Join The Conversation. Leave a Comment.