“I apologise to my fans” – Nishioka reflects on game penalty in Cincinnati

Yoshihito Nishioka didn’t have the best of days in Cincinnati.

Facing Hubert Hurkacz, the world No 7, in the second round, Nishioka played well for two sets before losing(3-6, 7-6 (4), 6-1. The match was marked by the Japanese’s self-destruction in the third set, who received a series of warnings that ultimately led to a penalty game.

The world No 52 was in control of the match, leading by a set and a break before seeing Hurkacz gradually come back into the contest. After being broken in the deciding set, the Japanese player went into a bizarre meltdown, sending several balls out of the stadium. As the rules require, he was first given a warning, then a penalty point and on his third offence, he was punished with a penalty game.

NISHIOKA REFLECTS ON HIS CINCINNATI BREAKDOWN

After the match, Nishioka reacted to his meltdown in an interview with Tennis.com.

“Until the middle of the second set, he seemed tired. He had back problems and he wasn’t playing his best tennis, and I felt it on the court. I really felt like I had a good chance of winning today,” Nishioka said.

“On the important points, he alternated between really good shots and a bit of luck. I had 19 break points and I converted barely 10% of them, which is unusual.

“Honestly, I was really unlucky today.”

I apologise to my fans

Yoshihito Nishioka after his loss to Hubert Hurkacz at the Masters 1000 Cincinnati

Afterwards, Nishioka further expanded on his loss of composure in the final set.

“I was already frustrated even before the tie-break in the second set,” he explained.

“In the third, when he broke me, I felt like everything was going in his favour and nothing was working on my side. I didn’t play that badly, but the match turned out for him. That’s when the frustration came out.

“I’ve had incredible support here and in the United States in general. I started this tournament with a good result because I beat Kecmanovic, who is a very good player. Against Hubi, I had played well in our first match, but in the last set, I slipped.

“I apologise to my fans. I played my best tennis until the end of the second set. I hope to have a little more luck during the US Open. I think my tennis is getting better every day.

“I have to take care of my body and prepare for the US Open. I feel like I can play better tennis there.”

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