U.S. Open Shocker: Nishioka Collapses in Health Scare, Retires Mid-Match

Japanese star Yoshihito Nishioka experienced a horrifying health scare during his first-round U.S. Open match on Monday, collapsing to the ground in extreme pain.

On a sweltering day in Queens, New York, the first-round U.S. Open match between Japanese star Yoshihito Nishioka and Serbian Miomir Kecmanović took an alarming turn when Nishioka suddenly collapsed near the baseline.

Visible pain contorted his face as he remained on the court for several minutes, eliciting gasps from the stunned crowd. Nishioka had been battling severe cramping throughout the match, with temperatures soaring into the mid-80s. A heat advisory remained in place for the area through Tuesday night.

U.S. Open Shocker: Nishioka Collapses in Health Scare, Retires Mid-Match

Medical personnel and trainers rushed to Nishioka's side, providing him with water and administering treatment. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old's condition worsened, requiring the assistance of a wheelchair to leave the court. Nishioka was forced to retire from the match, much to the disappointment of his fans.

In a cruel twist of fate, Nishioka's opponent Kecmanović advanced to the second round, where he will face Italian Lorenzo Musetti.

U.S. Open Shocker: Nishioka Collapses in Health Scare, Retires Mid-Match

Later, Nishioka confirmed that he had experienced severe cramping in the fourth set, leading to multiple spasms. "I was having repeated spasms in my shoulder blades, hips, flanks, and thighs," Nishioka wrote in a social media post.

The incident raised concerns about the physical demands of the sport and the impact of extreme heat on players. Nishioka praised the efforts of his team in helping him off the court. "With the help of the team, I was able to get into a wheelchair, and they carried me away despite my convulsions," he wrote.

U.S. Open Shocker: Nishioka Collapses in Health Scare, Retires Mid-Match

Despite the setback, Nishioka expressed optimism about his prospects in the Davis Cup, an international team event. "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," he wrote.

Nishioka's collapse served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the importance of player safety. As the U.S. Open reaches its crucial stages, all eyes will be on the players' health and well-being.

The incident also highlighted the need for effective heat management measures, as rising temperatures threaten to impact outdoor sporting events worldwide.