Ryohito Nishioka reveals racial discrimination experience in Rome, supporting Mensic to stand up and fight back against the audience s insults

Japanese tennis player Yoshihito Nishioka recently spoke on social media, revealing that he had also encountered racial discrimination during the Rome Open, and supported the brave fight back by Czech star Jakub Mensik after being insulted by the audience during the game. Cause of the incident: Mensic was abused during the game

In the Rome Masters Menselle Top 16, the 19-year-old Mensic lost after three sets with Hulkac (7-6, 4-6, 7-6). During the game, some spectators continued to make insulting remarks at him and even interfered with his serve. Mensick stopped midway to confront the audience and responded to the taunts with a "flying kiss" after the game, which sparked heated discussion.

A netizen uploaded a related video on social media, with the caption:

"In today's match between Mensic and Marrochamp, you must have noticed those rude audiences. They insulted Mensic throughout the game, and Mensic even stopped to question them, and finally ended everything with a victory and a blowing kiss."

Ryohito Nishioka: I was also scolded in Rome

This video resonated with Nishioka. He wrote in a repost:

"I have seen similar situations in Rome. A few years ago, when I was playing Sonego, an Italian audience shouted 'Let's go Sushi'; this year, someone shouted 'Come on China' to me, and it was shouted between rounds. Although a few people do this, it has happened many times in Rome."

Nishioka's move attracted a lot of support from fans and media attention. People praised him for his courage to reveal long-ignored racial discrimination.

The long-term ill of Italian sports and racism

Racial discrimination in Italian sports events has long been no longer news - especially in football, where many black players have been subjected to racial abuse and monkey screams over the years. But tennis, as a more "gentleman" sport, has always been considered purer, so the encounter between Nishioka and Monsic is particularly alarming.

Response and Calls

ATP has not issued a formal statement on this incident. But fans and players are calling on event organizers - including the Italian Netcom Association and ATP/WTA - to strengthen on-site management and zero tolerance for malicious spectators.

Nikao's remarks are not only to speak out for himself, but also to strive for a more fair and respectful playing field environment for all minority players.