When a player receives a lob shot in a favorable position, their mind is filled with happy thoughts as they will be able to hit a smash shot, which evolves into a winner most of the time. Sometimes, they cannot celebrate victory as the smash finds its way to their opponent and hits them. These shots end up becoming controversial as sportsmanship debate comes into the fray. Recently, Alycia Parks hit a smash shot at full force, which found an unfortunate landing place. 

There are many instances in tennis where smash shots hit the opposing player. The reaction of the player depends on their personalities. Many are angered, while some forgive their opponents. But it always makes for a spectacle.

Alycia Parks smashes the ball into the opponent

In the ongoing Korea Open, Alycia Parks partnered with Sofia Kenin for the doubles stint. The two played against the Thai pair Peangtarn “Earth” Plipuech and Luksika “Luk” Kumkhum. Kenin served in the eleventh game of the second when the score was tied 5-5. Her opponent returned with great panache, and the point continued for 13 rallies.

Kenin returned a shot farther away from her opponent on the baseline, who picked it up with some difficulty. The return was not strong and set up a smash perfectly for Parks. The 22-year-old American player took the chance and hit the shot with full force. Unfortunately, the direction of the shot was right at Kumkhum, who was near the net. 

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While she had turned around, the ball hit her on the back at top speed directly. She sat down after being struck by the ball, and her teammate and the chair umpire rushed to check on her. A video of the interaction was shared by a user on Twitter (now X) with the caption, “Alycia Parks hit a smash directly into her opponent 😭😭😭“.

She eventually got back to her feet, and the match continued. Kumkhum and Plipuech took their revenge as they won the match, ousting Kenin and Parks. While not common, we do see smash shots landing on players.

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Instances of smash shots whacking players

There have been a few moments when smash shots have found their way to the players. Novak Djokovic was hit by Cameron Norrie during their Italian Open bout. Iga Swiatek was hit on the body by Aryna Sabalenka during their Stuttgart Open clash. Two instances from this year that are still watched by fans over and over. 

A smashing shot hitting a body also becomes a contested discussion as fans argue the players have a lot of areas where they can hit the ball. However, no one has arrived at a conclusion yet. What are your thoughts on the matter?

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