Tennis Star Kei Nishikori Addresses Allegations He Cheated on His Wife
Kei Nishikori is taking accountability.
One week after he was allegedly spotted visiting model Azuki Oguchi at her apartment in Japan, the Olympic bronze medalist addressed online speculation that he was cheating on his wife Mei Yamaguchi.
“I deeply apologize for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties,” Nishikori—who shares two kids with his wife of five years—said in a June 18 statement to Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun. “And for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behavior.”
He added, “I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt.”
In addition to his apology, the 35-year-old went on to emphasize his commitment to becoming a better man and athlete moving forward.
"In order to fulfill my role as a responsible member of society, I will focus solely on tennis competitions and achieving results,” he continued. “We will do everything possible to regain their trust."
While Nishikori often opts to keep his personal life out of the public eye, he did happily share that he and Mei got to celebrate their nuptials with a ceremony in December 2022, two years after they officially tied the knot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have something to announce to everyone,” Nishikori wrote on Instagram alongside a dreamy photo from his and the volleyball player’s celebrations at the time. “On December 24th, my wife Mai and I held our wedding ceremony and reception.”
“We had been unable to hold the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we had so many people celebrate with us,” he continued. “Both Mai and I were very touched by the celebration.”
Now, Nishikori’s apology comes less than a week after the tennis player withdrew from Wimbledon as well as the French Open due to lower backpain—despite being ranked No. 66 among his fellow pro athletes.
And while competing at the Mutua Madrid Open earlier this year, Nishikori celebrated becoming the first Asian player, as well as the eighth active player, to earn 450 career tour-level wins, per ATP Tour, after outlasting Aleksandar Vukic.
“I had no idea,” he told the outlet in April. “I just try to play one match at a time. It’s a lot, yes. I have played for 18 years now, hopefully I can reach 500 [wins].”
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