'I deeply regret': Kei Nishikori issues public apology after cheating scandal

Kei Nishikori has issued an apology after being caught cheating on his wife. The 35-year-old was pictured leaving the apartment of the 21-year-old model, Azuki Oguchi, in Japan. Nishikori married his current wife, Mai Yamaguchi, in 2020, five years after their relationship began.

Nishikori was quoted in a report by Shukan Bunshun where he apologised to his wife and his fans for having an affair with the Japanese model. He stated that he will now focus on putting in efforts to regain the trust of his fans and loved ones.

“I deeply apologise for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties, and for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behavior,” said Nishikori. “Additionally, I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt. Moving forward, in order to fulfill my role as a responsible member of society, I will focus solely on tennis competitions and achieving results. We will do everything possible to regain their trust.”

Nishikori, who recently withdrew from Wimbledon 2025, is one of the most successful Asian tennis players on the tour. He recently clinched his 450th win on clay while playing in the Madrid Open, where he defeated Aleksandar Vukic with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Earlier in the year, Nishikori cemented a spot in the final of the Hong Kong Open, where he lost to Alexandre Muller with a score of 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. Nishikori became a sensation in 2014 when he secured a spot in the final of the US Open after beating Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in the semifinals with a score of 6-4, 1-6, 7-6, 6-3. However, he came second-best in the final against Croatia’s Marin Cilic, who emerged victorious in straight sets, with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Other than that, Nishikori also played in the semifinal of the US Open on two occasions, in 2016 and 2018, where he lost to Stan Wawrinka and Djokovic.