Kei Nishikori Issues Apology Amid Cheating Allegations
I suppose I should walk you through this since you might have missed the headlines: Olympic medalist Kei Nishikori has publicly apologized after rumors surfaced that he cheated on his wife, volleyball pro Mai Yamaguchi. Last week, Japanese tabloid Shukan Bunshun published photos alleging Nishikori visited model Azuki Oguchi’s Tokyo apartment—a claim that set social media abuzz and forced the 35-year-old athlete to break his usual silence about his private life.
In a June 18 statement to Shukan Bunshun, Nishikori said, “I deeply apologize for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties.” He continued, “And for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behavior,” before expressing regret for hurting his wife and their two children. His words echo his desire “to fulfill my role as a responsible member of society” by dedicating himself solely to tennis and rebuilding trust with his family and supporters.
You’ll probably need a bit more context, so here it is: Nishikori and Yamaguchi tied the knot during the COVID-19 pandemic and finally celebrated with a ceremony in December 2022, as shared via Instagram with dreamy photos of the pair surrounded by friends and family. That celebration, two years after their legal marriage, underscored the privacy the couple has fiercely guarded throughout his 18-year pro career.
Of course, Nishikori’s personal upheaval comes on the heels of physical setbacks. The former world No. 4 withdrew from both the French Open and Wimbledon this year citing lower back pain, a storyline that’s muddied his season since he briefly celebrated a milestone in May. During the Mutua Madrid Open, he became the first Asian and eighth active player to reach 450 ATP Tour wins—yet weeks later, fans have been fixated on these off-court whispers instead.
Let’s not forget how statements to reputable outlets carry weight. The apology to Shukan Bunshun wasn’t an off-the-cuff tweet. It was a formal response to serious allegations. And while Nishikori “had no idea” about reaching 450 wins when he told ATP Tour in April, he presumably foresaw the fallout once the tabloids swooped in with that apartment scandal. Now he’s promising “everything possible to regain their trust,” which, if you ask me, sounds like damage control as much as it does genuine contrition.
Going forward, Nishikori insists his focus will be laser-sharp on upcoming tournaments and training. Whether fans will accept this explanation or continue scrutinizing every public appearance remains to be seen. Keep an eye on his performance at the next ATP event—and on any further public statements. Hopefully clearing that up wasn’t too confusing for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Shukan Bunshun, ATP Tour, Official Instagram Announcement
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
