## Kei Nishikori Breaks Silence Following Affair Scandal
Former tennis world number four, Kei Nishikori, has issued a public apology after allegations emerged regarding his extramarital affair with a model, thrusting his private life into the media spotlight just days after his withdrawal from this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
The 35-year-old, well-regarded for his achievements on the international tennis circuit, was recently photographed leaving the apartment of Azuki Oguchi, a model reportedly involved with Nishikori in a relationship spanning several years. The story surfaced in Japanese media, which have indicated that the connection between Nishikori and Oguchi dates as far back as 2022 and may have resumed intermittently following reported tensions with Oguchi’s former partner.
Nishikori, who married Mai Yamaguchi in 2020 after a five-year courtship, shares two children with his wife—a family unit now drawn into centre stage amid the controversy. The couple’s children are aged just four and one, adding a personal dimension to the unfolding narrative. Shortly after withdrawing from Wimbledon due to ongoing fitness issues, Nishikori released a statement directly addressing the reports and the impact of his actions.
In the statement, Nishikori said: “I sincerely apologise for the discomfort and hurt my behaviour has caused to everyone who supports me. This includes tennis fans, professional associations, sponsors, and all those connected to my career, as well as—most importantly—my family. My wife and children have endured pain because of my mistakes, and I deeply regret my actions.”
According to reports from Japanese publication Shukan Bunshun, the dalliance began in 2022, with a brief pause following reported difficulties before resuming the next year. Nishikori chose not to address the specifics of these claims directly but instead focused on accountability and steps towards reconciliation, expressing a desire to rebuild trust within his family.
Amidst a period of particularly intense scrutiny, Nishikori has endeavoured to highlight his commitment to his sport and to his personal rehabilitation. “Looking ahead,” he remarked, “my focus will be solely on tennis and my performances. It is my responsibility to work towards earning back the trust of those closest to me, and I am determined to do all I can in that respect.”
Nishikori’s career, marked by resilience and accomplishment, includes reaching world No. 4 in 2015 and a memorable run to the US Open final in 2014. He also boasts quarter-final showings at both the Australian and French Opens that same year and twice reached the last eight at Wimbledon, in 2018 and 2019. His bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics remains a notable highlight, affirming his role as one of Japan’s most successful tennis exports.
However, recurrent injuries have posed significant challenges for Nishikori since 2021, prompting a slip in the rankings and repeated absences from major tournaments. Notably, he withdrew from both the French Open and this year’s Wimbledon, his recovery still uncertain. In a previous interview, Nishikori described his ongoing struggle with injuries: “It’s important to stay positive and patient—my body’s not the strongest, so I have to take great care. I just enjoy playing now, doing my best to climb back up.”
The absence of Nishikori from Wimbledon will leave some fans disappointed, as the tournament prepares to welcome top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Barbora Krejcikova for their respective title defences. Despite the off-court drama, the event will press on without one of its most recognisable former contenders. For Nishikori, the coming months may prove crucial, both in terms of personal redemption and professional resurgence.
As the season moves forward, all eyes will be on Nishikori to see whether he can overcome these significant personal and sporting challenges, and what legacy he ultimately leaves on and off the court.