Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori has publicly apologized after reports emerged that he cheated on his wife, Mai Yamaguchi, with 21-year-old model Azuki Oguchi.
Nishikori, 35, admitted to the “dishonest behavior” after Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun released photos showing him visiting Oguchi’s apartment. The affair allegedly began in 2022, the same year he held a second wedding ceremony with Yamaguchi free of Covid-19 restrictions.
In his apology, Nishikori said:
“I deeply apologise for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties… and I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt.”
He vowed to refocus solely on tennis and work to regain trust. The couple has two young children.
Reports claim Nishikori and Oguchi resumed their relationship last year, with the tennis star allegedly confessing to her that he “no longer loves his wife” but remains married for the sake of their family.
This scandal broke just days after Nishikori withdrew from Wimbledon 2025 due to injury. He hopes to return to competition ahead of the US Open, where he famously reached the final in 2014.