Japanese Tennis Star Kei Nishikori Breaks Silence on Cheating Allegations: ‘I Deeply Apologize’

Olympian Kei Nishikori has broken his silence after being accused of infidelity.

“I deeply apologize 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,” Nishikori, 35, said in a translated statement shared with Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun on Wednesday, June 18. “Additionally, I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt.”

The tennis star has been married to Mai Yamaguchi since 2020. The pair share two children.

Nishikori was recently spotted with a model in photos obtained by Shukan Bunshun, sparking cheating speculation.

“Moving forward, in order to fulfill my role as a responsible member of society, I will focus solely on tennis competitions and achieving results,” Nishikori added in his statement. “We will do everything possible to regain their trust.”

Nishikori, who has not further addressed the accusations, has often kept his personal life under wraps. He made a rare social media statement in December 2022, confirming that he and Yamaguchi tied the knot.

“Hello. I have something to announce to everyone. On December 24th, my wife Mai and I held our wedding ceremony and reception,” he wrote in Japanese via Instagram, sharing photos from the celebration. “We had been unable to hold the ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we had so many people celebrate with us, and both Mai and I were very touched by the celebration.”

He added, “This marks a new beginning for us. We will do our best to return to the world’s top stage.”

Nishikori has been professionally playing tennis since 2007 and is currently ranked No. 66 among his fellow pro athletes. He last competed in an early round of the French Open in May. He ultimately had to withdraw over lower back pain. Nishikori was scheduled to make his grand return to the court at Wimbledon in July before withdrawing earlier this week due to his injury.

He previously praised his fans’ support after competing at the Australian Open earlier this year.

“Oh, man, it was incredible,” he told sideline reporters in January after making the quarterfinals. “It was so much fun on the court, even though I was dead in the end. I think that all the support helps me to fight through today. Thank you. … [My body is] feeling so good.”

Nishikori hasn’t posted on social media since April when he reposted clips from his Madrid Open matchups.