“Model wife, affair, handwritten apology scandal” — Legendary tennis star’s tearful farewell moment: “I couldn’t even string words together…”

*This content was translated by AI.

The great career of the legend who rewrote the history of Asian men’s tennis, despite being tarnished by an affair scandal, could not erase even the moment of his farewell.

Japanese internet broadcasting outlet “Abema Times” reported on the 2nd that “the retirement match of Kei Nishikori, the legend who has rewritten the history of Japanese tennis, was filled with such a moving atmosphere that even the broadcast announcer could not keep up their words,” adding that “the embrace he shared with his family on the court and the tearful commentary from the caster who had covered his activities for many years moved countless fans to tears.”

Nishikori, who had announced his official retirement at the end of this season, concluded his final active match by losing 0-2 (4-6, 4-6) to American powerhouse Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the ATP Tour Kinoshita Group Japan Open held in Tokyo, Japan, on the 1st.

With this, Nishikori, who had emerged like a comet by winning his first ATP Tour title at the age of 18, left behind a golden legacy including the runner-up finish at the 2014 US Open, the highest ranking ever for an Asian male player (No. 4), 12 career tour titles, and a career match record of 452 wins and 233 losses, putting a complete period on his 20-year active career.

It is known that the court turned into a sea of tears immediately after the match ended. According to “Abema Times,” Nishikori waved to the packed audience, slowly walked around the court, and then embraced his mother, wife, and coaching staff who were waiting at the end line in turn.

In fact, Nishikori’s final steps were not smooth. His ranking had plummeted due to frequent injuries, and last June, a report by Japanese media “Shukan Bunshun” exposed that he had maintained an affair with a former model for two and a half years, shocking the nation. Amidst the personal life controversy that erupted while he was married to former model Miki Aiko since 2020 and had two children, he faced fierce public criticism and even had to issue a handwritten apology letter.

Even amidst numerous criticisms and controversies, it was impossible to belittle the historical achievements and dedication Nishikori had written by roaring on the world’s top stage from the barren land of Asian tennis. At the final moment, as the legend embraced his wife silently, stepping over past mistakes and leaving the court with his family, local fans bid farewell with passionate applause and tears, saying things like “You can’t help but cry at this scene.”

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*This content was translated by AI.