Naomi Osaka’s Journey From Love to Single Motherhood

Naomi Osaka is currently single. Nevertheless, the four-time Grand Slam champion carries a rich personal story off the court. Her most significant relationship was a six-year romance with rapper Cordae. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Shai in 2023. By January 2025, however, Osaka confirmed the two had parted ways. She was warm about the split, making clear there was no animosity and describing Cordae as a great person and a devoted father. She also expressed gratitude for the relationship, crediting it with helping her grow personally. Today, Osaka is competing at the 2026 French Open, continuing her return to the sport after roughly 15 months away following her daughter’s birth.

How the relationship began

Cordae and Osaka’s relationship started quietly. Their first public appearance together came at an LA Clippers game in 2019. Even so, they managed to keep things private for close to a year before their romance became widely known. Over the following years, they were photographed together at red carpet events and major occasions. Cordae was notably present at the 2020 US Open, where Osaka won the title. He was spotted celebrating enthusiastically in the stands as she claimed victory.

Six years in the spotlight

Throughout their relationship, Osaka occasionally gave fans a glimpse into their connection through social media. She wrote warmly about Cordae on his birthday and shared posts reflecting genuine affection. Those posts have since been removed from her Instagram page. Today, her social media presence focuses primarily on fashion and tennis. Cordae maintains a similarly quiet presence online.

For his part, Cordae has spoken openly about the early days of meeting Osaka. He admitted that he did not know who she was when they first met, as the only women’s tennis player he was familiar with at the time was Serena Williams.

Motherhood as her greatest blessing

Osaka has spoken openly about the profound impact motherhood has had on her life. She has described her daughter as her biggest blessing and approached parenting with intention and humility. She acknowledged that she had never been a mother before and was taking the experience one day at a time. Her primary goal, she has said, is to become the best version of herself so that her daughter will be proud of her.

That commitment to both her child and her career has defined her recent years. After stepping away from tennis to welcome Shai, Osaka returned to the professional circuit and has steadily rebuilt her presence at the highest level of the sport. Her appearance at the 2026 French Open continues that comeback.

Source: Men’s Journal / Yahoo Entertainment