Naomi Osaka has taken to Instagram to confirm her relationship with rapper Cordae, the father of her daughter Shai, has ended. The four-time Grand Slam champion first got together with Cordae in 2019, and they welcomed their daughter in July 2023. Yet, just days before the first major tournament of 2025, the 27-year-old announced that she is no longer with Cordae, insisting their parting had been amicable.
Osaka confirms split from Cordae
The 27-year-old tennis star shared the news in an emotional statement on her Instagram story.
“Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship.“ She added, “No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad. Honestly, really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together.“ The heartfelt message was concluded with a red heart emoji, symbolizing respect and gratitude for their shared journey.
Dating a professional tennis player often means navigating a long-distance relationship, and Osaka’s return to the WTA Tour in 2024 presented its challenges. Balancing her career with motherhood and a high-profile relationship became increasingly demanding. Despite these difficulties, the four-time Grand Slam champion has expressed her determination to continue thriving in her sport while serving as an inspiration for mothers worldwide.
The couple, known for maintaining a relatively private relationship, made their first public appearance together at a Los Angeles Clippers game in 2019. However, rumors of their breakup began to surface in late 2023 after Osaka removed photos of Cordae from her social media accounts. While Cordae has not publicly commented on the split, Osaka’s message clarified their current status.
Osaka’s tennis career has shown promising signs of resurgence in recent months. She reached the final of the WTA Auckland Open but was forced to withdraw due to an abdominal injury. Despite the setback, she has been making steady progress since her return to the tour after missing the 2023 season on maternity leave. Her remarkable upset over world No. 10 Jelena Ostapenko in the opening round of the US Open was a highlight of her comeback.
Currently ranked No. 50 globally, Osaka is focused on recovery and preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. Her dedication to balancing motherhood and professional tennis continues to be a testament to her resilience and commitment to the sport.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton – USA TODAY Sports
