Former world number one Naomi Osaka revealed the end of her relationship with American rapper Cordae through a heartfelt social media announcement Monday, just ahead of her highly anticipated return to the Australian Open. The Japanese tennis star emphasized the amicable nature of their separation while celebrating their shared journey as parents to their daughter, Shai.
Osaka’s Instagram message struck a notably positive tone about the conclusion of their nearly five-year relationship, which began in 2019. No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad,” wrote the four-time Grand Slam champion, expressing gratitude for their time together and particularly highlighting their greatest shared achievement – their daughter.
The timing of this personal announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Osaka’s professional career. The tennis star recently made a promising return to competitive play at the Auckland Classic, reaching her first WTA final since 2022. However, her comeback momentum faced a setback when an abdominal injury forced her to withdraw after winning the opening set 6-4, raising questions about her readiness for the upcoming Australian Open.
This relationship milestone marked an important chapter in both celebrities’ lives. Throughout their time together, Cordae, known for his thoughtful lyricism and Grammy nominations, was frequently seen supporting Osaka at major tournaments. Their relationship garnered significant public attention, with the couple making memorable appearances at high-profile events, including the 2021 Met Gala, where they exemplified power couple status on the red carpet.
The evolution of their relationship paralleled Osaka’s journey through some of the most significant moments in her career and personal life. During their time together, Osaka continued to establish herself as not just a tennis champion but also a prominent voice for mental health awareness in sports. She took brave stands on social justice issues and made history as one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.
Their relationship also coincided with Osaka’s temporary step back from tennis, during which she prioritized her mental health and eventually embraced motherhood. The birth of their daughter Shai represented a new chapter for both parents, with Osaka consistently praising Cordae’s dedication to fatherhood in various public statements.
In her announcement, Osaka’s emphasis on personal growth and gratitude reflects the maturity with which both parties are approaching their separation. 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,” she shared, concluding her message with a heart emoji that reinforced the amicable nature of their split.
The timing of this personal development adds another layer of complexity to Osaka’s competitive comeback. The Australian Open holds special significance in her career as the site of two of her four Grand Slam victories. Her return to Melbourne Park will now carry additional emotional weight as she navigates this personal transition while pursuing her professional aspirations.
Osaka’s recent performance in Auckland, despite ending in withdrawal, showed promising signs of her returning to the form that previously made her one of tennis’s most formidable players. Her ability to reach the final demonstrated that her competitive edge remains sharp, even after an extended break from the sport for maternity leave.
As she prepares for the Australian Open, Osaka faces the challenge of balancing her roles as a professional athlete, public figure, and mother, now doing so as a single parent. Her openness about this personal transition aligns with her previous advocacy for transparency regarding athletes’ mental and emotional well-being.
The tennis community and fans worldwide continue to support Osaka’s return to the sport, with this personal announcement adding another dimension to her comeback story. As she heads into the first Grand Slam of 2025, her focus remains on competitive excellence while embracing her journey of personal growth and motherhood.
