Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, became a mother for the first time in July 2023. The tennis star welcomed her daughter with rapper Cordae, with whom she had been in a relationship since 2019. In January 2025, the couple publicly confirmed they had ended their romantic relationship while expressing their continued commitment to raising their daughter together.
Osaka, now 27, has been open about the challenges and joys of motherhood since giving birth. The former world number one has spoken candidly about how her experiences have shaped her perspective on life and tennis. Meanwhile, Cordae, a two-time Grammy-nominated artist from Maryland, has maintained a relatively lower public profile regarding their family life while remaining present for his daughter.
The couple’s journey from their initial meeting at a Los Angeles Clippers game through their breakup announcement has drawn significant public interest. Both Osaka and Cordae have emphasized their focus on creating a stable environment for their daughter despite the changes in their personal relationship.
Who Is the Father of Naomi Osaka’s Baby?
Cordae, whose full name is Cordae Amari Dunston, is the father of Naomi Osaka’s daughter. The Grammy-nominated rapper from Maryland began his relationship with Osaka in 2019. His musical career gained significant traction with the release of his debut album The Lost Boy in 2019, which earned him critical acclaim and Grammy nominations.
- Father identity confirmed: Cordae, a two-time Grammy-nominated rapper, is the biological father of Osaka’s daughter.
- Relationship duration: Osaka and Cordae dated for over five years before announcing their split in January 2025.
- Marriage status: The couple never married. Osaka has clarified that she and Cordae were not husband and wife.
- Public announcement: Osaka shared the news of their breakup on Instagram on January 6, 2025.
- Co-parenting commitment: Both parents have stated their intention to work together to raise their daughter.
- Daughter’s well-being prioritized: Osaka described their daughter as her “biggest blessing” in her public statement.
- No hostility: The breakup was described as amicable, with Osaka calling Cordae “a great person and an awesome dad.”
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Baby’s Father | Cordae (rapper) |
| Daughter’s Name | Shai |
| Birth Date | July 2023 |
| Split Announcement | January 6, 2025 |
| Current Parenting | Co-parenting arrangement |
| Marriage Status | Not married |
Did Naomi Osaka and Cordae Split?
On January 6, 2025, Naomi Osaka confirmed through an Instagram post that she and Cordae had ended their romantic relationship. The announcement marked the conclusion of a partnership that had spanned more than five years. Osaka’s statement emphasized the amicable nature of their decision, noting there was “no bad blood at all” between them.
Details of the Breakup Announcement
Osaka used her official Instagram account to share the news with her followers. Her post included a photograph and a message that addressed both her supporters and those curious about her personal life. The tennis champion described Cordae as “a great person and an awesome dad,” language that reflected the mutual respect underlying their separation.
The timing of the announcement came after weeks of speculation following reports of the couple being seen less frequently together at public events. Both Osaka and Cordae had maintained relatively private lives despite their individual public profiles, which contributed to the interest surrounding their relationship status.
Public and Private Response
Following the announcement, both parties have largely stayed out of the public eye regarding the details of their separation. Media outlets reported the news based on Osaka’s statement, with representatives for neither party providing additional commentary beyond what was already shared publicly.
In December 2023, Osaka told InStyle magazine that her co-parenting relationship with Cordae was already “solid.” This foundation appears to have informed their approach to handling the transition after the split.
What Is the Name of Naomi Osaka’s Baby and Key Details?
Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s daughter is named Shai, a name with significant personal meaning for the family. Osaka explained during interviews that the name means “God’s gift,” and she chose it specifically because she wanted her daughter to feel valued and loved from the very beginning.
Meaning Behind the Name
Osaka shared her reasoning for selecting the name Shai in interviews following the birth. According to her explanation, she wanted Shai to understand that she was welcomed into the world as a gift to both of her parents. This sentiment reflects Osaka’s openness about her emotional journey through pregnancy and early motherhood.
Pregnancy Journey
The couple announced in January 2023 that they were expecting their first child together. The pregnancy was not without challenges. During Osaka’s pregnancy, she experienced a pregnancy-related infection that caused difficulties. Despite this setback, both Osaka and Cordae remained committed to their growing family and continued to prepare for their daughter’s arrival.
Shai was born in July 2023. Osaka subsequently reduced her tournament schedule to focus on motherhood. Her return to professional tennis has been gradual, with the former world number one prioritizing her daughter’s care alongside her athletic career.
How Old Is Naomi Osaka and Her Baby’s Father?
Naomi Osaka was born on September 16, 1997, making her 27 years old as of 2024. She is a two-time Australian Open champion and two-time US Open champion, having established herself as one of the most prominent figures in professional tennis before taking time away from the sport following her pregnancy.
Cordae was born in 1998, placing him at approximately 26 to 27 years old during the period in question. The rapper, whose birth name is Cordae Amari Dunston, hails from Maryland and launched his music career with a series of well-received singles and mixtapes before releasing his debut studio album.
Osaka and Cordae are close in age, with Osaka being approximately one year older. Both were in their mid-twenties when they began their relationship in 2019 and were in their mid-twenties when their daughter was born in 2023.
Relationship Timeline
The relationship between Naomi Osaka and Cordae developed gradually from their first meeting in 2019 through their public acknowledgment as a couple and eventually to parenthood. The following key events outline their journey together.
- 2019: Osaka and Cordae met at a Los Angeles Clippers game at the Staples Centre. Cordae confirmed the relationship publicly in a July 2019 interview with HOT 97.
- 2020: Cordae was present at the US Open when Osaka won the championship. He celebrated the victory with her team, marking one of their first public appearances together at a major sporting event.
- 2021: Osaka’s Netflix docuseries premiered, featuring footage of her relationship with Cordae and giving viewers insight into their partnership.
- January 2023: The couple announced they were expecting their first child together.
- July 2023: Their daughter, Shai, was born.
- December 2023: Osaka mentioned in an InStyle interview that her co-parenting relationship with Cordae was working well.
- January 6, 2025: Osaka announced on Instagram that she and Cordae had ended their romantic relationship while emphasizing their continued commitment to co-parenting.
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear
Multiple sources have confirmed the core facts regarding Naomi Osaka’s relationship with Cordae and their daughter. However, certain details remain private or have not been verified through official channels.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Father: Cordae | Details of the split’s specific circumstances |
| Daughter: Shai, born July 2023 | Living arrangements for co-parenting |
| Split announced January 6, 2025 | Future plans regarding media appearances |
| Not married | Specific custody schedule |
| Co-parenting commitment stated | Plans for additional children |
| Amicable breakup, per Osaka’s statement | Whether remarriage is being considered by either party |
The Background of Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s Relationship
Naomi Osaka rose to international fame through her achievements in professional tennis, becoming the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam singles title when she claimed the 2018 US Open championship. Her background as the daughter of a Japanese mother and Haitian father has contributed to her unique position in global sports culture.
Cordae established his musical career through a series of releases that showcased his lyrical abilities and artistic vision. His debut album The Lost Boy received widespread critical praise and established him as a noteworthy voice in contemporary hip-hop. His Grammy nominations underscored his standing in the music industry.
Their meeting at a Los Angeles Clippers game in 2019 brought together two individuals from different professional spheres. Despite their contrasting careers, the couple appeared to share a genuine connection that sustained their relationship through the demands of their respective industries. Their ability to maintain a relatively private relationship despite their public profiles reflected their mutual interest in protecting their personal lives from excessive media scrutiny.
Public Statements and Official Sources
The most direct account of Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s relationship and subsequent split comes from Osaka’s own words. Her January 6, 2025 Instagram post served as the primary source for confirming their separation, providing followers with her perspective on the decision.
“There is no bad blood at all. He is a great person and an awesome dad.”
— Naomi Osaka, Instagram post, January 6, 2025
The statement also included Osaka’s acknowledgment that their daughter remained her “biggest blessing,” framing the transition within the context of their shared commitment to their child’s well-being. Cordae did not issue a separate public statement, though he did not contradict Osaka’s characterization of their relationship’s end.
“I wanted her to feel like she was a gift to me and her dad.”
— Naomi Osaka, on the name Shai
Summary
Cordae, the two-time Grammy-nominated rapper from Maryland, is the father of Naomi Osaka’s daughter, Shai, who was born in July 2023. The couple, who began dating in 2019, announced their separation in January 2025 while emphasizing their continued commitment to raising their daughter together through co-parenting. They were not married. Osaka has described the split as amicable, with no hostility between them. Their focus remains on providing a stable and loving environment for Shai as she grows. For more details on Osaka’s journey as a mother, see our coverage on Naomi Osaka Baby Shai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the father of Naomi Osaka’s baby?
The father of Naomi Osaka’s baby is Cordae, a two-time Grammy-nominated rapper from Maryland. His full name is Cordae Amari Dunston.
What is the name of Naomi Osaka’s daughter?
Naomi Osaka’s daughter is named Shai. According to Osaka, the name means “God’s gift” and was chosen because she wanted her daughter to feel valued and loved.
When was Shai born?
Shai was born in July 2023. Osaka announced in January 2023 that she was expecting her first child with Cordae.
Are Naomi Osaka and Cordae married?
No, Naomi Osaka and Cordae were never married. Multiple sources, including The Knot, confirm that Osaka is not married to Cordae.
When did Naomi Osaka and Cordae break up?
Naomi Osaka announced their breakup on Instagram on January 6, 2025. She stated there was “no bad blood at all” and that they would continue to co-parent their daughter together.
How long were Naomi Osaka and Cordae together?
Osaka and Cordae were together for over five years. They began dating in 2019 and announced their split in January 2025.
Will Naomi Osaka and Cordae co-parent?
Yes, both Osaka and Cordae have stated their commitment to co-parenting their daughter, Shai. Osaka previously mentioned in December 2023 that their co-parenting relationship was already solid.
What is Cordae’s profession?
Cordae is a two-time Grammy-nominated rapper known for songs including “Two Tens,” “Have Mercy,” and “Bad Idea.” His debut album, The Lost Boy, was released in 2019 and received critical acclaim.
Where did Naomi Osaka and Cordae meet?
Osaka and Cordae met in 2019 at a Los Angeles Clippers game at the Staples Centre. Cordae publicly confirmed their relationship in a July 2019 interview with HOT 97.
How old is Naomi Osaka?
Naomi Osaka was born on September 16, 1997, making her 27 years old as of 2024. Cordae was born in 1998.
