Tennis star Naomi Osaka has announced her breakup with longtime boyfriend, rapper Cordae, after nearly six years of dating. The 27-year-old athlete shared the news via her Instagram Story on Monday, January 6, revealing the end of their relationship while expressing gratitude for their time together.
“Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship,” Osaka wrote. “No bad blood at all—he’s a great person and an awesome dad. Honestly, I’m really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing, and I’ve grown a lot from our experiences together,” she added, signing off with a red heart emoji.
A Private Love Story
Osaka and Cordae, who first publicly confirmed their relationship in 2019, have largely kept their romance private, opting to focus on their personal growth and careers. In July 2023, the couple welcomed their daughter, Shai, a life event Osaka has often described as transformative.
Months before Shai’s birth, Osaka shared the news of her pregnancy on Instagram. “Can’t wait to get back on the court, but here’s a little life update for 2023,” she captioned the post, which included an ultrasound image. The announcement came after Osaka withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open, citing personal priorities.
At the time, Osaka expressed her excitement about becoming a mother while looking forward to returning to tennis in 2024. “These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to,” she wrote. “I realize that life is so short, and I don’t take any moments for granted. I can’t wait for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom.’”
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Life After the Split
Despite their breakup, both Osaka and Cordae remain committed to co-parenting their one-year-old daughter. While the details of their split remain private, Osaka’s message suggests mutual respect and a focus on their shared responsibility as parents.
The breakup announcement comes as Osaka has been competing in Auckland, New Zealand, for the 2025 ASB Classic. On Sunday, she shared a reflective Instagram post featuring scenic photos from her trip, coupled with a cryptic but optimistic note about the future.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that what’s meant for me is meant for me, and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what’s to come,” Osaka wrote. “Maybe there’s bigger and better things on my path, and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them. That being said, this is about to be a great year.”
Challenges on the Court
Osaka’s return to professional tennis has been a rollercoaster. After stepping away from the sport to focus on her mental health and pregnancy, she made her competitive comeback at the 2024 Australian Open but suffered a first-round defeat to France’s Caroline Garcia.
More recently, at the ASB Classic in Auckland, Osaka was forced to retire from the final due to an abdominal injury. The four-time Grand Slam champion won the first set 6-4 against Denmark’s Clara Tauson but took an immediate medical time-out, ultimately signaling the end of the match.
Fighting back tears, Osaka addressed the crowd in an on-court interview. “I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city. I had a lot of fun playing here, and I’m really sorry about how it ended.”
Looking Ahead
As Osaka navigates the next chapter of her life, both personally and professionally, she remains optimistic about what lies ahead. Her resilience and focus on growth—both on and off the court—continue to inspire fans around the world.
While her relationship with Cordae has ended, the pair’s mutual commitment to their daughter Shai signals a new kind of partnership, rooted in love and shared responsibility.
With the 2025 Australian Open just a week away, Osaka’s focus now shifts to recovery and preparation. Despite the challenges, her determination and reflective outlook suggest that her best moments, both in tennis and life, are still to come.
