Naomi Osaka’s Daughter Shai: 5 New Revelations About Motherhood, Her Ex-Partner Cordae, And The 2025 Comeback

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The life of a world-class athlete is often one of intense focus and rigorous routine, but for tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, the last two years have been defined by a profound, life-changing shift: motherhood. The four-time Grand Slam champion welcomed her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, an event that she has described as a "love letter for moms" and the catalyst for her remarkable return to the WTA Tour. As of late December 2025, Osaka is navigating the elite world of professional tennis while raising a toddler, a journey she has candidly documented, revealing new challenges, triumphs, and a major personal change in her relationship status with Shai's father, the Grammy-nominated rapper Cordae.

This article dives deep into the most recent and critical updates surrounding Naomi Osaka, her daughter Shai, and the new chapter of her career, based on her 2025 tournament reflections, the release of her documentary, and a major personal announcement that reshaped her family dynamic.

Naomi Osaka and Cordae: A Biographical Profile of Shai’s Parents

The story of Shai begins with her two highly successful and influential parents, Naomi Osaka and Cordae, who began dating in 2019. Their relationship, which was a subject of intense public interest, has recently entered a new phase.

  • Naomi Osaka (Mother)
    • Full Name: Naomi Osaka
    • Born: October 16, 1997 (Age 28 as of late 2025)
    • Birthplace: Osaka, Japan
    • Nationality: Japanese
    • Parents: Leonard François (Haitian father) and Tamaki Osaka (Japanese mother)
    • Career Highlights: Four-time Grand Slam singles champion (2x US Open, 2x Australian Open), former World No. 1, and a prominent advocate for mental health and social justice.
  • Cordae (Father)
    • Full Name: Cordae Amari Brooks (né Dunston)
    • Born: August 26, 1997 (Age 28 as of late 2025)
    • Nationality: American
    • Occupation: Grammy-nominated rapper and songwriter.
    • Previous Moniker: Formerly known as YBN Cordae and Entendre.
  • Relationship Status Update: Naomi Osaka and Cordae officially announced their split in January 2025 after more than five years of dating. Osaka confirmed the end of the relationship, noting there was "no bad blood at all" and that their focus remains on co-parenting their daughter.

Shai: The Center of Naomi Osaka’s New World

The birth of Naomi Osaka’s daughter, Shai, marked a definitive turning point in the athlete's life, prompting an extended break from professional tennis and a deep reflection on her priorities. Her daughter's name, Shai, holds a special significance, though the specific meaning has been kept private by the family. The name was first revealed by Cordae during a concert performance in July 2023, shortly after her birth.

The Birth and Early Milestones of Shai

Shai was born in July 2023, making her approximately two-and-a-half years old as of late 2025. The tennis star celebrated her daughter's second birthday in July 2025, sharing sweet, rare glimpses of the toddler on her social media, often shielding Shai’s face to maintain her privacy.

Osaka has shared that Shai is already a fixture in her life, traveling with her to tournaments and even making an appearance in her new documentary. The athlete has spoken about the profound shift in perspective that motherhood brings, saying it has "forced me to see life and tennis differently". The desire to have her daughter see her compete is one of the primary motivations for her comeback, a sentiment she has described as a "love letter for moms".

Naomi’s Candid Look at Postpartum Life and the 2025 Comeback

Osaka's return to the court in early 2024, starting with the Australian Open, was one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent tennis history. Her journey back has been anything but easy, a reality she has openly discussed, adding a layer of authenticity to her public persona that resonates with mothers globally.

The Reality of Postpartum Struggles

In her documentary, "Naomi Osaka: The Second Set," which premiered in 2024, the tennis pro provided an honest look at the challenges of early motherhood. She revealed her personal battle with postpartum struggles, admitting that the experience was tough and emotional, often bringing her to tears. This candidness is part of a broader effort by Osaka to destigmatize mental health discussions, both in sport and in general life.

She has also reflected on the physical and mental difficulty of returning to elite-level competition. "It's definitely been a challenge returning to elite sport after giving birth," she stated, acknowledging that she felt like she was "playing a bit of catch-up" with the rest of the tour. Despite these challenges, she has committed to a more aggressive schedule, planning to play "way more tournaments" than she did before her pregnancy to regain her form and ranking.

The 2025 Season: A New Perspective

The 2025 tennis season saw Osaka continue to build momentum, with Shai often in attendance at matches, including a milestone appearance at the US Open. Her focus has shifted from solely achieving the World No. 1 ranking to finding joy in the competitive process and setting an example for her daughter. She has stated that becoming a mother has given her a newfound patience and a deeper appreciation for her career.

During a public Q&A session in 2025, Osaka shared her reflections on the season and her future goals. She spoke about the difficulty of juggling her demanding schedule with her family life, but also the immense motivation Shai provides. It was during this same public session that she also made headlines by politely turning down a marriage proposal from a fan, a lighthearted moment that underscored her newly single status and focus on her career and daughter.

Osaka’s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience, showing that elite performance and motherhood are not mutually exclusive, even if the path is fraught with challenges. Her daughter, Shai, is not just a personal joy but a symbol of her renewed purpose on the WTA tour.

naomi osaka daughter
naomi osaka daughter

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