Tennis star Naomi Osaka has announced her separation from rapper Cordae, the father of her daughter, Shai. The pair, who began dating in 2019 and welcomed their child in July 2023, are parting ways amicably. In her Instagram Story, Osaka shared, “Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship. No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad.”

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    A Love Story in the Spotlight

    Osaka and Cordae’s relationship frequently made headlines. Cordae was a supportive presence at her tennis matches, while Osaka often attended his concerts. They were seen together at major events like the Met Gala and the ESPY Awards, embodying a harmonious blend of sports and music. In early 2023, Osaka announced her pregnancy, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Shai, in July. Osaka later revealed the traumatic nature of Shai’s birth, calling it the worst pain of her life, but highlighted the joy of becoming a parent.

    Rumours of Trouble in Paradise

    Speculation about a breakup surfaced in late 2023 when Osaka deleted photos of Cordae from her social media accounts. Although she dismissed these rumours during a December interview, stating their commitment to co-parenting, recent events have confirmed their separation. Despite their breakup, Osaka praised Cordae as a father and reiterated their shared focus on Shai’s well-being. The separation has been handled with maturity, reflecting their respect for one another.

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    Naomi Osaka’s Return to Tennis After Maternity

    • January 2024 – Brisbane International
      Osaka marked her return with a first-round win, despite a second-round loss to Karolína Plíšková.
    • February 2024 – Qatar Ladies Open
      Reaching the quarter-finals, Osaka showcased her competitive edge in her comeback season.
    • June 2024 – ‘s-Hertogenbosch
      Another quarter-final finish, demonstrating her adaptability on grass courts.
    • October 2024 – China Open
      A solid fourth-round performance before being forced to retire due to a back injury.
    • January 2025 – Auckland Classic
      Osaka reached the final but had to retire due to an abdominal injury, missing out on her first title as a mother.
    • Australian Open 2025 – Looking Ahead
      Optimistic for a strong performance, Osaka sets her sights on the Australian Open despite recent setbacks.

    Moving Forward

    As Naomi Osaka continues her tennis career and Cordae advances in music, their focus remains on co-parenting their daughter. Their amicable approach to separation serves as an inspiring example of prioritising family amidst personal challenges. Osaka and Cordae’s journey, though now taking separate paths, will undoubtedly remain a point of interest for their fans worldwide.

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    Related article: Olympics 2024: Naomi Osaka Sets Sights on Gold

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