By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Monday, January 6, 2025
Naomi Osaka announces she's split from rapper Cordae, her partner of nearly six years, in a social media post.
Photo credit: Getty
The 2025 season is a fresh start—personally and professionally—for Naomi Osaka.
Former world No. 1 Osaka confirmed today she's split with long-time partner, rapper Cordae, in a statement she posted on social media.
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The 27-year-old Osaka and Cordae began their relationship in 2019. They are parents of daughter, Shai, who was born in July of 2023.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka said there's no bad blood between her and Cordae and they're continuing to co-parent their daughter.
“No bad blood at all, he's a great person and an awesome dad,” Osaka posted on social media. “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."
News of the split comes months after Osaka announced she'd split from coach Wim Fissette and hired Serena Williams' former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, as her new coach.
Working with Mouratoglou in her corner, Osaka reached the Auckland final last week and led 6-4 before retiring against Clara Tauson due to a strained abdominal.
Osaka, a two-time former Australian Open champion, has said she's optimistic she will play the Melbourne major starting January 12th.
In interviews since launching her comeback, Osaka has said motherhood has given her a new perspective on tennis.
“In the first chapter of my tennis, I kind of got away with just being myself and playing with my instincts," Osaka told NHK. "I think I want to be someone that understands the game a lot more."
Four of Osaka's seven career titles are Grand Slam championships and she says she's aiming for more majors.
“I definitely want to win more Grand Slams and I guess put in more time in the French Open and Wimbledon," Osaka said.