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Naomi Osaka and Cordae are starting the new year on separate paths. The tennis superstar and the rapper have announced that they are no longer together, but despite their breakup, they remain focused on their shared responsibility as parents to their young daughter, Shai.
Osaka, 27, made the announcement on her Instagram story Monday morning, offering a heartfelt message about the end of their romantic relationship. She reassured fans that there were no hard feelings between her and Cordae, explaining that they still hold each other in high regard.
“No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad,” she wrote. “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.”
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The breakup comes after a years-long relationship that began in 2019, when Osaka, then at the peak of her tennis career, publicly revealed her romance with the Maryland-born rapper, best known for his albums The Lost Boy and Gifted.
Their relationship seemed to blossom as they both navigated their respective careers in the public eye. In 2022, the couple shared the joyous news that they were expecting their first child together, and in 2023, they welcomed their daughter Shai into the world.
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Though their relationship hit a rough patch during Osaka’s pregnancy, including a battle with a pregnancy-related infection, the couple remained committed to their growing family. Despite the challenges, they managed to build a foundation of love and mutual respect.
Osaka has been candid about her journey to motherhood and the ways in which it has shaped her personal and professional life.
After a brief time away from the court, she made her triumphant return to tennis, recently competing in the 2024 season and demonstrating the resilience that she’s known for both on and off the court.
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While Osaka’s tennis career remains a major focus of her life, she’s also been very open about the importance of her daughter and the role that co-parenting with Cordae will play moving forward.
“At the end of the day, we both want what’s best for Shai,” she wrote in her post, underscoring her commitment to raising their daughter in a positive and supportive environment.
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Though the couple has decided to go their separate ways romantically, it’s clear that their bond as co-parents is unwavering.
Osaka and Cordae’s focus will remain on creating a stable, loving environment for Shai as she grows up. The couple’s commitment to this shared goal is a testament to their maturity and their ability to prioritize their daughter’s well-being above all else.
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