Four-time Major champion Naomi Osaka announced her split with long-time boyfriend, Cordae, on Monday (January 6). The two mutually decided to call off their relationship, and have parted on good terms. Their daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023.
Osaka and Cordae were among one of the most well-known couples. A match between a leading tennis player and a musician grabbed everyone's attention. Speculation was rife that the two were going through a rocky patch since late 2024.
The couple seemed unfazed by the same and it looked like it was just idle gossip. However, Osaka's latest update proved that the rumors weren't completely baseless. On that note, here's a look at their relationship timeline, starting from when they got together until their split:
Naomi Osaka and Cordae's romance started to blossom in 2019
Naomi Osaka and Cordae first crossed paths in early 2019 at a Los Angeles Clippers game. The rapper wasn't fully aware of her status as a leading tennis player. She had won two Major titles by then and had ascended to the top of the rankings at the start of the year.
They confirmed their relationship in July 2019, and Cordae later cheered for her at the US Open that year. Their first public appearance as a duo was at another basketball game in December. 2020 was a tough year for everyone due to the pandemic, and Osaka credited her boyfriend for lifting her spirits. She would win the US Open that year.
The two were spotted frequently at various events following the pandemic, such as the Met Gala and basketball games. There were rumors of their break-up around August 2022, which were quashed by the couple. A few months later, Osaka would announce her pregnancy.
Naomi Osaka and Cordae welcomed their first child in 2023
Naomi Osaka went on a hiatus towards the end of 2022. Prior to the start of the Australian Open 2023, she announced that she was pregnant, and would take the year off. She gave birth to their daughter, Shai, in July, and returned to the tour in January 2024.
Cordae was by Osaka's side during her comeback and was spotted in the stands during a few tournaments. A quarterfinal at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha was her best result, and she had a 22-18 record for the year.
Osaka and Cordae attended Jamie Foxx's birthday bash last month. Now, a few weeks later, the two have decided to go their own ways after nearly six years together. She took to Instagram to let everyone know about their break-up. The message was bittersweet, and she was grateful for the time she got to spend with him.
"Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship. No bad blood at all, he's a great person and an awesome dad. 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," - Osaka wrote.
The new year hasn't started on the right note for Osaka. She suffered a setback on the professional front as well. She reached the first final of her comeback at the ASB Classic in Auckland over the weekend (January 5). Unfortunately, an injury forced her to retire after winning the first set. She's still set to compete at the upcoming Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice in the past.
Who is Naomi Osaka's boyfriend? All you need to know about the tennis star's dating history timeline