When Naomi Osaka burst into global stardom with her groundbreaking win against the iconic Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open, it was clear that she was more than just a rising tennis star. As a four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, Osaka has quickly become one of the most prominent figures in sports. Her explosive talent has made her a global icon, but her candid voice has transformed her into a trailblazer. She’s etched into the sport’s history books as a top-tier competitor and symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Osaka was born in Japan but raised in the United States, so she navigated the complexities of dual identity. Now, she navigates the complications of fame.
These days, her influence stretches far beyond the court. From mental health advocacy, entrepreneurial ventures and now motherhood, she has embraced a new and deeply personal chapter of her life publicly. The 27-year-old continues to inspire, and as fans watch her evolve, it’s natural to wonder if things are progressing in her romantic life too. So, does Naomi Osaka have a boyfriend? Here’s what we know about the love life of the Olympian who has boldly carved out her own lane.
Who Is the Father of Naomi’s Baby?
In 2019, Naomi Osaka began dating Cordae Amari Dunston, a rapper who hails from Maryland. He comes from humble beginnings, so the couple likely bonded over their upbringing outside of the spotlight. Cordae even worked full-time at TGI Fridays while in school before he started making music. As the artist tells Billboard, “I was miserable. That was when I was really like the lost boy. I was just miserable as f**k at work. This was in Baltimore. I was working at a Friday’s in Baltimore.”
He had been creating music since he was 15 and released songs under the artist name Entendre, as Elle describes. At age 21 when he joined the group YBN, he finally had his chance to live his dream. By 2019, after the release of his debut album “The Lost Boy,” Cordae gained two Grammy nominations. But his accolades or fame didn’t get Osaka and Cordae together. In fact, as he confessed in a Hot 97 interview, he did not even know who Osaka was before meeting her. Initially, he was not a tennis fan, so they hit it off purely based on vibes. With time and their growing connection, Osaka introduced him to her world.
Over the years, Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend, Cordae, attended several US Open matches to cheer her on. The couple was incredibly close and supportive of each other’s careers. In May 2023, they announced they were expecting a beautiful baby girl. As a full-time athlete and first-time mom, this marked the start of a new era for Osaka. Thankfully, even after a rough delivery, the Japanese icon and her daughter Shai came home from the hospital happy and healthy.
Her beau Cordae was a soft place for her to land day in and day out as she figured out parenthood. She told InStyle, “I don’t know if it’s because he’s just an easygoing guy, but I think we just respect each other’s opinions. And if we disagree on something, we talk it out. At the end of the day, we both want what’s best for Shai.”
Are the Athlete and Cordae Still Together?
This adorable couple had multiple Instagram posts dedicated to each other, so they were very public about their connection. But some fans noticed hints pointing to the end of their relationship. Things like deleted social media posts in 2024 seemed to suggest their split. Despite their relationship being #goals for many, the couple ultimately decided to part ways.
As People reports, on Jan. 6, 2025, Osaka took to her Instagram story to announce the breakup. Her post read, “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.” The way the couple went about this seemingly peaceful breakup was pretty accurate to both of their vibes. Both of the celebrities are considered mellow people, and as Osaka stated, have the best interest of their daughter in mind.
Does Naomi Osaka Have a New Boyfriend in 2025?
With Osaka only just announcing her split from her ex earlier this year, it does not seem like she is worried about dating. At least, publicly, that is. After a five-year relationship and her daughter Shai only just entering the terrible twos, she has plenty on her plate. So far she has not confirmed any interest in dating or been seen with any love interests.
Regardless of what’s happening in Naomi Osaka’s personal life, fans can assume that she is perfecting her tennis game in her free time, when she’s not with her daughter. Her time away from the game while pregnant and afterwards only made her more passionate. As she tells InStyle, “I’ve stepped away from tennis before, but this time, it was the longest duration of my life. And I think it kind of gave me a perspective like, ‘Hey, you’re not going to play tennis forever. And you kind of have to cherish the years that you can play.’ I do want to be a good role model for Shai, and I want her to see that this was an important chapter in my life.”
What Is the Mother of One Working on Outside of Her Love Life?
In 2025, Naomi Osaka made her much-anticipated return to tennis at the WTA Tournament. Also, Osaka has engaged in entrepreneurial efforts outside of tennis, as The Financial Times reports. For one, she co-founded the sports agency Evolve in 2022. It is the first female athlete-led talent agency and was created in partnership with her longtime agent, Stuart Duguid. Then she launched Hana Kuma, a media production company that brings culturally driven storytelling to life. These ventures underscore her commitment to diversifying representation in sports and media.
Outside of her personal life, Osaka is a multi-dimensional public figure. Despite her fame, she has always been a transparent person who is not afraid to talk about tough times. Advocating for mental health is one of the core values that she has consistently showcased. After her highly publicized withdrawal from the French Open and Wimbledon in 2021, she continues to have important conversations about depression, anxiety and postpartum challenges.
As she explained to TIME, “I do hope that people can relate and understand it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to talk about it. There are people who can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel.” Despite personal setbacks and challenges, the athlete is striving for a better world where grace is extended to those who are transparent about their struggles. Although her romantic life remains quiet since her breakup with Cordae, she is anything but idle and seems to be doing just fine nowadays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Naomi Osaka have a nanny?
As she tells The Cut, it truly does take a village to raise a child. And her village includes family, friends and her reliable nanny. She gushes, “I’m so fortunate to have a great nanny. The tennis schedule is very hectic, and I’m grateful to have constant help. Without it, it would be very challenging to continue playing.”
Does Naomi Osaka speak Japanese fluently?
Although she is not fluent, she understands Japanese. That is thanks to her heritage and learning the language at a young age, as Biography reports.
Why did Naomi Osaka take her mom’s last name?
As Women’s History describes, she took her mother’s maiden name because it was easier for life in Japan. Although the decision was made for practical reasons (given that her Haitian father’s last name is Francois), she is very proud of her multicultural heritage.