Naomi Osaka was emotional after forfeiting her match against Clara Tauson of Denmark in the Grand Final singles match of the 2024-25 Women’s ASB Classic WTA 250 tennis tournament at Manuka Doctor Arena, Auckland, on January 5, 2025. Photo / Alan Lee / Photosport
Naomi Osaka was emotional after forfeiting her match against Clara Tauson of Denmark in the Grand Final singles match of the 2024-25 Women’s ASB Classic WTA 250 tennis tournament at Manuka Doctor Arena, Auckland, on January 5, 2025. Photo / Alan Lee / Photosport
The tennis star confirmed she and the rapper, both 27, are no longer together, 18 months after welcoming their daughter Shai in July 2023.
In an announcement shared to her Instagram Story on Tuesday morning (New Zealand time), Osaka - formerly the world number one in women’s singles - confirmed she and Cordae had called time on their almost six-year relationship.
“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 experience together.”
Cordae, real name Cordae Amari Brooks, has yet to publicly comment on the split.
Naomi Osaka and rapper Cordae first sparked break up rumours months after welcoming their first child in 2023. Photo / Instagram
The couple publicly confirmed their romance in April 2019, but the relationship wasn’t without its challenges.
Speculation arose that the two had split just months after the birth of their daughter, with both Osaka and Cordae wiping any trace of their relationship from their social media. The pair also unfollowed each other at the time, although later appeared to make amends.
Osaka’s confirmation of the split followed a cryptic message shared to her social media on Sunday, the same day she was forced to retire from the women’s final at Auckland’s ASB Classic due to an injury.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that what’s meant for me is meant for me and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what’s to come,” the four-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Sunday.
“Maybe there’s bigger and better things on my path and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them. That being said this is about to be a great year.”
On Monday, the 27-year-old expressed her thanks to her team and “everyone else close to me” for “keeping me sane”.
“All jokes aside, I do really want to thank my team and everyone else close to me for having my back and keeping me sane (though that’s debatable LOL). I’m truly very grateful,” she wrote.
“And I do really want to thank my friends all around the world (I think saying fans is a disservice). I’ve always said it feels like we’re going through this journey together and I really hope you’re having as much fun as I am.”
Osaka appeared to be in excellent form against Danish rival Clara Tauson, winning the opening set 6-4. She built a 5-1 lead in the second set, before Tauson climbed back to 5-4.
Osaka was able to close out the set on her own serve, but didn’t appear comfortable and immediately called for a trainer at its conclusion. A visibly upset Osaka was subsequently forced to retire from the match, crowning Tauson the ASB Classic champion; her third career title and first since 2021.
“I just want to thank everyone for welcoming me to such a beautiful city and I had a lot of fun playing here and I’m really sorry about how it ended,” Osaka said during a brief courtside interview on Sunday.
“I hope you did enjoy the tennis that we did play and I’m just really grateful to be here.”
Osaka returned to the WTA Tour at the 2024 Australian Open after about 15 months off. At the time of writing, she is ranked number 50 in the world.
Despite the injury, Osaka is reportedly “optimistic” about her prospects at the Australian Open, which began in Melbourne on Monday and will conclude on January 26.
