7 Unforgettable Revelations About Naomi Osaka’s Baby, Shai, And Her Surprising 2024 Comeback

The world of tennis and celebrity motherhood has been captivated by Naomi Osaka’s journey, and as of December 10, 2025, the updates are more personal and compelling than ever. The four-time Grand Slam champion stepped away from the court to embrace a new chapter, giving birth to her first child, a daughter, in the summer of 2023. This period of maternity leave was a transformative experience that has reshaped her perspective on life, career, and the intense pressure of being a global sports icon. Her return to the WTA Tour in 2024 has been marked by both triumphant victories and the honest struggles of a new mother balancing an elite career.

The most recent and significant news revolves not only around her on-court performance but also her personal life, including the identity and meaning behind her baby’s name, the challenges of "mom guilt," and a surprising announcement regarding her long-term relationship with American rapper Cordae. This deep dive into her life post-motherhood offers a fresh look at the tennis star's new reality, dubbed "Naomi Osaka 2.0," as she navigates the complexities of professional sports with a young child.

Naomi Osaka: A Champion's Biography and Profile

Naomi Osaka is one of the most recognizable and marketable athletes in the world, known for her powerful serve, aggressive baseline play, and outspoken activism. Her career has been defined by historic firsts and remarkable achievements, culminating in multiple Grand Slam titles and the coveted World No. 1 ranking.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Naomi Osaka (大坂 なおみ, Ōsaka Naomi)
• Born: October 16, 1997, in Osaka, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese (Holds dual citizenship with the United States until she chose Japanese citizenship in 2019)
• Residence: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Career Singles Titles: 7 WTA Tour titles
• Highest Ranking: World No. 1 (Achieved January 28, 2019)
• Grand Slam Singles Titles: 4 (Two each at the Australian Open and US Open)
  • US Open: 2018, 2020
  • Australian Open: 2019, 2021
• Partner (Baby's Father): Cordae (American Rapper)

The Birth of Shai: Name, Meaning, and Motherhood's Honest Truth

Osaka's pregnancy announcement in January 2023 came as a surprise to many, following her withdrawal from the Australian Open. She then welcomed her first child in July 2023, beginning a new, highly-anticipated chapter in her life.

The Meaning Behind the Name Shai

The baby's name is Shai, and the child's gender is a daughter. Osaka revealed the name shortly after the birth, explaining that it holds a special significance. The name Shai means "gift" in Hebrew, a beautiful sentiment that reflects the joy and change her daughter brought to her life.

A Surprising Split from Cordae

For years, Osaka’s relationship with American rapper Cordae (born Cordae Amari Dunston) was a supportive and public-facing partnership, with the rapper often seen in her player’s box. However, recent news confirms that the couple, who began dating in 2019, have broken up after nearly six years. Osaka announced the split, clarifying that there was "no bad blood at all," and that they remain committed to co-parenting their daughter Shai.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The Reality of "Mom Guilt" and New Documentary

Stepping into motherhood has brought a new wave of emotional complexity for the tennis star. Osaka has been candid about experiencing "mom guilt," a common feeling among new mothers, where she has had to fight thoughts that she is not a "good enough mom." This vulnerability is a central theme in her new documentary, Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, which offers fans an intimate look at her life as a new mother and her journey back to professional tennis.

Naomi Osaka’s 2024 Tennis Comeback and Future Ambitions

Osaka made it clear from the beginning of her maternity leave that she intended to return to the sport in 2024, specifically targeting the Australian Open. Her comeback has been a fascinating study in a champion rebuilding her form while balancing the demands of a new family.

The Struggle to "Learn How to Win" Again

The 2024 season has been a mix of highs and lows. While she showed flashes of her former brilliance—including a significant victory over top-30 opponent Caroline Garcia and reaching the quarterfinals at the Qatar WTA 1000 event—she has also faced unexpected early exits. Following a loss at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Osaka honestly confessed that she felt she might have to "learn how to win" again, acknowledging the mental and physical toll of her time away and the shift in her focus.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

A Focus on Joy and Fun

Despite the competitive struggles, a key difference in the "Naomi Osaka 2.0" era is a clear focus on enjoying the game. She has expressed a renewed sense of fun and appreciation for being on the court, a sentiment that was sometimes missing during her previous periods of intense pressure. This shift in perspective is a direct result of motherhood, where the outcome of a match no longer defines her entire self-worth. Her ambition remains high, however, with a strong desire to represent Japan at the Olympics and compete for major titles.

Shai's Tournament Debut

In a heartwarming update that connects her two worlds, Osaka has shared that her daughter, Shai, is set to attend her first tennis tournament soon. This moment will mark a significant milestone, symbolizing the integration of her family life with her professional career. It underscores the new reality for the tennis star: a life where her passion for the sport is now shared with the greatest "gift" of her life.

The challenges of being a new mother and an elite athlete are immense, but Naomi Osaka has embraced this journey with a refreshing level of honesty. Her story—from the quiet joy of Shai's birth and the meaning of her name, to the public announcement of her breakup with Cordae, and the candid admission of her struggles on the court—continues to inspire fans globally. As she moves forward, her career is not just about Grand Slams, but about showing the world what it means to be a powerful, vulnerable, and dedicated working mother.