Naomi Osaka family, daughter Shai, ex-boyfriend Cordae, and her Japan-Haiti roots. Plus, recap of her US Open semifinal vs Amanda Anisimova.
Naomi Osaka: A Tennis Star’s Journey
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, rose to the top of women’s tennis at just 23, holding the No. 1 WTA ranking for 25 weeks starting in 2019. Despite her early success, she faced challenges, including mental health struggles and media pressure. Osaka’s journey has always been about resilience, determination, and balancing multiple roles, including motherhood.
Facts About Naomi Osaka’s Family
- Shai: Daughter (born July 2023)
- Cordae: Ex-boyfriend, father of Shai
- Leonard: Francois Father, Haitian origin, former tennis coach
- Tamaki: Osaka Mother, Japanese origin
- Mari: Osaka Sister, retired tennis player and designer
Naomi Osaka’s Daughter: Meet Shai
In July 2023, Naomi Osaka welcomed her daughter Shai, whose name means “God’s gift” in Arabic. She explained in an interview with ESPN:
“That’s the feeling I wanted her to have that she’s a blessing from God to both me and her dad.”
Professional athletes often face scrutiny when having children, but Osaka embraces motherhood as a new chapter in her career. In her documentary Naomi Osaka: The Second things, she reveals:
“While some believe she ended my career, to me, it feels like she actually launched it.”
Shai’s nursery features a calming cloud-themed design, providing a serene environment for mother and child. Naomi has shared very few glimpses of Shai online, keeping her daughter’s privacy intact.
Naomi Osaka Parents: Leonard Francois and Tamaki Osaka
Naomi Osaka’s diverse heritage has always been central to her identity. They met in Japan in the 1990s when Leonard was in college and Tamaki was finishing high school. Despite initial disapproval from Tamaki’s father, the couple stayed together and moved to Osaka, where they welcomed Mari (1996) and Naomi (1997).
In 2006, the family moved to Florida to access better training opportunities. Naomi later chose Japanese citizenship to represent Japan at the 2021 Olympics—a decision supported wholeheartedly by her parents.
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Mari Osaka: Sister and Designer
Naomi’s older sister, Mari Osaka, was also a professional tennis player but retired in 2021 to pursue a career in art and design. She co-designed Naomi’s Met Gala outfit in 2021, showcasing the family’s creativity beyond sports.
Cordae: Father of Shai and Naomi’s Ex
Known for his Grammy-nominated music, he was supportive during Naomi’s mental health struggles. They welcomed Shai in July 2023 and co-parented even after announcing their separation in early 2025.
Naomi Osaka at the 2025 US Open: Semifinal Drama
Returning to the US Open, Naomi reached the semifinals for the first time since becoming a mother. At 27, she defeated Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6, demonstrating her resilience.
Her journey ended in a thrilling semifinal clash with Amanda Anisimova at Arthur Ashe Stadium, losing 6-7(4), 7-6, 6-3. This match ended Osaka’s perfect record of winning a Grand Slam every time she reached the quarterfinals, while Anisimova advanced to face Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
The match was not just about scores; it showcased comeback, motherhood, and mental toughness, inspiring fans worldwide.
Naomi Osaka vs Amanda Anisimova: Key Highlights
- Past Meetings: Anisimova leads head-to-head
- Turning Point: Second-set tiebreak
- Expert Predictions: Osaka vs Anisimova prediction had fans expecting a close match
- Impact: The semifinal marked Osaka’s return to top-level tennis after maternity leave
Naomi Osaka’s Personal Life and Identity
Fans often search for terms like Naomi Osaka parents, Naomi Osaka dad, Naomi Osaka husband, reflecting her widespread popularity. Naomi balances her tennis career, motherhood, and personal growth while staying authentic to her heritage.
She explained in a 2020 essay:
“People are quick to put a label on me. Is she Japanese? American? Haitian? Black? Asian? In reality, I am all of these things simultaneously.”
Naomi’s journey highlights the supportive role of her family, diverse cultural heritage, and resilience in the face of challenges, both on and off the court.
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