In July 2023, Naomi Osaka welcomed her first child, a daughter named Shai, with her then-boyfriend Cordae. The birth marked a turning point in Osaka’s life, as she stepped away from tennis to embrace motherhood. Shai’s arrival came during a period of reflection and renewal, allowing Osaka to rediscover her passion for the sport while building a new identity as a parent.
The Meaning Behind Her Name
The name Shai holds special significance. Osaka revealed that it means “God’s gift” in Arabic, a sentiment that reflects the deep emotional connection she feels toward her daughter. She has spoken about wanting Shai to grow up feeling cherished and empowered, and the name was chosen to embody that sense of love and purpose.
A Private Yet Powerful Presence
Though Osaka has shared glimpses of her life as a mother, she has been careful to protect Shai’s privacy. She has never publicly revealed her daughter’s face on social media, choosing instead to keep those moments intimate. Despite this, Shai’s influence is felt in Osaka’s words and actions. In interviews and her recent documentary, Osaka described how becoming a mother gave her a renewed sense of motivation and clarity.
Returning to Tennis with New Purpose
After taking a 14-month break from competition, Osaka returned to the court in early 2024. She described her comeback as a “love letter for moms,” emphasizing that motherhood didn’t end her career—it reignited it. Shai’s presence in the stands during Osaka’s matches has become a symbol of this new chapter, where personal growth and professional ambition coexist.
A Future Shaped by Family
Naomi Osaka’s journey as a mother continues to evolve, and Shai remains at the center of it. Whether she’s training, traveling, or competing, Osaka has made it clear that her daughter is her greatest source of strength. As she balances the demands of elite tennis with the joys of parenting, Osaka’s story reflects a powerful shift—one where love, identity, and ambition are all part of the same path.
Osaka at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.24, Naomi has achieved a composed 32-12 match record in 2025. Naomi is now competing at the U.S. Open where she bested the world no.106 Greetje Minnen 6-3 6-4, the world no.47 Hailey Baptiste 6-3 6-1, the world no.18 Daria Kasatkina 6-0 4-6 6-3, the world no.3 Cori Gauff 6-3 6-2 and the world no.13 Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-6(3).
Naomi Osaka will face the world no.9 Amanda Anisimova in the semifinal on Thursday at 9:00 pm on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Their current head to head is 2-0 for Anisimova.
Osaka conquered 1 title in 2025 in the Malo. Osaka was the runner-up in Auckland (ASB Classic) and in Montreal (Omnium Banque Nationale).
Osaka won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)