At just 21 years of age, public interest in Naomi Osaka’s personal life is getting higher and higher. The Japanese-American star, who is turning 22 in October, is on a relationship with rapper YBN Cordae, who just confirmed that they are together.
YBN Cordae on how he met Naomi Osaka
In a radio interview with Hot 97’s Ebro in the Morning, Cordae sheepishly admitted that they are indeed dating. When asked how they met, Cordae said that they first saw each other during a Los Angeles Clippers game. He confessed that he did not even know her because he is not a big tennis fan. But because of their relationship, he already started watching tennis games.
As if to prove that he is interested with tennis now, Cordae was seen in the crowd during Osaka’s second-round match with Polish player Magda Linette. He was hanging out with seatmate and former NFL star Colin Kaepernick. Soon after, NBA icon Kobe Bryant joined them in the same box to cheer for Osaka.
During the same radio interview, he also teased that their relationship has been going on for “a long time.” This has been interpreted to mean that Cordae and Osaka have been dating a few months after the 21-year-old tennis star won the 2018 U.S. Open. He also said that it was their own choice to keep their relationship out of the public eye until recently.
Cordae and Osaka’s relationship
In a recent interview with TMZ, Cordae responded to a reporter asking how he helps Osaka prepare for her matches, especially for the 2019 U.S. Open. He said that Osaka knows what she is doing. As a way to help motivate her to do better, he said that he shows her that he loves her.
Osaka is also supportive of Cordae’s career as a rapper. She was recently interviewed about her interests outside the court. When she was asked about the music she usually listens to, she recommended the album “Lost Boy.” The album, of course, happens to be Cordae’s debut record.
Osaka’s ranking and U.S. Open performance
Despite failing to defend her U.S. Open title because of a loss to Swiss player Belinda Bencic, Osaka’s star has only shone brighter. Osaka managed to reach the Round of 16 in the Grand Slam, which is already an achievement. The fact that she accepted her defeat graciously also endeared her to the press and fans.
It also helped that Osaka delivered one of the most exciting matches in the entire tournament. During the third round, Osaka faced off with another rising star in the tennis world, 15-year-old Coco Gauff. Osaka won but their moment of sisterhood after the match made headlines. When Osaka was announced as the winner, she invited Gauff to her courtside interview, and they shared encouraging words to each other.
After the US Open, Naomi lost 3 positions in the rankings to be the new world no.4.
Naomi Osaka’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.4, the Japanese played her last match on the 2nd of September when she lost to Belinda Bencic 7-5 6-4 in the 4th round in U.S. Open.
This year Osaka has a 29-11 win-loss record. The Japanese clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
