Naomi Osaka Shares a Rare Update on Motherhood

"I don't think I've ever felt this type of joy"

Published Dec 7, 2024

•

3:00pm

Olivia Wong/WireImage

In June 2023, tennis star Naomi Osaka and her boyfriend, Cordae, welcomed their daughter, Shai, together in Los Angeles. And now, the Grand Slam champion is embracing the joys of motherhood.

On her Instagram story, Osaka invited her followers to ask her a series of questions as part of a Q&A, and one fan inquired, "How's motherhood?" In response, Osaka shared a snap of her 1-year-old daughter's Peppa Pig toy and wrote, "Awesome. Shai runs after me saying 'mommy' now. I don't think I've ever felt this type of joy."

Instagram/@naomiosaka

Osaka's update comes just a few weeks after she mentioned her daughter in a promotional video for Etsy. While discussing her love of White Elephant parties during the holidays, she revealed if Shai was on Santa's naughty or nice list, and it sounds like the toddler has been on her best behavior.

In the clip, Osaka said, "Shai is always on the nice list, but she's a little naughty sometimes. She's definitely gonna get a lot of presents."

After four years of dating Cordae, Osaka announced her pregnancy in 2023 by sharing a sonogram photo. At the time, she wrote, “Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023.”

Over a year and several maternity pics later, the athlete and proud mom is already back on the court. Following her return at the 2024 Australian Open, Osaka has also committed to two more tournaments in 2025.

Per ESPN, Osaka said in a statement, "Being a mom has changed my life a lot. I think it changed my perspective on a lot of things. Giving birth was one of the most painful things I've ever gone through. It's definitely made me feel like physically I can handle a lot. "I want to show Shai that she's capable of everything, so that's one of my main purposes and main reasons why I want to be back out here."

I'll be rooting for you, Naomi.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here.

Nakeisha Campbell

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Writes celebrity news, TV/movie reviews and SEO-focused entertainment articles
Interviews celebrities and covers red carpet events
Has 8+ years of experience covering entertainment topics

read full bio