Naomi Osaka is a formidable opponent; this has always been evident to those of us who have watched her phenomenally successful tennis career over the years.
And it turns out that the 25-year-significant old’s number of followers are not the only ones that cheer her on whenever she comes onto the court; her partner is her biggest fan.
Yes, although the Japanese tennis player’s relationship with American rapper Cordae may not be as well-known as her serve, that is precisely how they like it.
The pair has shared a few romantic anecdotes about each other throughout the years, and it is evident that their relationship is just growing stronger.
In 2023, it was announced that the couple is expecting their first child together, signalling that it is time to reflect on their relationship—from game, to set, to match.
Who is Naomi Osaka’s partner, Cordae?
Naomi Osaka is presently dating American rapper Cordae, whose full name is Cordae Amari Dunston.
The 24-year-old from North Carolina first earned recognition for his remixes of Eminem and J. Cole’s popular rap songs.
Alongside Megan Thee Stallion and Roddy Ricch, he was chosen a member of XXL magazine’s Freshman Class of up-and-coming rappers in 2019.
The same year, he was nominated for two Grammys for his debut album, The Lost Boy. At the time, that was no minor feat for the 21-year-old.
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How did Cordae and Naomi Osaka meet?
Cordae Discreetly has stated in prior interviews that he and Osaka first met at a Los Angeles Clippers game, presumably around 2018 or 2019. At the time, he stated that his tennis knowledge was limited to the famous Williams sisters; he had no idea that he had just brushed shoulders with international tennis royalty!
Despite their lack of tennis knowledge, it appeared that the duo hit it off immediately. TMZ Sports revealed for the first time in April 2019 that the couple was dating, but their relationship was not “formal” at the time.
Shortly thereafter, Osaka made her Instagram relationship with Cordae official by posting a video of him to her Story. In December 2019, they went public with their relationship by attending another Clippers game.
Cordae told GQ in 2021 that it was all out in the open after the truth was revealed “We dated for about a year before anyone found out about us. Thus, we move in a somewhat secluded manner. I don’t think it’s appropriate to share intimate moments online, as I consider them to be sacrosanct. A connection is truly something sacred. Once you let outside influences get into it, it becomes less sacred.”
Cordae backed Osaka as one of the evening’s hosts at the Met Gala in September 2021, when the two were regularly photographed in public together.
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Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s relationship
Since going public, Osaka and Cordae have been a little more open in expressing their mutual appreciation in public.
Osaka stated in the same GQ interview that Cordae was a crucial support system that helped her win the 2020 US Open, which occurred during one of the worst first COVID-19 case peaks.
“During the entire New York situation and with everything going on, I began to feel gloomy. On occasion, I would call Cordae, and I may have cried during some of those calls. I don’t remember, “She revealed to the publication.
🦅👁 @cordae pic.twitter.com/KmbWyYZe5W
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 17, 2022
“And he left despite being really busy. I very much appreciate that. I am uncertain if I have told him that. I believe he was instrumental in my victory by maintaining my motivation.”
In January 2022, Osaka posted a rare Instagram homage for her boyfriend’s second album release, From A Bird’s Eye View.
“Becoming further acquainted with someone and witnessing the passion and attention they put into their work is very amazing,” she added.
“You are a star and a light, practically lighting up every room you enter (or maybe it’s your hair lol) @cordae, you make you feel that some individuals are destined to do certain things. Congratulations on your second record, you should be quite proud.”
A couple of days later, Osaka won her debut tennis match at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Instead of signing her name on the television camera lens, as is customary for Australian winners, Osaka wrote “F.A.B.E.V.” with a heart across it. The acronym was obviously a reference to the new record by her lover.
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Osaka’s supporters began to wonder in December 2022 as to whether she will compete in the 2023 Australian Open scheduled for the following month. The tennis superstar had been keeping a low profile, which turned out to be for a very vital purpose.
In January, the tennis star announced on Instagram that she was pregnant with her first child and would be taking a year off from practising sports.
“These few months away from the sport have given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve devoted my life to,” she said, adding, “I know I have so much to look forward to in the future; one thing I’m looking forward to is for my child to watch some of my matches and say, ‘That’s my mom.'”
She concluded by stating that she would return to tennis next year, beginning with the 2024 Australian Open, and that she would take time to learn “new lessons” with her newborn.
