Who Is Naomi Osaka's Ex-Boyfriend? All About Cordae

Naomi Osaka and Cordae have called it quits.

The tennis star announced their breakup on her Instagram Stories on Jan. 6, writing, "Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship."

Osaka and Cordae were first romantically linked in 2019, and in July 2023, they welcomed a daughter named Shai. The pair seemingly went through a rough patch in October 2023 when fans noticed that Osaka had scrubbed her Instagram of photos with the rapper . However, she later spoke about parenting with her "boyfriend" Cordae during an interview with InStyle in December 2023.

Over the years, the "Kung Fu" singer frequented Osaka's tennis matches and accompanied her to the Met Gala in 2021.

So who is Naomi Osaka's ex-boyfriend? Here's everything to know about Cordae.

His first date with Osaka was at an L.A. Clippers game

Cordae and Osaka attended an L.A. Clippers game for their first date in 2019, though the two opted to keep quiet about their relationship for the first year they were dating. In a video for GQ , Cordae later revealed their first kiss was in Indian Wells, Calif.

The rapper also shared his favorite date with Osaka. "We drove to Rhode Island from New York to go visit my grandmother. That was super tight," he said.

He's a rapper

Cordae is a Grammy-nominated rapper who has collaborated with H.E.R. and Young Thug . Upon the release of his sophomore album Bird's Eye View, Osaka praised him on Instagram , saying, "Getting closer to someone and seeing how much love and dedication they put into their craft is truly inspiring."

The artist commented on her post, writing, "I LOVE U 2 DEATH !! U TRULY MY RIDE OR DIE BONNIE AND CLYDE JUST WAY MORE FLY."

Cordae wrapped up a Euro tour in October 2022, marking the occasion by sharing photos and videos from the tour on Instagram . The carousel post included footage from concerts and a photo of his seat on a plane. "My first ever headline tour in Europe is complete! Appreciate y'all more than u know. Can't wait to come back 1000X over. New music otw 📶," he wrote in the caption.

He was supportive of Osaka's mental health

Osaka has been open about her mental health journey , including the ways Cordae supported her when she was feeling overwhelmed.

In 2020, he dropped everything to quarantine with her at the US Open after she called him from the event.

"I FaceTimed him a couple days earlier and said I was feeling sad and lonely in the bubble," she wrote on Instagram . Unbeknownst to her at the time, Cordae then boarded a flight and quarantined in a hotel to be with her.

He didn't watch much tennis before dating Osaka

Cordae revealed he wasn't much of a tennis fan before meeting Osaka.

"If you asked me about tennis, before being immersed in it because of Naomi, I could only give you Venus and Serena Williams , you know? Because they're just a part of the culture," he said .

The first tennis match he attended was in 2019 at the US Open. A year later, when he joined Osaka in the bubble for the same event, she joked online that he still hadn't learned the game.

"The funniest part is even after doing all this I'm still convinced he doesn't understand the rules of tennis lol," Osaka wrote on Instagram .

He and Osaka share a daughter

In January 2023, Osaka revealed on Instagram that she and Cordae were going to be parents.

The mom-to-be also shared screenshots of a message, typed in both English and Japanese, reflecting on her career.

"The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it's the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun," she wrote. "These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I've dedicated my life to."

The first hint that Osaka and Cordae were having a baby girl came when she shared photos from her princess-themed baby shower , and in July 2023, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that the couple had welcomed their baby in L.A. The rapper revealed the little girl's name , Shai, while performing at Canada's Calgary Stampede just days after her birth.

At the US Open in September 2023, Osaka explained to ESPN why the couple chose the name Shai.

"Shai means God's gift. I wanted her to feel like she was a gift to me and her dad," she told the media outlet.

In an interview with InStyle in December 2023, Osaka opened up about parenting with Cordae , saying that they have "built a really good foundation."

"I don't know if it's because he's just an easygoing guy, but I think we just respect each other's opinions. And if we disagree on something, we talk it out. At the end of the day, we both want what's best for Shai," she said.

He and Osaka kept their relationship private

Both Cordae and Osaka have public careers, but they were careful about what aspects of their relationship they were willing to share.

"We were dating for almost a year before people knew about us," the rapper explained . "So we kind of move very reclusively. We don't really post intimate moments, because I feel as though they're sacred. A relationship is really a sacred thing. Once you let outside influences get into it, it becomes less sacred."

He loved Osaka's cooking

"You are a great cook," he told Osaka in a video for GQ . When asked to guess which of her specialties Cordae likes best, Osaka listed ribeye, shrimp, gnocchi and broccoli. But, he countered that he prefers her fried chicken, mac and cheese and homemade Red Lobster biscuits.

He and Osaka worked out together

The exes liked to hit the gym together. In September 2021, Osaka shared a gym selfie of the two, and Cordae later shared impressive before and after photos that showed his transformation after working out more often.

"While creating this forthcoming album, I was forced to elevate myself in mind, body, and spirit. I've become more self-reflective and self aware than ever. While my vessel has improved, it's nothing compared to my mind, spirit and soul which has reached even greater heights. Still growing, still getting better day by day," he wrote on Instagram .

He's into fashion

The rapper has a keen sense of fashion and has appeared at designer shows in the past. He and Osaka attended the Met Gala together in 2021, and Cordae wore custom Coach for the occasion.

"The look really came together beautifully from the idea we had sent," he told PEOPLE of his Met Gala attire. "Coach really brought it to life in a super super dope way. I'm really happy with the final product and more importantly I feel great in the fit."

He won an Emmy

Cordae won an Emmy for his musical contribution to We the People — an animated TV series executive produced by Barack Obama and Michelle Obama .

The Obamas congratulated Cordae in a letter that read: "We are so proud to have worked with you on We The People . The Emmy is wonderful recognition of your hard work, but more important are the young people who are a little smarter and a little more civically minded as a result. Thank you for your hard work, it means a lot to us. We hope we can continue to find ways to work together."

Osaka announced her split from Cordae in January 2025

The tennis star announced the pair's breakup on Jan. 6. She shared the news on her Instagram Stories and assured fans that there is "no bad blood at all" between her and the rapper.

"Honestly really glad our paths crossed because my daughter is my biggest blessing and I was able to grow a lot from our experiences together," Osaka added.

Read the original article on People