Cordae Reflects on Fatherhood After Breakup with Naomi Osaka

BEIJING, China — Rapper Cordae shared a heartfelt reflection on fatherhood while visiting the Great Wall of China. The artist, 28, posted a photo of himself there on Instagram, wearing a red shirt that reads “Harvard Dad.” In his caption, Cordae expressed pride in his role as a father to his daughter, Shai.

Cordae and tennis star Naomi Osaka first grabbed attention as a couple in 2019 at a Los Angeles Clippers game. Since then, he has regularly supported her during her tennis matches and significant tournaments, including her Grand Slam victories. Their bond strengthened, and in January 2023, Osaka revealed she was expecting their first child.

In July 2023, the couple welcomed Shai, whose name means “God’s gift.” The two announced their separation on Instagram in January 2025, after nearly six years together. Despite their breakup, Osaka described Cordae as “a great person and an awesome dad,” emphasizing there was “no bad blood” between them. She expressed gratitude for their journey and called Shai her “biggest blessing.”

Both Cordae and Osaka have committed to co-parenting. Osaka has openly discussed balancing her return to tennis with motherhood, while Cordae has shown pride in being involved in their daughter’s life. His recent post underscored these sentiments, highlighting his identity as a devoted father.

Meanwhile, Osaka’s tennis career faces challenges as she recently lost in the opening round of the China Open to Aliaksandra Sasnovich. She now prepares for the Wuhan Open, where she will compete against Leylah Fernandez.