Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has recently made headlines not just for her athletic prowess but also for significant changes in her personal life. The Japanese tennis star, who has been one of the most recognizable faces in professional tennis, announced in January 2025 that she and her long-term partner, American rapper Cordae, have ended their five-year relationship. This announcement came as a surprise to many fans who had followed their journey from their first public appearance in 2019 to becoming parents to their daughter Shai in July 2023.
The 27-year-old tennis champion took to Instagram to share the news with her followers, emphasizing that despite their separation, there remains mutual respect and a commitment to co-parenting their 17-month-old daughter. “Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship,” Osaka wrote in her Instagram Stories. “No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad. 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.”
This development marks a new chapter for Osaka, who has been balancing both her professional tennis career and motherhood since welcoming Shai. The timing of the announcement, coming just days before the Australian Open, demonstrates Osaka’s characteristic transparency with her fans about significant life events. As she continues to focus on her tennis career and raising her daughter, many are curious about what this means for her future relationships and personal life.
The End of a Five-Year Romance
Naomi Osaka (Image via Getty)
Naomi Osaka and Cordae’s relationship officially began in 2019, though they kept their romance relatively private in its early stages. The couple first sparked dating rumors in April 2019 when Osaka posted a playful video of them together on Instagram. Their relationship was confirmed publicly by Cordae during a July 2019 interview with HOT 97, where he acknowledged Osaka as “his girl.”
The announcement of their breakup came on January 6, 2025, when Osaka shared the news through her Instagram Stories. The timing was particularly notable as it occurred just days before the Australian Open, where Osaka was expected to compete. The tennis star’s approach to sharing this personal news reflected the same openness she has shown throughout their relationship, choosing to address the situation directly rather than letting speculation continue.
What made their breakup announcement particularly mature was Osaka’s emphasis on maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of their daughter and their mutual respect. She specifically highlighted Cordae’s qualities as both a person and a father, indicating that their separation was amicable and focused on what’s best for their family unit moving forward.
Who Is Cordae?
Cordae Amari Dunston, professionally known as Cordae, is a 27-year-old American rapper, singer, and songwriter who has made significant waves in the hip-hop industry. The Grammy Award nominee was previously part of the YBN Crew before establishing himself as a solo artist. His relationship with Osaka brought him additional media attention, though he was already building a successful music career independently.
Interestingly, when Cordae first met Osaka at a Los Angeles Clippers game in December 2019, he had no idea who she was professionally. “It’s not my sport. 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 admitted in interviews. This lack of preconceived notions about her tennis fame may have contributed to the authentic foundation of their relationship.
Throughout their relationship, Cordae became increasingly involved in the tennis world, regularly attending Osaka’s matches and showing visible support during her victories. His enthusiastic celebration during Osaka’s 2020 U.S. Open victory, where he was photographed jumping excitedly in the stands while wearing a “Defund the Police” t-shirt, became an iconic moment that demonstrated his support for both her career and social justice causes.
Their Journey to Parenthood
Naomi Osaka (Image via Getty)
One of the most significant milestones in Osaka and Cordae’s relationship was the arrival of their daughter, Shai, in July 2023. Osaka announced her pregnancy in January 2023, shortly after withdrawing from the Australian Open. The couple had kept the pregnancy relatively private initially, with Osaka revealing in May 2023 that they were expecting a baby girl.
The pregnancy brought both joy and challenges for the couple. During her pregnancy, Osaka faced medical concerns including Group B streptococcus, which required antibiotic treatment, and the discovery that the umbilical cord was wrapped around their unborn child’s neck. Despite these complications, Shai was born healthy on July 7, 2023.
In December 2023, Osaka spoke candidly about their transition to parenthood in an interview with InStyle, describing the significant adjustment period they experienced. “There was a huge adjustment period,” she explained. “It was life-changing in a day. From the moment that you come back home from the hospital, everything’s different.” She praised their co-parenting dynamic, noting that they had “built a really good foundation” and respected each other’s opinions when it came to raising Shai.
Signs of Trouble and the Breakup
While the couple had maintained a relatively private relationship throughout their time together, there were subtle signs that suggested potential relationship challenges in the months leading up to their official announcement. Speculation about their relationship status began in September 2024 when Osaka posted about “the art of loving yourself” on social media, followed by another post expressing a desire for “someone who will watch the sunset with me.”
The most telling sign came when both Osaka and Cordae removed all their Instagram posts featuring each other, leading fans to speculate about a potential breakup. This digital cleansing of their shared memories was particularly notable given how they had previously celebrated their relationship milestones publicly, including birthday tributes and supportive posts about each other’s careers.
Just one day before announcing their breakup, Osaka posted a cryptic message on Instagram that seemed to hint at significant life changes. “I’ve come to the conclusion that what’s meant for me is meant for me,” she wrote, “and maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what’s to come. Maybe there are bigger and better things on my path, and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them.”
Current Relationship Status and Future Outlook
Naomi Osaka (Image via Getty)
As of January 2025, Naomi Osaka is officially single following her amicable separation from Cordae. The tennis star has made it clear that her primary focus remains on two key areas: her professional tennis career and co-parenting their daughter, Shai. Her mature approach to the breakup, emphasizing mutual respect and their shared commitment to their child’s well-being, suggests that both parents are prioritizing Shai’s stability during this transition.
Osaka’s return to competitive tennis has been a significant focus since becoming a mother. She reached her first WTA final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic, though she was forced to withdraw due to an abdominal injury. This return to form on the tennis court indicates her dedication to rebuilding her professional career while managing her responsibilities as a single mother.
The tennis champion has not indicated any interest in dating or pursuing new romantic relationships at this time. Her recent social media activity suggests she is embracing this new chapter of independence and personal growth. “That being sai,d this is about to be a great year,” she concluded in her cryptic pre-breakup post, indicating optimism about her future.
Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim has captured hearts not only on the halfpipe but also in her personal life, with her romantic journey taking several interesting turns over the years. The 25-year-old snowboarding sensation, who has dominated winter sports with her incredible talent and charismatic personality, recently made headlines when she appeared alongside NFL superstar Myles Garrett at a high-profile awards ceremony in Tokyo.
Kim’s dating life has been a subject of public interest, particularly given her status as one of America’s most beloved Olympic athletes. The two-time Olympic gold medalist has always been relatively private about her relationships, but recent developments have thrust her love life into the spotlight in ways she may not have anticipated. From her previous relationship with skateboarder Evan Berle to her current rumored romance with one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players, Kim’s romantic journey reflects the complexities of maintaining personal relationships while being in the public eye as a professional athlete.
The snowboarding champion’s approach to relationships has evolved significantly since she first gained international fame as a teenager. Now, at 25, she appears more confident in sharing glimpses of her personal life with the public, as evidenced by her recent red carpet appearance that sent social media into a frenzy and sparked widespread speculation about her relationship status.
Previous Relationship with Evan Berle
Chloe Kim and Evan Berle (Image via Getty)
Before her current rumored romance made headlines, Chloe Kim was in a relationship with professional skateboarder Evan Berle. The couple began dating in January 2020, creating what many considered a perfect match between two extreme sports athletes who understood the demands and pressures of professional competition.
Berle was notably supportive during Kim’s most significant career achievements, including her historic performance at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. When Kim became the first woman ever to successfully land back-to-back 1080s and defended her Olympic gold medal in the halfpipe, Berle was among those celebrating her groundbreaking accomplishment.
However, their relationship came to an end, with Kim announcing their split during the 20th Annual Unforgettable Gala at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Speaking candidly about her relationship status, Kim revealed that she and Berle were no longer together, stating that she was “a single lady for the holidays.” The breakup appeared to be amicable, with Kim expressing optimism about focusing on her career and spending quality time with her family during the transition period.
The Myles Garrett Connection
The most recent and arguably most surprising development in Chloe Kim’s love life involves her connection with Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. The 29-year-old NFL superstar, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighs over 270 pounds, creates quite the visual contrast with the 5-foot-3 snowboarder, yet their chemistry has been undeniable.
Their relationship first came to public attention during the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards held at the Grand Prince Hotel Takawana in Tokyo on May 25, 2025. The event proved to be the perfect setting for what many are calling a “hard launch” of their relationship, as both athletes are known anime enthusiasts.
Garrett’s presence at the awards ceremony was particularly significant, as he attended specifically to support Kim, who served as a presenter during the evening’s festivities. The NFL star’s willingness to accompany Kim to an event celebrating Japanese animation demonstrated his commitment to supporting her interests and career achievements.
Red Carpet Chemistry and Public Debut
Chloe Kim (Image via Getty)
The couple’s appearance at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards created an immediate sensation on social media and in sports journalism circles. Their red carpet chemistry was impossible to ignore, with photographers capturing numerous moments of affection and connection between the two athletes.
Kim wore an elegant off-the-shoulder black dress with white accents and a distinctive bow detail, while Garrett complemented her look in a sophisticated dark navy blue suit with a matching black bow tie. The coordination of their outfits suggested careful planning and consideration for their public debut as a couple.
One particularly memorable moment occurred during Kim’s interview with reporters when she enthusiastically mentioned the word “romance” in response to a question about anime genres. Garrett’s immediate and unmistakable smile in response to her comment was captured on camera and quickly went viral, providing what many considered confirmation of their romantic relationship.
Throughout the evening, Garrett demonstrated remarkable support for Kim’s professional obligations, standing nearby as she conducted interviews and posed for photographs. His body language conveyed both pride and affection, with sources describing their interactions as “very coupley” throughout the event.
Career Achievements and Compatibility
Both Kim and Garrett represent the pinnacle of success in their respective sports, making them a formidable power couple in the athletic world. Kim’s achievements include two Olympic gold medals in halfpipe snowboarding, with victories in both the 2018 PyeongChang Games and the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She recently secured her third World Championship title in March 2025 and has qualified for her third Olympic team for the 2026 Games.
Garrett’s NFL career has been equally impressive, with the defensive end establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant players. He is a six-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-Team All-Pro, and was named the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. His recent contract extension with the Cleveland Browns, worth $160 million over four years with $123 million guaranteed, makes him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in NFL history.
Their shared interests extend beyond their athletic achievements, with both being passionate anime fans. This common ground likely contributed to their connection and provided the perfect backdrop for their public debut at an anime-focused awards ceremony.
Current Relationship Status
Chloe Kim (Image via Getty)
While neither Kim nor Garrett has officially confirmed their relationship through traditional announcements or social media posts, their public appearance and body language have provided substantial evidence of their romantic connection. The timing of their debut suggests a relationship that has developed beyond casual dating, particularly given Garrett’s willingness to accompany Kim to a high-profile international event.
The couple’s approach to their relationship appears measured and mature, allowing their actions and public appearances to speak for themselves rather than rushing into formal announcements. This strategy reflects both athletes’ experience with media attention and their understanding of how to manage public interest in their personal lives.
As both continue to excel in their respective careers, with Kim preparing for the 2026 Olympics and Garrett entering his ninth NFL season, their relationship represents an intriguing intersection of winter sports and professional football excellence.
