Naomi Osaka Shares Heartwarming Moments with Daughter Shai
Naomi Osaka is providing fans with a sweet insight into her life as a new mother alongside her daughter, Shai.
On January 1st, the 27-year-old tennis star — who became a parent for the first time to baby Shai, born in July 2023 with rapper Cordae — posted a series of touching photos on Instagram to commemorate the close of 2024.
One memorable image captured Osaka proudly holding Shai on a tennis court, while another poignant black-and-white photo displayed Shai’s tiny hand resting against her mother’s chest. Additional photos featured the little one sporting an adorable bug-themed backpack and cute pigtails as they both gazed out at the ocean; another image depicted Shai exploring the kitchen in a charming white dress.
Engaging with Fans through Personal Moments
Osaka also shared several intimate moments where she and her daughter faced away from the camera together. Among this delightful photo collection was an image of Shai watching her mom on television from her playpen. Another snapshot showed them seated together on a dock, looking out toward serene waters.
In reflecting on these treasured moments, Osaka wrote: “2024 wrap but it’s pics of me and the cutest girl in the world,” emphasizing her deep affection for her child.
Balancing Motherhood and Athletic Pursuits
While actively participating in competitions such as the upcoming ASB Classic set in Auckland, New Zealand for early January 2025, Osaka has previously expressed that she maintains privacy regarding certain aspects of motherhood amidst sharing glimpses via social media. Yet she’s been candid about navigating challenges before and after giving birth.
In an interview published by InStyle in December 2023, she disclosed that her pregnancy was fraught with complications; notably testing positive for Group B streptococcus—a bacterial infection that poses risks like meningitis or sepsis for newborns—and enduring over 12 hours of labor.
“I don’t think people understand just how challenging pregnancy can be,” she noted during this conversation. “Many tend to romanticize it by thinking it’s simply beautiful right from start to finish when it can actually be very tough.”
A Shift in Wellness Perspectives
Last summer witnessed Osaka discussing how motherhood transformed her views surrounding health during an exclusive statement made to PEOPLE magazine shortly after giving birth.
“As someone continually dedicated to athleticism, my well-being has always ranked highly—now even more so as I return post-pregnancy,” she remarked during their July interview focused around reintegrating herself into tennis life.
“I’m discovering innovative self-care methods that benefit both myself and my family,” continued Osaka passionately. “Deliberate intention is key when prioritizing one’s health—not only as an athlete but also as a mom—the equilibrium amongst various life areas including training becomes crucial.” She concluded by expressing belief that nurturing both body and mind will facilitate reaching goals beyond just those seen on court performances.
