Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka is now a mom.
Osaka and her rapper boyfriend, Cordae, welcomed a baby girl in Los Angeles, People reported on Tuesday.
The four-time Grand Slam singles champion and her daughter are reportedly doing well after the birth.
Osaka announced her pregnancy on Instagram in January, and while awaiting her daughter’s arrival, said she’s trying to be the “best version” of herself.
“I would say for me, I just want to be the best version of myself,” Osaka said. “Obviously, I’ve never been a mother before so I’m taking it day-by-day and just trying to be someone that my son or daughter will be proud of.”
Osaka has been very open about her mental health struggles in the past, voluntarily withdrawing from the 2021 French Open after being fined for not participating in post-match interviews.
Naomi Osaka at her baby shower, on Instagram.
Before the tournament began, Osaka said she wouldn’t be talking to the media to help her mental health.
“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer,” she said on Instagram. “More importantly, I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly.”
While the prospect of being a mom was initially nerve-racking, Osaka has gained a new perspective on life through the process.
“I realize that life is so short and I don’t take any moments for granted, every day is a new blessing and adventure,” Osaka said.
“I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom,’ haha.”
Naomi Osaka and Cordae. naomiosaka/InstagramThe couple hasn’t revealed their baby’s name but previously said they were going to opt for something more unique.
Osaka is currently focussed on being a mom, but she promised she would return to the tennis court in the coming year.
“2023 will be a year that’ll be full of lessons for me and I hope I’ll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I’ll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely,” Osaka said in the Instagram announcement post.
The birth of Osaka’s daughter comes on the same day that Elina Svitolina advanced to the semifinals at Wimbledon, just six months after she gave birth to her own daughter.
Photo from Naomi Osaka’s pregnancy announcement on Instagram.
Svitolina beat No. 1 seed Iga Świątek on Tuesday and will face Markéta Vondroušová on Thursday for a spot in the finals.
