Everything to Know About Naomi Osaka’s 2-Year-Old Daughter Shai

Naomi Osaka is sharing more about her motherhood experience in her new documentary.

The four-time Grand Slam singles champion welcomed her first child, daughter Shai, in July 2023 with her ex-boyfriend, rapper Cordae. Now, Osaka is sharing more about balancing her tennis career with being Shai’s mom in her new Tubi documentary, Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, which premiered on Aug. 24.

“I have multiple identities. My return to the sport is a love letter for moms,” Osaka said in a trailer. “Some people say she ended my career, but for me, it feels like she started my career.”

Osaka first revealed she was expecting a baby in January 2023 in a since-deleted Instagram post.

“Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023,” Osaka captioned her post, featuring a carousel of images that included a photo of an ultrasound screen and a heartfelt message. In the note, which was written in English and Japanese in the following slides, the tennis star reflected on her next chapter.

“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. 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,” she wrote.

“I realize that life is so short and I don’t take any moments for granted, every day is a new blessing and adventure. 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,” Osaka continued in part.

She also vowed to return to tennis after welcoming her firstborn with Cordae, whom she began dating in 2019. In fact, just six weeks after giving birth to Shai, Osaka was back on the grind and shared her intense workouts on social media.

Here’s everything to know about Osaka and Cordae’s baby girl, Shai.

Her name has a special meaning

When speaking with PEOPLE in early 2023, the mom-to-be hinted at her thoughts on baby names. “We have been discussing names. I would say that we are going for something more unique than traditional,” she said at the time.

Osaka’s then-boyfriend Cordae announced their daughter’s name while performing a concert at Canada’s Calgary Stampede in July 2023.

“My daughter Shai was just born a couple days ago, so I dedicate this performance to my baby girl Shai,” he told the audience in between songs. “Love you, I’m going back home.”

Amid her maternity leave from tennis, Osaka explained to ESPN at the 2023 US Open why she and Cordae chose their daughter’s name. Shai means “God’s gift,” she revealed.

“That’s how I wanted her to feel, like she’s God’s gift to me and her dad,” the athlete added.

As for how motherhood was treating Osaka, she said, “It’s definitely a weird feeling knowing that someone relies on me.”

However, she knows who to reach out to for help when needed. “I still call my mom all the time,” Osaka shared. “And knowing that this little person is going to grow up and do the same … I’m excited for it.”

Osaka didn’t immediately reveal her baby’s sex

In June 2023, Osaka announced she was expecting a baby girl during a princess-themed baby shower.

“☺️🤍💜,” she captioned a since-deleted Instagram post, which featured photos of the tennis star posing in front of pink and purple balloons.

Although she revealed the sex of her baby in June, the pro tennis player had known since February.

“I’ve been preparing, but he doesn’t know the gender yet, only I know,” Osaka told PEOPLE, referencing Cordae. “So it’s not like I can build out the room or anything.”

She made her Instagram debut in July 2023

Though Osaka and Cordae have kept Shai’s face off social media, the new mom shared a first glimpse of their little one on Instagram shortly after her birth.

In a now-deleted post, Shai wore a white onesie with tennis motifs scattered across the fabric. Osaka also included a picture of her bump, her in the hospital and a snap of a picnic with “Mom” balloons in the background.

“Well that was a cool little intermission,” Osaka captioned the post. “Now back to your regularly scheduled program 🎾✌🏾💕.”

Osaka wants to make Shai proud

Osaka wants to put mental health first, for her baby and all kids around the globe. Prior to giving birth to Shai, the then-mom-to-be teamed up with Modern Health to launch a collection of children’s meditations to learn about mental health and wellness.

When the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey warned of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis, Osaka hoped to be part of the change, from speaking out about her own mental health to being a resource for other young people.

Like other new parents, Osaka wants a better world for her own child to grow and thrive in and begins that work with herself. “For me, I just want to be the best version of myself,” she told PEOPLE in March 2023.

“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,” she added.

Her nursery is “cloud themed”

Shortly after Shai’s birth, Osaka spoke with PEOPLE about her daughter’s nursery and the meaning behind its design.

“I wanted something that felt very peaceful and serene that would help the baby and me feel comfortable,” she explained. “The Crate & Kids team really brought that vibe to life through the color palette and all the textures, but also through the beautiful cloud mural they painted on the walls.”

However, pinpointing a creative direction wasn’t easy.

“That was the hardest part because I liked them all and it was difficult to pick one!” she admitted. “We ultimately landed on the cloud theme, which feels really perfect for what we envisioned.”

She will cheer on her mom at the US Open

During an August 2025 appearance on Today, Osaka shared that Shai will see her mom play for the first time at the US Open.

“It would be her first time at a tennis match, so I don’t know how loud she’s going to be,” Osaka said.