Naomi Osaka has enjoyed a stunning US Open and has been playing her best tennis since returning from a hiatus she had after falling pregnant with her first child.

Osaka, 27, gave birth to Shai in 2023, and the tennis star admitted that it completely changed her perspective on life. When she was removed from tennis, Osaka reflected greatly on her career and credits her daughter with helping to reorganize her priorities.

The former World No. 1 shares her daughter with rapper Cordae, but their relationship ended at the start of January. Osaka said in a statement that there was “no bad blood” but hinted in a deleted post that they had decided to go on different “paths” which led to the decision. It comes as Osaka was almost reduced to tears by one “devastating” question.

On Jan. 6, Osaka confirmed that she was no longer in a relationship with Cordae. “Hi everyone, just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer in a relationship,” she wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

A day earlier, Osaka posted several photos from her trip to Auckland, New Zealand, and included a message written on her notes app. The message read: “I’ve come to the conclusion that what’s meant for me is meant for me.

“And maybe certain situations occur to train my mind for what’s to come. Maybe there’s bigger and better things on my path and I just have to continue the journey to encounter them.”

Osaka deleted the post and issued her relationship update the following day. Cordae has not commented publicly on the breakup.

In an interview with InStyle in December 2023, Osaka said that Cordae was a great guy and respected how they co-parented Shai. “I don’t know if it’s because he’s just an easygoing guy, but I think we just respect each other’s opinions,” she said.

“And if we disagree on something, we talk it out. At the end of the day, we both want what’s best for Shai.”

Osaka has bounced back from the breakup in style, focusing on her tennis career and rediscovering her previous form. Despite a first-round exit at the French Open, she reached the third round of the Australian Open and Wimbledon, but her main breakthrough was at the US Open.

After reaching the fourth round, Osaka produced a major upset after beating No. 3 seed Coco Gauff in straight sets. Osaka has guaranteed herself a top-15 ranking following the conclusion of the US Open, and could further strengthen her position heading into 2026.

It came as another US Open star revealed something “very sad” about Osaka’s loss to Amanda Anisimova.Â