On Sunday, November 24, Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend, American rapper Cordae, took to Instagram to express his admiration for the Japanese tennis star’s latest photoshoot. The shoot took place during Osaka’s recent vacation to the idyllic Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory nestled in the western Caribbean Sea. As a regular social media user, Osaka frequently shares glimpses of her personal and professional life with her millions of followers. This particular post, however, captured the attention of both her fans and her boyfriend, who responded with a playful comment full of wave emojis.
The relationship between Osaka and Cordae has been one of the most talked-about celebrity couples in recent years. The couple, who made their romance public in 2019, has since been inseparable both in the public eye and behind closed doors. Their relationship blossomed in Los Angeles, where they had their first date at a Los Angeles Clippers basketball game. Since then, the couple has become a strong presence in the media, often seen attending events together or supporting each other in their respective careers. In January 2023, just before Osaka prepared to compete at the Australian Open, the couple announced that they were expecting a child. Their daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023, and the pair has been reveling in the joys of parenthood since.
### **Naomi Osaka’s Cayman Islands Getaway**
In the latter part of 2023, Naomi Osaka decided to take a break from the demands of her professional tennis career and spent some quality time in the Cayman Islands with Cordae and their young daughter. The Cayman Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and world-class resorts, provided the perfect backdrop for the Osaka family to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Osaka’s time in the Cayman Islands was not only a retreat from the pressures of her tennis career but also a chance to reconnect with her creative side. She participated in a photoshoot during her vacation, which she later shared with her followers on Instagram. In the photos, Osaka looked stunning as she posed in a short pink dress, effortlessly balancing elegance and playfulness. The tennis icon paired her dress with matching pink heeled shoes and accessorized with a chic Louis Vuitton handbag. One of the most striking aspects of the photoshoot was Osaka’s relaxed yet confident demeanor, which captured the essence of her off-court persona.
The post was simple yet effective, accompanied by the caption “Aesthetic,” reflecting the natural beauty of the surroundings and her own effortless grace. The photos highlighted not just Osaka’s fashion choices, but also her ability to embrace different aspects of her life beyond tennis—showcasing her as a mother, a partner, and a woman with diverse interests and talents.
### **Cordae’s Loving Comment and Support**
Naturally, it didn’t take long for Cordae to weigh in on his girlfriend’s stunning photoshoot. In response to Osaka’s post, Cordae shared his appreciation by commenting with seven wave emojis, a subtle yet affectionate gesture that perfectly encapsulated his admiration for Osaka. His comment was a sweet, public display of love, showing how supportive the rapper is of his partner and her multifaceted life.
This wasn’t the first time Cordae has publicly shown his support for Osaka. Throughout their relationship, he has consistently praised her for her achievements, both on and off the court, and has shared how proud he is of the success she has earned. Whether it’s commenting on her posts, attending her tennis matches, or helping her celebrate milestones, Cordae’s unwavering support has become a constant source of strength for Osaka as she juggles motherhood and her career.
### **Cordae’s New Album and the Changing Music Industry**
While Osaka is enjoying some downtime, Cordae has been busy promoting his own work. On November 15, Cordae released *The Crossroads*, his third studio album, which has garnered attention for its unique blend of hip-hop and socially conscious lyrics. The album is a reflection of Cordae’s growth as an artist and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of modern rap. However, in the days following the album’s release, Cordae took to social media to share his thoughts on the music industry, specifically addressing the significance (or lack thereof) of first-week album sales.
In an Instagram story, Cordae made it clear that he didn’t place much importance on the sales figures often used to measure an album’s success. In a candid message, he stated, “Want to say this now I don’t give a f**k about a first-week sales. It’s a very inaccurate way to calculate impact, especially with the current streaming metrics.” Cordae, who is known for his introspective lyrics and willingness to speak his mind, pointed out that streaming platforms have changed the way people consume music, making traditional sales tracking obsolete.
The rapper used examples from his own career to underscore his point. “I seen somebody do 11K first week and then do an arena tour off the same album,” he continued. “Ni**as said my last project first-week numbers wasn’t good and I ended up doing a sold-out headline tour.” His remarks reflect a larger shift in the music industry, where artists are now focusing more on the long-term impact of their work rather than short-lived chart positions or initial sales figures.
Interestingly, Osaka also played a role in promoting Cordae’s album. Before the release, she took to her own social media to share her excitement about her boyfriend’s upcoming project, helping to build anticipation for its drop. Osaka’s endorsement only further solidified their bond, as the couple continues to navigate the spotlight together, supporting each other’s passions and careers.
### **Naomi Osaka’s 2024 Tennis Season and Recovery**
While Cordae’s album marks a significant moment in his career, Naomi Osaka’s 2024 tennis season was marred by injury, cutting her year short. The four-time Grand Slam champion had been showing signs of a comeback after giving birth to her daughter, but her campaign came to a halt during her fourth-round match against Coco Gauff at the China Open. Osaka, who had been battling an ongoing injury, was forced to retire from the match, and the injury eventually led to her withdrawal from the remainder of the season.
By the end of the 2024 season, Osaka had slipped to World No. 60 in the rankings, a far cry from her former top position. Despite the setbacks, Osaka has remained focused on her recovery and plans to return to the court in 2025. The coming year holds new promise for Osaka as she aims to regain her form and continue her journey as one of the most successful tennis players of her generation.
As she recovers from her injury, Osaka is finding solace in her family life, focusing on raising her daughter and enjoying moments of peace with Cordae. The couple’s unwavering support for each other has become a cornerstone of their relationship, and as Osaka looks ahead to the next chapter of her career, she knows she has the strength of Cordae by her side.
### **Looking Toward the Future**
Both Osaka and Cordae are taking this time to focus on their individual journeys while remaining each other’s biggest supporters. For Osaka, the coming months will be crucial as she looks to return to the tennis court and recapture the form that made her a household name. As for Cordae, *The Crossroads* album marks a new era in his career, and with the support of his girlfriend, he’s ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Together, they are a dynamic couple—one that balances their professional successes with their personal lives. Through it all, they remain united, proving that love, respect, and mutual support are the true keys to their happiness. Fans of both Osaka and Cordae are eagerly awaiting the next chapters in their careers and are rooting for them every step of the way.