Naomi Osaka's boyfriend Cordae shows his support for Japanese, watches from her player's box as she battles Iga Swiatek in French Open 2R
Naomi Osaka's boyfriend and rapper Cordae made an appearance at the 2024 French Open on Wednesday, attending her high-profile clash against two-time defending champion Iga Swiatek. Cordae, who had earlier revealed that he was in Paris ahead of the battle, dropped in on Roland Garros to watch his girlfriend in action from her player's box.
Osaka and Cordae have been dating since 2019, and the rapper was in attendance during the 2020 US Open as well when the former World No. 1 won the title.
The 26-year-old even credited him for helping her win the trophy at Flushing Meadows afterwards.
“I feel like he actually really helped me win just, like, keeping up the motivation," Osaka said.
The duo became parents for the first time last year, with the Japanese giving birth to a daughter (named Shai) in July.
On May 29, Swiatek and Osaka clashed in the second round in Paris as Cordae looked on. The occasion marked the third time the duo faced on tour, and the first time at a Grand Slam. The head-to-head is currently at 1-1, with the French Open marking their first encounter on clay as well.
At the time of publication, the score was all even in the opening set at 5-5 after Naomi Osaka retrieved an early break of serve.
"He’s just an easygoing guy" - Naomi Osaka on her boyfriend Cordae
Speaking about their relationship with reporters, Naomi Osaka's boyfriend Cordae had once revealed he did not know much about tennis before he got together with the Japanese.
The rapper stated that he only knew about Venus and Serena Williams, and that too only because they were a part of American culture.
"It’s not my sport. If you asked me about tennis, before being immersed in it because of Naomi, I could only give you Venus and Serena Williams, you know? Because they’re just a part of the culture," Cordae said.
Osaka has shared her admiration for Cordae, stating in an interview with InStyle after her pregnancy that the pair have built a really good foundation for their family. She hailed Cordae as an "easygoing guy," which helps the relationship further.
"We built a really good foundation. I don’t know if it’s because he’s just an easygoing guy, but I think we just respect each other’s opinions. 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 said.