The year 2023 was a special one in the lives of Naomi Osaka and her boyfriend, Cordae. The power couple welcomed their first child back in July last year. It was a life-changing moment for Osaka and Cordae and the two have often shared adorable glimpses of their family. As their daughter Shai turns a year older next month, Osaka made a candid confession on the father-daughter relationship.

Despite their busy schedule, Cordae and Osaka make sure to spend quality time with their daughter, so much so that Cordae has spoilt Shai with his love and affection, according to Osaka. During an interview, the Japanese tennis star was asked if she was more of a strict mother or easy-going.

Replying to this question, Osaka got candid and said, “Her dad spoils her a lot so I feel like I have no choice but to be a little stricter. But she’s so cute. I don’t feel like I do that well but yeah, wanting her to explore the world but also knowing that I’m here to protect her.”

Osaka took a maternity break last year away from tennis. Subsequently, she made a comeback earlier this season and has shown flashes of her best, albeit inconsistently. Recently, she went down fighting against Iga Swiatek in the French Open, but gave a good fight to stretch the eventual champion. Meanwhile, Osaka also showed how protective she is as a mother with an endearing statement.

Naomi Osaka wants to take it one step at a time

Recently, Osaka was asked if she would want her daughter to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in tennis. However, Osaka shrugged off the question as her daughter Shai is not even a year old. Moreover, Osaka doesn’t intend to expose Shai to the tennis courts as of yet. Nonetheless, the Japanese star didn’t deny as she might consider taking Shai to the tennis stadium when she is a bit older.

Subsequently, asked if her daughter watches her matches, Osaka said, “Oh yeah um she has watched my matches before but she watches on TV. I uh don’t really want to bring her on to site yet maybe when she’s a little older.”

During the recently-concluded French Open, Shai joined Osaka on her trip to Paris. It was probably the first time she had her child with her during a tennis tournament and she was elated with it. It goes to show how pure a mother’s love for her child is!