Naomi Osaka shares first photo of her baby daughter – in a tennis-themed outfit – after becoming a mother as she looks to return to the court
Tennis star Naomi Osaka uploads her first social media post since giving birth, gives a glimpse of her 25-year-old daughter and hints at a tennis comebackDailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has shared her first glimpse of her baby girl after welcoming her rapper boyfriend Korde into the world.
The 25-year-old shared five photos on Thursday with the first showing her daughter in a tennis-themed outfit hiding her face.
Her child wore a white all-in-one with embroidered green and pink tennis rackets and tennis balls.
She also shared a snap of her baby bump in a hospital bed and a photo of her celebrating back home – complete with pink balloons and rose petals.
Earlier in the year, Osaka said she would return for the Australian Open in 2024 when she announced she was pregnant, and she looks set to return to a tennis court soon.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has uploaded her first social media post after giving birth to a baby girl
The 25-year-old shared five pictures on Thursday, including a picture of him in the hospital
Alongside the images she wrote: ‘Well that was a great little break, now back to your regularly scheduled programme,’ followed by a tennis ball emoji.
On his Instagram story on Wednesday night, he shared a video of Chris Eubanks, who enjoyed a fairytale run at Wimbledon, saying: ‘I know I can compete with some of the best players in the world, although I didn’t quite know or know. Before that.’
Osaka wrote: ‘I had to take a nine-month break to realize it.’
She has been in a relationship with the Grammy-nominated American rapper since 2019.
Osaka is a four-time major winner, winning twice in Australia and twice at the US Open in New York.
After announcing her pregnancy, she said in a social media post with a photo of a baby scan: ‘Can’t wait to get back on court but here’s a little life update for 2023.
‘The last few years have been interesting to say the least, but I’ve found that it’s the most challenging times in life that can be the most fun.
‘These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the sport I have dedicated my life to. I realize that life is too short and I don’t take any moment for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure.
‘I know I have a lot to look forward to in my future, the one thing I’m looking forward to is my kid watching one of my matches and saying to someone, ‘That’s my mum.’
She has been in a relationship with rapper Korday since 2019. Pictures of this couple in 2020
She announced last month that she is expecting a daughter with the rap star
Osaka has previously spoken openly about her struggle to handle the expectations around her in tennis.
After a shock loss to Lelah Fernandez at the US Open in 2021, she tearfully said: ‘I honestly don’t know when I’m going to play my next tennis match.
‘I think I’m going to take a break from the game for a while. I think when I win I don’t feel happy, I feel relief. And when I lose I feel bad. And I don’t think it’s normal.’
It came months after he withdrew from the French Open that year, revealing that he had previously struggled with depression after refusing to do post-match interviews.
Osaka said she will miss the 2023 season after becoming pregnant with her first child
‘I never wanted to be confused and I admit that my timing was not ideal and that my message could have been clearer. More importantly, I will never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly,’ he said.
‘Anyone who knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone who’s seen me at a tournament will notice that I often wear headphones because it helps reduce my social anxiety.
‘While the tennis press has always been kind to me (and I especially want to apologize to all the quiet journalists I’ve offended), I’m not a natural public speaker and I get huge waves of anxiety before speaking to the world’s media.
‘I get really nervous and always feel pressured to try to engage and give the best answer I can.’