Naomi Osaka surprised the tennis world on Saturday with the news that she had withdrawn from the 2023 Australian Open, just one week before the tournament was set to kick off. She didn't give a reason at the time, prompting a lot of questions and speculation. But we now know she was keeping a very exciting secret: She's expecting a baby with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae. The 25-year-old mom-to-be made the big reveal in a Twitter post on Wednesday.
Naomi shared an ultrasound photo with her announcement
Her post featured a snapshot of an ultrasound monitor displaying an image of her growing baby. "Can't wait to get back on the court but here's a little life update for 2023," she wrote. Sure, Naomi, just a little life update!
She also included a personal message for her millions of fans
In her note, she shared her excitement for the new journey that lies ahead for her as a mother. "Every day is a new blessing and adventure," she wrote, adding that she can't wait "for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, 'That's my mom' — haha."
Though they have kept details about their romance pretty private, Naomi and Cordae have been dating since 2019. But he's been spotted often at her tennis matches over the years, and she's gone out on tour with him. And now they're set to take their relationship to a whole new level as parents.
Naomi also promised a return to tennis in 2024
While it seems her pregnancy will sideline her from the sport for the remainder of the year, Naomi assured her fans that she looks forward to making a comeback and battling it out on the courts again at the 2024 Australian Open. Her message touched on how much she still loves the sport that she's been playing since the young age of 3.
"These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I've dedicated my life to. I realize that life is short and I don't take any moments for granted," she wrote.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has some great role models to look up to
A number of pro tennis players have shown how to juggle their demanding careers and parenthood with grace, notably among them Serena Williams, who welcomed her daughter, Olympia, in 2017. Before her retirement from the sport in 2022, she was always refreshingly honest and open about the sacrifices she had to make and the challenges she faced trying to balance it all.
"I am not sure who took this picture but working and being a mom is not easy," Serena wrote in one memorable Instagram post in 2020. "I am often exhausted, stressed, and then I go play a professional tennis match. We keep going. I am so proud and inspired by the women who do it day in and day out. I'm proud to be this baby's mama."
We imagine Naomi can learn a lot from Serena's stellar example — and hopefully keep her on speed dial for whenever she's in need of some advice from another tennis mom!
Naomi added a side note to her message
Though it's not clear whether she's referring to her age or the timing of her pregnancy, she ended her post with one final thought: "I don't think there's a perfectly correct path to take in life but always felt that if you move forward with good intentions you'll find your way eventually."
Congratulations to Naomi. Hopefully she'll share more about her pregnancy now that she's taking a break from being a tennis pro.
