Naomi Osaka will have her favorite cheerleader by her side this time at the US Open. Two-year-old Shai will attend her first tennis match to cheer on her mom.
While speaking with Today in a recent interview, in order to promote her documentary, Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, the 27-year-old mother revealed that Shai will be in the stands at the US Open.
“It would be her first time at a tennis match, so I don’t know how loud she’s going to be,” Osaka said.
She continued, “I think for me, honestly, one of my biggest motivators was, of course, for people to understand the story of motherhood. But, also I kind of wanted a little time capsule for my daughter to watch when she grows up.”
The young tennis legend welcomed her daughter in July of 2023 with ex-boyfriend, Cordae. Since then, Osaka has been very open about needing her village to help raise her daughter as she continues on her journey as a top-notch athlete.
Additionally, the young mom has been very vocal in echoing what all parents know…”parenting is hard.”
In a partnership video with Bobbie, a mom-founded pediatric nutrition company, she shared the sentiment in her caption.
“Being a parent is hard. As a professional athlete, I am no stranger to hard work or early mornings, but the last 6 months as a new mom has given me a whole new appreciation and understanding of what parents do every single day.”
“Parents, moms in particular, are historically told that babies will be a barrier to personal goals — that they will stop you from achieving your dreams. But I have discovered that Shai is my ultimate motivator; she makes me want to achieve greatness,” Osaka continued.
“I’m proud of myself for continuing to chase my dreams while also being a mom,” she added. “And I recognize that I’m fortunate to have the support to return to work this month on my own terms, in my own time. So many American parents don’t have that choice. But we ALL deserve it.”
Osaka is slated to face off against Belgian tennis player, Greet Minnen on Monday, August 25. We will definitely be tuning in to see if we can spot Shai in the stands, cheering her mother on to victory!
Photo Credit: Naomi Osaka Instagram
