Naomi Osaka Celebrates Daughter Shai’s Birthday with Special Wimbledon Win: “Happy Shai Day”
Naomi Osaka had more than just tennis on her mind this week. The four-time Grand Slam champion marked an emotional milestone as she celebrated her daughter Shai’s second birthday on the same day she secured her place in the third round at Wimbledon.
The 27-year-old tennis star, who welcomed Shai in July 2023 with rapper Cordae, captured the heartfelt moment on court after her victory over Katerina Siniakova on July 2.
Beaming as she greeted the crowd, Osaka warmly dedicated her victory to her daughter, joyfully saying, “Happy Shai Day.” She later shared this heartfelt moment with her fans on social media.
Osaka’s second-round triumph also marked her first back-to-back Wimbledon victories since 2018, making the day even more special. Taking to social media, she shared her joy: “My big girl is 2 years old, I can’t believe it!”
Since becoming a mother, Osaka has candidly shared the distinct challenges and rewarding moments that come with juggling her career as a top-tier athlete while embracing the journey of motherhood.
She’s been candid about the pressures of returning to top-level tennis, the realities of postpartum recovery, and the personal growth that has come with this new chapter.
“Moms are superheroes, but they’re also people,” she told InStyle in a previous interview, reflecting on the emotional journey of her time away from the sport. “I want Shai to see that this was an important chapter in my life.”
Osaka has credited her daughter as a source of deep inspiration, sharing that Shai motivates her to strive for greatness every day. “So many people think children will hold you back, but Shai pushes me forward,” Osaka said in a recent family advocacy campaign.
For Naomi Osaka, every match now carries extra meaning—not just for her career, but for the little girl watching her mum make history.
