Naomi Osaka Teases Non-Traditional Baby Names, Thanks Support System

The tennis pro is expecting her first child with boyfriend Cordae.

Naomi Osaka.Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Tennis star Naomi Osaka is expecting her first baby with boyfriend Cordae later this year. The 25-year-old opened up to People about how pregnancy has been treating her so far. She announced the news on Instagram in January and has been open about her experience so far. 

“We have been discussing names,” she said. “I would say that we are going for something more unique than traditional.”

Osaka added that she does have cravings but she hasn’t had a desire to eat anything that far out of the ordinary yet. For now, she’s putting time and effort into herself so she can be the “best version” of herself when the little one arrives. The Way Champs Play author revealed that while she knows the sex of the baby, her partner does not.

“Obviously, I’ve never been a mother before so I’m taking it day by day and just trying to be someone that my son or daughter will be proud of,” she said, adding that she is fortunate to have a great support system. “There are several mothers in my life, all at different phases of motherhood. It’s been nice having them share recommendations and tips along the way.”

Osaka, who recently created a line of sustainable and maternity-friendly sleepwear with Victoria’s Secret, also spoke about her partnership with Modern Health. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion and the company released a collection of children’s meditations for a variety of age groups to help kids learn about mental health and wellness.

“I love that I am able to help create resources for kids that weren’t available or common when I was a kid,” she said. “I hope that kids are able to learn how to manage their feelings and emotions at an early age so that they can continue to use these tools later in life.”

Osaka recently reflected on her decision to voluntarily withdraw from the French Open in 2021 for personal mental health reasons.

“It’s always really heartwarming when people tell me that I have helped them with their own struggles. I remember being in a grocery store one time and someone stopped me to tell me how much I meant to them as they were dealing with their own mental health struggles,” Osaka told People. “At the time, I was doing it for myself but I realized that my decision to help myself was also helping many others.”

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