Naomi Osaka 'Overwhelmed With Love' by Daughter Shai's Post-Match Message

Osaka shares heartwarming video of her 2-year-old daughter cheering her on after a match

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:52am

Naomi Osaka, the former World No. 1 tennis player, recently shared a heartwarming video of her 2-year-old daughter Shai sending her a message of support and pride after one of Osaka's matches. Osaka said she feels 'overwhelmed with love' when she listens to these messages from Shai, who is Osaka's personal cheerleader.

Why it matters

Osaka's openness about her personal life and the special bond she shares with her young daughter provides a glimpse into the human side of elite athletes, showing that even the world's best players are motivated by the love and support of their families.

The details

Osaka announced she was pregnant with her first child in January 2023 and welcomed daughter Shai in July of that year. The four-time Grand Slam singles champion recently shared a video on social media of Shai cheering her on after a match, saying 'Hi mommy! Hi mommy! You played good. I'm so proud of you. Bye.' Osaka said these are the types of messages she gets to listen to after her matches, which leave her 'overwhelmed with love'.

  • Osaka announced her pregnancy in January 2023.
  • Shai was born in July 2023.
  • Osaka recently shared the video of Shai's message on social media.

The players

Naomi Osaka

A former World No. 1 tennis player who has won four Grand Slam singles titles.

Shai

Osaka's 2-year-old daughter who is her personal cheerleader.

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What they’re saying

“Hi mommy! Hi mommy! You played good. I'm so proud of you. Bye.”

— Shai

What’s next

Osaka is scheduled to compete at the 2026 Miami Open, which will take place from March 15 to March 29, 2026. She is seeded 16th and will begin her campaign in the second round after a first-round bye.

The takeaway

Osaka's heartwarming relationship with her young daughter Shai shows that even the world's top athletes are motivated by the love and support of their families, providing a more human side to the high-pressure world of professional sports.