It Was Game, Set, Match For Naomi Osaka and Cordae's Love Story

Does anyone else feel like Naomi Osaka and rapper Cordae have been together for way longer than four years? It could be because within the last couple years or so, we've learned so much about their budding romance, like how Cordae had no idea who Osaka was when he asked if they could exchange numbers, or how they kept their relationship under wraps for nearly a year. If you were to ask the couple, they'd tell you they prefer to keep the intimate moments of their relationship just that β€” intimate. "We were dating for almost a year before people knew about us. So we kind of move very reclusively," Cordae told GQ in a joint interview with Osaka back in February 2021.

Since they went public with their relationship in late 2019, the two have been joined at the hip. And on Jan. 11, Osaka announced that she's expecting her first child. From the snippets they do share with us, it's clear they're quite the match. Read about their adorable meet-cute and more adorable relationship moments ahead.

April 2019:  It's Rumored Naomi Osaka and Cordae Are an Item
Getty | Roger Kisby / Stringer

April 2019: It's Rumored Naomi Osaka and Cordae Are an Item

Though it wasn't public knowledge yet, at this point in time Cordae and Osaka had started seeing each other. Speculation that the two were more than friends began circulating as they made flirty advances toward each other on social media, and Cordae was popping up on Osaka's IG Stories more and more frequently.

June 2019: Cordae Cheers On Naomi Osaka at the 2019 US Open
Getty | Tim Clayton - Corbis

June 2019: Cordae Cheers On Naomi Osaka at the 2019 US Open

Cordae unofficially confirmed his relationship status to the tennis superstar when he cheered on Osaka at the 2019 US Open. Though it wasn't given much attention, this was the couple's first public outing. Looking back, Cordae recalls feeling "very out of place" at the tournament, which also happened to be his first time ever watching professional tennis in person. "That was my first time being in an environment like that in my entire life," he told GQ in a 2021 joint interview with Osaka. "My elementary school, middle school, high school was 99.9 percent Black. Kids who look like me. It just felt really weird for me being in that space. That was my first tennis match ever."

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July 31, 2019: Cordae Confirms They're in a Relationship

After making multiple appearances on each other's social media and Cordae's cameo at the 2019 US Open, the rapper officially confirmed he and Osaka are in a very serious relationship. "Yeah, that's my girl," Cordae blushed in an interview with Hot 97. He went on to share they first met at a Los Angeles Clippers game, and he approached Osaka without even knowing who she was. The two hit it off and exchanged numbers, and they have been together ever since.

December 2019: They Make Their First Official Appearance as a Couple
Getty | Allen Berezovsky

December 2019: They Make Their First Official Appearance as a Couple

It looks like Osaka and Cordae can definitely get a little bit sentimental. With their relationship officially in the open, the pair stepped out together on the eve of their one-year anniversary from when they first met. To celebrate, they went back to the place where it all started: the Staples Center. Photos were captured of the two snuggling up with each other throughout the night.

September 2020: Cordae Accompanies Naomi Osaka to the 2020 US Open
Getty | Matthew Stockman

September 2020: Cordae Accompanies Naomi Osaka to the 2020 US Open

Cordae was alongside Osaka at the 2020 US Open, though his attendance wasn't originally planned, Osaka recalled to GQ. She explained that typically her father is the person who accompanies her to all her tennis tournaments because "he's sort of like the guy that keeps me calm." However, because of COVID-19, her father was unable to make the journey, so Cordae stepped in. "During the whole New York thing and with everything that was going on, I started to feel really depressed. Sometimes I would call Cordae, and maybe in some of the calls I would cry," Osaka said. "And he flew out, even though he was really busy. I really appreciated that." Of course, how could anyone forget Cordae's spirited reaction when he saw Osaka clinch the championship title?

Feb. 10, 2021: Naomi Osaka and Cordae Tell Their Love Story to GQ

Ahead of Valentine's Day, Naomi and Cordae virtually sat down with GQ in a joint interview where they discussed what it's like being a newer couple while in quarantine, and a famous couple at that. "We kind of move very reclusively," Cordae explained, adding that they prefer not to post too much about their relationship. "A relationship is really a sacred thing. Once you let outside influences get into it, it becomes less sacred." Osaka shared that before their relationship went public, she would dodge questions about her love life because she was nervous it would "blow up."

July 10, 2021: Cordae Is Naomi Osaka's Date to the ESPY Awards
Getty | Kevin Mazur

July 10, 2021: Cordae Is Naomi Osaka's Date to the ESPY Awards

At the 2021 ESPY Awards, Osaka was awarded best athlete in women's sports, and though the couple did not make their red carpet debut, they did take a few photos together before and after the awards ceremony, which Osaka later shared to Instagram.

Sept. 13, 2021: Naomi Osaka and Cordae Attend the Met Gala
Getty | Allen Berezovsky

Sept. 13, 2021: Naomi Osaka and Cordae Attend the Met Gala

Osaka and Cordae made their official red carpet debut together at the 2021 Met Gala, which Osaka cohosted. The theme of the event was American style, to accompany the Met's exhibit America: a Lexicon of Fashion. Osaka wore a custom Louis Vuitton gown for the event, and Cordae wore a custom Coach trench coat.

January 2023: Naomi Osaka and Cordae Are Expecting a Baby

On Jan. 11, the tennis star announced on Instagram that she's expecting her first child. "The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it's the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun," she said. "These few months away from sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I've dedicated my life to. I realize that life is so short and I don't take any moments for granted. [Every day] is a new blessing and adventure."

"I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I'm looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone 'that's my mom', haha," she continued. "2023 will be a year that'll be full of lessons for me and I hope I'll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I'll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely."