Naomi Osaka is thriving in the supportive atmosphere at the Mubadala DC Open, enjoying the passionate support of local fans during her campaign. The former world No. 1 has highlighted a personal connection to the DMV area as she looks to end her five-year tour-level title drought at the WTA 500 event.
Naomi Osaka Stumbles While Addressing Her Boyfriend’s DMV Roots
As the No. 3 seed, Osaka received a first-round bye at the DC Open before squaring off against Ashlyn Krueger in the second round. She advanced to the quarterfinals after Krueger was forced to retire from the match due to an ankle injury. The four-time Grand Slam champion then defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to book a spot in the semifinals.
Osaka appeared on the Tennis Channel after her victory and spoke about how she feels at home at the WTA 500 event. She added that winning her first tour-level title since the 2021 Australian Open at the venue would be especially meaningful, with her daughter, Shai, by her side.
“I mean honestly coming off Wimbledon it would mean a lot, especially here. I feel like everyone’s so kind to me and it really does feel like home. So I really appreciate everyone. And I was telling my team it kind of feels like my backyard because I drove up here from my house and, my daughter’s here, so I would appreciate winning here a lot. But obviously there’s two more matches to go against two very good opponents,” Osaka said.
When asked to elaborate on her personal connection to the area, Osaka said her “boyfriend” is from the DMV region. She humorously poked fun at herself for failing to pinpoint the exact area before clarifying that he is from Washington, D.C.
“I don’t know if I’m supposed to say partner, my boyfriend. I don’t know, but his family is from here. He grew up here a little bit,” she said. “Wait, I’m failing the test. He told me multiple times.”
While Osaka did not identify the person she was referring to, it is worth noting that her ex-boyfriend, Cordae, is from the DMV area. The rapper grew up in Suitland, Maryland, just a mile from Washington, D.C.
Osaka and Cordae began dating in 2019 after a chance meeting at an NBA game. The couple welcomed their daughter, Shai, in July 2023 and ultimately ended their relationship in 2025 after over five years together.
Despite the breakup, the four-time Grand Slam champion made it clear there was “no bad blood” between them and described Cordae as a “great person and awesome dad.” They have since maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship.
MORE: ‘I Can’t Help It’ – Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Sacrificing Sleep for Daughter Shai Amid DC Open Run
With a place in the DC Open final at stake, Naomi Osaka will lock horns with Alexandra Eala in a highly anticipated semifinal battle at the WTA 500 event. If she wins, Osaka is set to take on the winner of the match between top seed Jessica Pegula and No. 4 seed Diana Shnaider in the title clash.
