Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has been caught up in a surprising turn of events, with reports indicating that she is set to part ways with Evolve, the athlete talent agency she co-founded in 2022 alongside her longtime agent, Stuart Duguid. Notably, the agency continues to represent a high-profile roster that includes Nick Kyrgios, WTA World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and Russian standout Anna Kalinskaya.
Naomi Osaka To Leave Evolve and Will Join Her Former Management Firm by the Start of 2026
Launched in early 2022, Evolve quickly emerged as one of the sport’s most prominent business ventures, spearheaded by former World No. 1 and Duguid. At the time, it was hailed as the first talent agency led by a female athlete. The move followed the conclusion of Osaka’s partnership with another industry giant, IMG, at the end of 2021.
Osaka’s management contract with Evolve is now expected to conclude later this year. According to journalist Ben Rothenberg, the Japanese star is set to sever ties not only with the agency but also with her longtime agent, Duguid. Reports further suggest that Osaka is poised to return to her former management firm, IMG, ahead of the 2026 season. Meanwhile, it will be Duguid who will lead the company and manage its remaining player roster.
Evolve took a significant step forward in 2025 by broadening its presence across the tennis landscape. Its lineup now includes four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka, former Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur, French prospect Terence Atmane, Eva Lys, and American teenager Iva Jović.
The agency’s ambitions extend beyond representation, as it will orchestrate the much-anticipated “Battle of the Sexes” exhibition in Dubai, featuring Kyrgios taking on Sabalenka.
A Look at Osaka’s 2025 Season
Looking back, Osaka can take plenty of encouragement from her 2025 campaign. The season began on a strong note with a run to the ASB Classic final, although her bid for the title ended in disappointment due to a walkover. She found a major high point later in the year at the WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo, where she lifted her first trophy in nearly four years.
The North American swing, however, offered a glimpse of Osaka’s true level. She surged to the final of the WTA 1000 event in Montreal before producing a commanding run at the US Open, where she overcame formidable opponents such as Daria Kasatkina, Coco Gauff, and Karolína Muchová to reach the semifinals.
Her campaign ultimately ended at the hands of home favorite Amanda Anisimova, bringing an impressive run to a close. The Japanese finished the season as World No. 16 and with a 35-15 win-loss record.
