Naomi Osaka Explains Evolve Departure, Rejects Ownership Links

Naomi Osaka has recently clarified the circumstances surrounding her departure from the representation agency Evolve. There was a widespread belief that she co-founded the agency; however, Osaka firmly stated that she never held ownership or shares in it.

Clarification on Evolve Departure

In an interview with Bounces, Osaka expressed her confusion regarding her exit from Evolve. She stressed that she was a client but did not possess any equity, stating, “I signed a client-agent contract with Evolve, so I didn’t have any shares or equity. I never did.” Osaka also mentioned her disagreement with some of the agency’s decisions, pointing out the stress of being publicly affiliated with a company while lacking control over its actions.

Initially, Evolve was perceived as “Osaka’s agency,” a label she aimed for but felt was misaligned with the agency’s eventual direction. “That’s obviously what I wanted and what was promised,” she noted, indicating a disconnect between the initial vision and reality.

Return to IMG

Following her departure from Evolve, Osaka has rejoined IMG, a respected agency that previously represented her. IMG is known for managing a selective list of prominent athletes, including:

• Nick Kyrgios
• Aryna Sabalenka
• Anna Kalinskaya
• Ons Jabeur

Notably, Evolve played a role in organizing the controversial Battle of the Sexes exhibition, which sparked diverse reactions across the tennis community.

Australian Open Debut

Looking ahead to the Australian Open, Osaka is eager for a strong performance. This tournament holds special significance for her, as she has won two Grand Slam titles there in 2019 and 2021. For the first time since 2022, she will enter the tournament as a seeded player.

Osaka is scheduled to compete against rising star Antonia Ružić, who is seeded 16th, in the night session on January 20. Following a solid finish to the 2025 season, where she reached the finals of the Canadian Open and the semifinals of the US Open, enthusiasm is high for her upcoming campaign.

Current Form and Rankings

As of now, Osaka holds the world No. 14 ranking, marking her highest position in four years. Her physical fitness seems promising, and her aspirations for the 2026 season are notably ambitious.