By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday, June 20, 2022
EVOLVE sports agency, recently founded by four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and Stuart Duguid, has landed its first client – Nick Kyrgios.
Osaka and Duguid broke away from IMG last month, announcing the news on May 11.
"I've spent my career doing things my way, even when people told me that it wasn't what was expected or traditional," Osaka told Sportico in an email after the news broke. "Evolve is the natural next step in my journey as both an athlete and businesswoman, as well as a way to continue being myself and doing things my way."
Known as much for his tennis theater as his tennis, the 45th ranked Aussie has been a huge draw as well as a magnet for drama and controversy over the course of his professional career.
"Love or hate him, you definitely can’t keep your eyes off him. If you go to any junior tennis tournament, you will see Nick’s influence," Duguid said. "For Gen Z and younger, he is absolutely the icon."
Kyrgios’ evolution in recent years has seen him take an important role in advocating for mental health. The 27-year-old Canberra, Australia native, who won the Australian Open doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis earlier this year, is a player – and personality – that moves the needle wherever he appears.
“Kyrgios embodies the types of athletes we want to work with at EVOLVE,” Osaka told Boardroom. “He’s got an unmatched style, passion, and personality that is unlike any other in the sport. We have some big things in the pipeline for him that are very unique and pioneering.”
Kyrgios, who has a good relationship with Osaka and recently spent time with her on court, says there is synergy between himself and Evolve.
“When I learned that Stuart and Naomi were starting an agency focused on supporting athletes like me, it made complete sense to join,” Kyrgios said in a statement. “I have consistently tried to do things differently throughout my career and bring my entire personality to the game of tennis. I’m excited to work with Stuart and Naomi to continue building on what we’ve started and push the game of tennis forward.”