From co-founder to client again? Naomi Osaka set to leave Evolve and reunite with IMG
WTAFriday, 19 December 2025 at 01:00
The four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is reportedly separating from her longtime agent Stuart Duguid—with whom she co-founded the agency Evolve three years ago. The former World No. 1 entered the world of sports representation a few years ago after leaving IMG.
The report according to tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg in Bounces, Osaka will no longer work with Duguid, her partner at Evolve. The company manages sponsorships, investments, and business for a select, high-profile roster of tennis players: Nick Kyrgios, Osaka, and Anna Kalinskaya were the first to join in previous years.
Evolve took a step forward in 2025, adding more players and mixing promising talent with established top names. Aryna Sabalenka, Ons Jabeur, Terence Atmane, Eva Lys, and teenager Iva Jovic all joined the agency founded by Osaka and Duguid throughout 2025.
In fact, Evolve is the agency managing the upcoming "Battle of the Sexes," which will feature Kyrgios facing off against Sabalenka in an exhibition that has stolen the spotlight and generated significant attention in 2025.
Evolve was also behind the recent Atlanta Cup exhibition, where Sabalenka faced Osaka and Nick Kyrgios played against American Ben Shelton, as well as the Garden Cup, which featured the three Evolve protagonists—Osaka, Sabalenka, and Kyrgios—this time with Tommy Paul replacing Shelton.
Return to IMG
According to reports (referred to as Bounces in the text), Osaka's contract with her current agency will conclude at the end of 2025. This ends her run with the company she started with Stuart Duguid, who previously worked with her at the giant agency IMG. Osaka was represented by IMG between 2016 and 2022, working directly with Duguid.
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Duguid had extensive experience with high-profile players, including South African Kevin Anderson, former World No. 2 Agnieszka Radwańska, and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Belinda Bencic.
Osaka subsequently separated from IMG to co-found Evolve, which handled her representation for the last few years. According to Rothenberg, Osaka will return to work with IMG starting in 2026, transferring along with her close friend and longtime manager, Alex Bolton.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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