Naomi Osaka has dropped a surprise agency change announcement and the tennis world is already parsing the tea leaves.
The former world No. 1 revealed on Instagram that she will part ways with Evolve, the boutique agency she and agent Stuart Duguid launched in 2022 after a bounce-back season that reminded people she is still a major force.
Switching agencies
Hi everyone, writing this to say starting in the new year I’ll be parting ways with Evolve.
Naomi Osaka
Back in 2022 Osaka and Stuart Duguid launched Evolve as a small, player-focused agency, and their first major client was Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios, a sign that the pair wanted to build a different kind of sports business together.
On the court Osaka, who is 28, enjoyed a bounce-back run highlighted by a trip to the National Bank Open final and a late-stage run at the US Open. After Flushing Meadows she said, “It’s been so much hard work that you guys haven’t seen, I’m just grateful to my team and happy to be healthy,” reflecting on the effort behind the results.
Her Instagram post continued with gratitude and a promise: “It’s been a great run and I’m so grateful for all the memories shared,” and she added, “When I make my decision on where I’ll go next, you’ll hear it from me.” That line left the door open while also insisting any news would come directly from her.
Fans reacted quickly and colorfully, posting everything from one-word shock to relieved laughs with comments like “Wow,” and “Thought this was a retirement post. Whew! Scared me for a minute,” as well as the more dramatic, “End of year with all these breakups!! The stage is set for an interesting 2026.”
Duguid has not publicly commented on Osaka’s decision, and Evolve issued no immediate statement. At present it is unclear whether this separation was planned well in advance or emerged suddenly amid commercial or personal recalibration heading into the new season.
Where she might land
Industry chatter is already strong, and reporting has pointed to a possible reunion: according to tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg the expectation is that Osaka will return to IMG, which would reconnect her with one of the sport’s largest representation houses and broader commercial networks.
Osaka’s move matters beyond headlines because she is a four-time Grand Slam champion with deep commercial value, and any change in representation affects tournament scheduling, sponsor relationships, and long-term career planning as much as it shapes day-to-day logistics.
Evolve’s early client list, including a high-profile name like Kyrgios, showed the agency could punch above its boutique weight. If Osaka departs, the ripple effects could include client reshuffles, new signings, and a recalibration of how smaller agencies compete with giants like IMG.
Agent switches often have a domino effect on endorsements and appearance deals, so brands that align with Osaka will be watching closely. Tournament directors, too, pay attention because a player’s representation can influence scheduling priorities and promotional plans for big events.
There are also practical nuts and bolts to consider: legal timelines, contract expirations, and negotiation windows can dictate how quickly a player moves from one agency to another, and whether buyouts or transitional arrangements become part of the story.
For Osaka the decision is more than business. After a season that showed she can still compete with the best, the next representative will shape her comeback trajectory, choices about surface focus, and how she balances competition with off-court projects and mental well-being.
What it means for 2026
Osaka has not shared a full 2026 calendar, and she reiterated plans to announce future moves herself, so fans and insiders are left to speculate for now while keeping an eye on official channels for any confirmation about her next agency or tournament targets.
Whatever comes next, the tennis community will be watching how quickly negotiations conclude and whether Osaka’s next step signals a return to a global powerhouse like IMG or a new independent path, both of which carry very different implications for her schedule and earnings.
For now, the takeaway is simple: a major player has shifted strategy off the court, and that makes the opening months of 2026 suddenly more interesting for fans, rivals, and commercial partners who all want a piece of the story.
Time will tell whether this split fuels a clean new chapter for Osaka or leads to a brief shuffle before she settles somewhere familiar. Either way, people will be watching, tweets will be typed, and sponsors will be recalculating their next steps.
Osaka has said fans will hear about any decisions directly from her, and until then the best course is patience. Fans can keep cheering and hope the next announcement comes with clarity, health, and a plan that lets the tennis do the talking again.
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Christoph Friedrich is a German tennis player and coach currently residing in Oakland, California. He began his tennis journey at the age of eight and has since dedicated his life to the sport. After working as a tennis coach and hitting partner in New York City for eight years, Christoph decided to share his knowledge and experience with tennis players around the world by creating the My Tennis Expert blog. His goal is to make tennis education accessible to everyone and help players select the best equipment for their game, from racquets and strings to shoes and overgrips. Christoph's extensive research and expertise in tennis technology make him a valuable resource for players of all levels.
