Nick Kyrgios has become the first athlete client of Naomi Osaka's newly formed agency Evolve, which aims to provide business and investment opportunities for professional athletes.
In May, Osaka announced she would part ways with IMG (International Management Group) to form her own agency with her long-term agent, Stuart Duguid. The goal became a reality in May 2022 when Osaka and Duguid launched the new Evolve agency to help sports stars with future opportunities.
The Evolve agency is Osaka's latest venture outside of professional tennis following the launch of her skincare brand KINLO - also with Duiguid - while she has worked with other international brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton.
In addition, the Japanese player continues her professional tennis career and has had some success during the 2022 season, reaching the Miami Open final in April before losing to world number one Iga Swiatek.
After signing Kyrgios to the Evolve agency, Osaka admitted that they have great plans with the Australian. Moreover, the 24-year-old explained why the ATP player is the perfect personality type to be part of the forward-thinking agency for athletes.
"Kyrgios embodies the types of athletes we want to work with at Evolve. 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 has also been ever-present on the court this season and has reached two semi-finals at the Stuttgart Open and in Halle. Despite withdrawing from the 2022 Roland Garros in May, the Australian was also in action recently at the Mallorca Championships this month but crashed out in the second round following a defeat against Roberto Bautista Agut.
Off the court, Kyrgios is no stranger to controversy or being outspoken on tennis and non-tennis-related topics. When discussing his collaboration with Osaka, Duiguid, and the Evolve agency, the Australian ATP player believed the brand's outlook and vision suited his personality style and values.
"When I learned that Stuart and Naomi were starting an agency focused on supporting athletes like me, it made complete sense to join. 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."