Naomi Osaka shockingly parts ways from agency that she co-founded
NewsSunday, 21 December 2025 at 16:50
Naomi Osaka's 2026 is already guaranteed to be different after she surprisingly split from the agency she helped to create.
In early 2022, Osaka and her longtime agent, Stuart Duguid, founded the Evolve Agency, aiming to provide professional athletes with the best representation possible as they navigate the often-stressful lives they lead.
Unsurprisingly, Osaka had been signed with the agency she co-founded. The Japanese player seemed passionate about it when she talked in previous interviews, with no apparent chance of her leaving.
That is why Osaka's Instagram announcement on Friday caused shock. The four-time Grand Slam champion announced her departure from Evolve without providing a clear reason for the unexpected decision.
"Hi everyone, writing this to say starting in the new year I’ll be parting ways with Evolve. It’s been a great run and I’m so grateful for all the memories shared."
"When I make my decision on where I’ll go next, you’ll hear it from me. Thank you for supporting me always and I’m so excited for the year ahead!"
There may be more to Osaka's move that comes out in the future. Worldwide stars like her often have high expectations of those they work with and are not timid about moving on if they feel standards have not been consistently met.
It will be interesting to observe what Osaka does next. There are several agencies for professional athletes, and most of them would love to work with someone as notable as the former WTA world No. 1.
Naomi Osaka is targeting a strong 2026 season
At the start of 2024, Naomi Osaka returned from maternity leave. Understandably, it has taken her some time to feel entirely comfortable again after such a lengthy absence from tennis.
Osaka worked with Wim Fissette, with whom she won the 2020 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open, for most of 2024, but split from the Belgian after an unsuccessful second stint. Fissette now coaches Iga Swiatek.
Patrick Mouratoglou, best known for being Serena Williams's coach for almost ten years from 2012 to 2022, replaced Fissette. Osaka had a promising start with him, including reaching the 2025 ASB Classic final.
They could not sustain that momentum, and Osaka parted ways with Mouratoglou shortly after Wimbledon. She hired Iga Swiatek's former coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, an ironic twist of fate after the Pole appointed her ex-coach Fissette.
Wiktorowski's impact was immediate. Osaka made her first WTA 1000-level title in over three years at the 2025 Canadian Open. She lost to Victoria Mboko in three sets and controversially did not mention the home favorite during her speech in the trophy ceremony.
That was followed by Osaka coming agonizingly close to her first Grand Slam final since the 2021 Australian Open. Amanda Anisimova dug deep in a dramatic 2025 US Open battle, which the Japanese player ultimately lost 7-6, 6-7, 3-6.
Although tough defeats, those runs showed what Osaka is capable of. With Wiktorowski's guidance, she could enjoy a memorable 2026 and challenge at the most significant tournaments.
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