Nick Kyrgios on Monday became the first athlete to join Evolve, the new sports agency co-founded by four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
Osaka broke up with IMG last month to launch Evolve with longtime agent Stuart Duguid. Evolve describes itself as a multi-faceted agency focused on brand partnerships, investing, building athlete-owned businesses and philanthropy. “Kyrgios epitomizes the types of athletes we want to work with at Evolve,” Osaka told sports business website Boardroom.
“He has an unrivaled style, passion and personality that is unlike anyone else in the sport. We have big things in the works for him that are very unique and groundbreaking.” Duguid called the fiery and controversial Kyrgios the most talented and entertaining tennis player on the tour.
The world number 45 is one of the sport’s biggest draws thanks to the unpredictable nature of his matches. While the hugely talented Aussie often confuses his opponents with an incredible range of blows, his antics on the pitch and clashes with referees have often made headlines. “Love him or hate him, you definitely can’t take your eyes off him. If you go to a junior tennis tournament, you’ll see Nick’s influence,” he said.
“For Gen Z and younger, he’s absolutely the icon.” The great Kyrgios, 27, won the Australian Open doubles title in January. He has won six singles titles on the ATP Tour.
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