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Naomi Osaka out of Wimbledon, but teams up with Nick Kyrgios in new venture
Shock withdrawal as Tennis star Naomi Osaka pulls out of Wimbledon with an Achilles injury
The Japanese star has confirmed she will not be competing in the iconic grasscourt tournament.
The 24-year-old has now been placed on the withdrawal list, which will see her out of the event that is scheduled to begin on June 27.
It’s been a rough few years for the four-time grand slam champion, after citing an ankle injury in May which forced her out of the French Open.
Previously, Osaka also took a break from the game to focus on her mental wellbeing.
“After the storm comes the calm.”
“I feel like life keeps dealing cards and you’re never gonna be used to them. But it’s how you adapt to uncomfortable situations that really says stuff about your character.
Naomi osaka
Twitter post
Photo Credit: The New York Times
New business venture
While Osaka’s future on the court might be on hold, she is steaming ahead with her newest business venture.
She has launched a sports agency called ‘Evolve’ with her long-time agent Stuart Duguid. They want the agency to be “focused on brand partnerships, investing, creating athlete-owned businesses and philanthropy”.
Now, Australian tennis icon Nick Kyrgios has just confirmed he will be signing up as the first athlete. Let’s just say he’s pretty happy with the announcement.
“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 and continue building on what we’ve started and push the game of tennis forward.”
nick Kyrgios statement
Duguid and Osaka believe that Kyrgios embodies what ‘Evolve’ is about. Many people have been speculating that Kyrgios and Osaka would team up, and now it’s official.
“EVOLVE is a unique place for a small number of generational athletes who can transcend their sport and influence broader culture — Nick is most definitely in that category.
“Love or hate him, you definitely can’t keep your eyes off him. If you go to any junior tennis tournament, you will see Nick’s influence.
“For Gen Z and younger, he is absolutely the icon.”
stuart duguid
Photo Credit: Sports Business Journal