Naomi Osaka described Ons Jabeur as a very kind soul, as she still vividly remembers the Tunisian’s kind act when they first met in 2015. On Thursday, Osaka sports agency Evolve announced that from now on they will represent the world number 2, Jabeur.
Shortly after the announcement, the 25-year-old Osaka recalled her first meeting with the 28-year-old Jabeur. «Shortstory: I first met Ons at the WTA Rising Stars event in 2015 and my immediate thought while interacting with her was, ‘Wow, she’s the nicest person ever.'»
I was extremely shy so all I could do was mumble a few words but she would always come up to me and tell jokes and make me feel more comfortable. Even now, when we play the same tournaments, she still does the same thing. That kind of kindness is something I will never forget and I think it’s moments like that that define your character.
Over the years, watching her rise up the tour and become the star that she is has been incredibly fun to watch and I can’t wait to see her create more history and rise even higher. Welcome to Evolve, Ons,» Osaka wrote in a message posted on her Twitter account.
☺️ @Ons_Jabeur pic.twitter.com/pKEh4XFG2W — NaomiOsakaNaomi Osaka (@naomiosaka) January 5, 2023
Osaka agency now represents Jabeur, Nick Kyrgios
Last year, Osaka and her former agent Stuart Duguid launched Evolve.
In June, Evolve announced Kyrgios as its client. Six months later, Evolve announced that another big name has joined their family. Osaka, meanwhile, appeared in a total of 11 tournaments last year and did not sign up to play in any tournament leading up to the Australian Open.
The latest reports coming out of Australia suggest that the Australian Open organizers do not expect Osaka to contest the first Grand Slam of the season. At the Australian Open, Osaka is a two-time champion. Since she won the 2021 Australian Open, Osaka has not won a title.
