Absent in Rome because of a foot injury, Naomi Osaka has just announced the creation of her own sports management agency, Evolve, making official her break with IMG. Indeed, the contract of the Japanese with IMG was coming to an end.
Naomi Osaka continues to infiltrate the entrepreneurial world.
“I’ve spent my career doing things my way, even when people told me it wasn’t what was expected. Evolve is the natural next step in my journey as a sportswoman and businesswoman,” states a statement bearing her signature. Naomi Osaka has been the highest paid female athlete in the world for several years, earning close to $60 million annually according to Forbes magazine.
Haitian-born Japanese Naomi Osaka topped a list compiled by U.S. business magazine Forbes once again in January.
With earnings of $57.3 million, Naomi Osaka was ahead of her idol, American Serena Williams, who amassed $45.9 million over the year 2021.
The eldest of the Williams sisters, Venus, also a tennis player, completed the podium with more than 11 million dollars, followed by the American gymnast Simon Billes, with 10.1 million.
The 24-year-old star has had a trying and mixed 2021. She had to forgo several major tournaments due to her mental health issues.She has been very active off the circuit though. The daughter of Haitian Leonard Francois launched KINLÒ, her own beauty brand specifically dedicated to women of color. She has also partnered with Tag Heuer and Louis Vuitton, in addition to her partnerships with Nike, Mastercard, among others.
Four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka, 24, will compete in the French Open, scheduled from May 22 to June 5, 2022.
Naomi Osaka lost last March in the final of the WTA 1000 in Miami to Iga Swiatek (4-6, 0-6). She is coming off a premature elimination in Madrid.
Suffering from a minor injury, she was forced to withdraw from the WTA 1000 in Rome in order to be ready for the French Open.