Aryna Sabalenka recently expressed frustration with her former management company, IMG, in a blunt rant while showing her support for Naomi Osaka’s new athlete management brand. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, was candid about her past experiences with IMG and why she ultimately decided to part ways with the renowned agency.
During a press conference at the Australian Open, Sabalenka shared her dissatisfaction with IMG, accusing them of not providing the level of support she needed to further her career. She emphasized that her decision to leave IMG stemmed from a lack of alignment between her goals and the company’s approach to athlete management.
“I felt like I wasn’t getting the attention or support I needed at the time,” Sabalenka said. “For me, it’s important to have a team that’s fully invested in my career and willing to help me grow not just as an athlete but as a person.”
After cutting ties with IMG, Sabalenka has become more independent in managing her career. She also expressed strong support for Naomi Osaka’s decision to start her own athlete management brand, EVOLVE, which has been praised for empowering athletes and providing more control over their careers.
“I think what Naomi is doing is incredible,” Sabalenka said. “She’s giving athletes a chance to take control of their own careers and build something meaningful. It’s really inspiring to see someone like her making such a big impact off the court.”
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, founded EVOLVE in 2022 with the goal of creating a management model that is more athlete-focused and offers a more personalized approach. Sabalenka’s endorsement of Osaka’s initiative highlights the growing trend among athletes seeking more independence and control over their personal brands and career decisions.
Sabalenka’s comments shed light on the shifting dynamics in the world of sports management, where more athletes are taking the reins of their own careers, seeking better representation, and supporting new models like Osaka’s EVOLVE that prioritize their individual needs.
