Good morning, Court Theorists! ☀️

It’s a critical day in Jeddah, as three remaining spots for the semifinals will be determined for the ATP Next Gen Finals. But it’s a little hard to focus with all of the splits, departures, and other changes happening in the last 24 hours.

Today’s tennis mood: On edge plus some third-hand abandonment.

Programming note: Today is a travel day, so The Daily Theory is out a little earlier and is slightly shorter in certain sections. Because of the holidays (and a week off from play), The Daily Theory will be on hiatus. But expect to hear from me a few times.

Let’s tennis!
-Allen

Four Points

🎾 Day Three: The action at the Next Gen Finals in Jeddah is speeding up with eliminations on deck for today. Thus far, Alexander Blockx is the only player guaranteed to make the semifinals. Just catching up? The ATP has a helpful guide to this year’s field and to today’s head-to-heads.

Here’s the full line-up of today’s matches:

  • Nishesh Basavareddy vs. Justin Engel
  • Alexander Blockx vs. Dino Prizmic
  • Martin Landaluce vs. Rafael Jodar
  • Learner Tien vs. Nicolai Budkov Kjaer

🎾 Still here: Good Trouble, the Nick Kyrgios podcast, is set to return for a second season, per Deadline. But instead of YouTube as the primary channel of distribution, it will land on Tubi starting December 22. Similar to the first season, guests will come from a broad range of professional backgrounds, including Aryna Sabalenka, Blake Griffin, Hasan Minhaj, Bear Grylls, Jason Derulo, and Bill Ackman. Naomi Osaka’s Hana Kuma and Sony’s Embassy Row will produce the show.

🎾 And speaking of Naomi Osaka: A little more than three years ago, Naomi Osaka and her longtime agent, Stuart Duguid, launched their own agency, Evolve. Fast forward to December 2025, and Osaka has pulled out of Evolve following the end of her three-year contract, according to a report from Ben Rothenberg. She will reportedly return to IMG, her agency before striking out on her own.

  • What she said: “Evolve represents the evolution of not just my business career, but also the way athletes can control their destiny,” Osaka said at the time of Evolve’s founding. “I’ve always thrived on pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. Stuart and I have been business partners for years now so it’s a very natural and inspiring move to make.”
  • Noteworthy: According to the Forbes World’s Highest-Paid Female Athletes list, Osaka’s off-court earnings have declined in recent years. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, who signed with Evolve earlier this year, stands to be the company’s highest-earning client.

🎾 Dunzo: In another late-season coach-player split, Grigor Dimitrov announced he and longtime coach Dani Vallverdu have gone their separate ways.

  • What he said: “Eight years! It’s been an incredible journey with you on and off the court,” Dimitrov posted on Instagram. “Grateful for the lessons, the laughs, and the memories we’ve shared. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to be my best. You’ll always be part of my story. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure!”
  • Yes, but: After eight years, doesn’t Vallverdu deserve a lasting Instagram post instead of a fleeting Story? 🥶
  • Earlier: In September, Dimitrov split with Jamie Delgado after a few years together.
  • Next: Who should be Dimitrov’s next coach? There’s only one right answer. Hit reply and let’s see if you’ve got it.