Eugenie Bouchard has apparently made a big step towards becoming the next superstar in women's tennis after the Canadian darling agreed to sign with WME-IMG, the very same management firm the represents Maria Sharapova and Venus Williams.
Bouchard, who burst into the scene this year with three consecutive Grand Slam semis appearance and a runner-up finish at the Wimbledon Open, is all set for a big jump next season as the newest face of WME-IMG.
"I am really excited about joining WME-IMG, a company that is in the best possible position to help me achieve my business goals," Bouchard told the Globe and Mail. Bouchard added that the management company will be able to help her "maximize the value of her brand."
The 20-year Bouchard has often drawn comparisons from her childhood idol, Sharapova, because of her inherent good looks and intensity on the tennis court.
Moreover, many tennis followers are already dubbing the Canadian sweetheart as the next big thing in women's tennis as Sharapova and Williams enter the twilight years of their careers.
Aside from Sharapova and Williams, Bouchard joined other elite stars being managed by WME-IMG such as tennis legend Pete Sampras, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, and other popular Victoria Secret models.
"It's highly significant, since IMG have a really good track record of signing the best - particularly the best golf and tennis players in the world and identifying them early - so clearly they see Bouchard as a future Grand Slam winner," said Nigel Currie, director of Britain-based sports marketing agency brandrapport in an interview with the Globe and Mail.
"There is no shortage of major male global superstars, but there aren't nearly as many women, so when one comes along - as we've seen with Sharapova - it opens up a whole raft of opportunities."
"I would expect for Bouchard down the line deals like watches, cosmetics, luxury jewellery, likely developing her own line, much the same as Sharapova. It's a very competitive global marketplace, and IMG are dealing with the very biggest brands all the time."
Bouchard, who made her debut at the WTA Finals in Singapore after cracking into the top-8 for the first time in her career, is expected to be one of the favorites in major tournaments next season.
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