Eugenie Bouchard ‘Excited’ About Joining Serena Williams’ Management Team

Canadian tennis star has left Jeff Lagardere and signed up with WME-IMG, which is the same management team that represents Serena Williams. The 20-year-old Canadian is reportedly "excited" about the new partnership with the global sports management company.

"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 said via The Globe and Mail. Bouchard added that the management company will be able to help her "maximise the value of her brand."

With her WME-IMG deal, Bouchard also becomes a client of IMG Models, which is expected to open more doors for her to the fashion industry. IMG Models is the same company that represents Maria Sharapova and Novak Djokovic.

The Quebec native, who broke into the top 10 of the world rankings from the 32nd spot this season, will be represented by Jill Smoller and Brad Slater. Smoller's popular clients include 18-time Grand Slam champion Williams, Pete Sampras, former National Football League quarterback Tim Tebow, Kevin Garnett, Dennis Rodman and Olympic champion Florence Griffith Joyner. Slater, on the other hand, has represented some of the A-list stars in Hollywood including Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

The Globe and Mail further stated that there have been reports that Bouchard may pose for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, just like what Williams, Sharapova, and Steffi Graf did in the past. It is also anticipated that she could join another sports apparel company since her Nike deal will soon expire.

According to the joint statement of WME-IMG's Chief Executive Officer Patrick Whitesell and IMG's tennis division Head Fernando Soler, Bouchard is the kind of player who can rise above the game because she has an interesting mix of "talent, mental fortitude, and charisma." WME-IMG guarantees that Bouchard will achieve another level of worldwide stardom with the company.

Bouchard finished the season as World number seven. She won her first career title at Nürnberg in May. She has had plenty of accomplishments in 2014, including reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open and the finals of Wimbledon.

Bouchard last played in the season-ending tournament in Singapore. She was scheduled to play in the inaugural team tournament, International Premier Tennis League, but pulled out in November due to an injury she suffered in training.