Bouchard Interest Could Surpass Sharapova

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 23rd January 2014

Bouchard Interest Could Surpass Sharapova

epa04037363 Eugenie Bouchard of Canada in action during her match against Li Na of China in the semifinals of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 23 January 2014. EPA/DAVID CROSLING AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Eugenie Bouchard’s Australian Open success story might have come to a close after she lost out to the superior experience of Li Na in the semifinal. However the future could not be brighter the 19 year-old Canadian with untold riches set to head her way because of her supreme marketability.

Bouchard will next week shoot up to a place inside the world’s top 20 when the next WTA rankings are released and there is an ongoing clamor to manage her long term with her current deal with Lagardere Unlimited soon to expire.

Her current agent, Sam Duvall, has worked with the Montreal-based teenager since she was 13. Clearly he now feels under pressure from rival concerns attempting to lure Bouchard with promises of lucrative endorsements. But he completely understands their business speculation.

And without a qualm of being guilty of over-statement, Duvall maintained: “Marketability wise, I think she can be the most famous tennis player in the world.

“She’s got the personality, she’s got the game, she’s got the looks. She speaks two languages [French and English] and the crossover appeal is great. Aussie fans love her, French fans love her. I think she is very rare, let’s put it that way.”

Up to now the unquestioned queen of money making, away from the court rather than just on it, has been Maria Sharapova. She has topped Forbes list when it comes to collating the world’s highest earning female athletes, for the last nine years. In 2013 Sharapova’s annual earnings were estimated at $US 29 million.

Bouchard’s current endorsement deals are small by comparison. She is contracted to wear Nike clothing and use Babolat rackets while she is also endorsed by Canadian communications company Rogers, Pinty’s pizzas and other fast foods and Tourna Grip racket handle tape. In addition she is backed by Tennis Canada.

But Duvall said: “I really think she has the ability to be more marketable than Maria. She speaks the two languages where the four grand slams are played.

“Maria was Genie’s idol when she was younger, but now they’re competitors. But if Maria is the bar, Genie has the ability to exceed that bar.

“She has to perform on the court to do that, and Genie knows that. Maria has won four slams. Her marketability, if she performs, I have to say is better than anyone on tour. She is the total package. It’s unbelievable how focused this girl is.”

Unsurprisingly several potential backers have been in contact with Duvall in the past two weeks, looking to sign Bouchard up while her fame is on the rise. “We’ve gotten some requests for initial talks with some watch companies and things like that,” said the Lagardere Unlimited man.

“She has got some good deals in Canada already. But everything is going to be predicated by her tennis. She knows that. She’s in a good spot.”

Topics: 10sballs, Eugenie Bouchard, Li Na, Maria Sharapova, Sports, Tennis, Tennis News, Wta