Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 31, with her final competitive appearance slated for the upcoming National Bank Open in Montreal, her hometown. Bouchard confirmed the news on social media, stating, “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal.”
The Canadian, who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 5, will receive a wild card entry into the main draw of the tournament, which takes place between July 26 and August 7.
A Breakout Year: The 2014 Season
Bouchard’s career was highlighted by a stunning performance in 2014, a year that saw her reach the semifinals of both the Australian Open and the French Open before making a memorable run to the Wimbledon final. At Wimbledon, she ultimately lost to Petra Kvitova. Her achievements that year, including her first and only WTA singles title at the Nuremberg Open, propelled her into the sport’s elite.
Injuries and Career Challenges
Following her remarkable 2014 season, Bouchard’s career was significantly impacted by a series of injuries. A major shoulder injury in 2021 and 2022 particularly hampered her ability to compete consistently. She also suffered a concussion in 2015 after slipping in the locker room at the US Open, an incident that led to a settlement with the US Tennis Association. Despite these setbacks, Bouchard continued to show resilience, participating in the 2016 Olympics and contributing to Canada’s maiden Billie Jean King Cup title in 2023.
Farewell in Montreal
The decision to retire at the National Bank Open holds special significance for Bouchard, as it marks a return to where her professional journey began. Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv praised Bouchard, stating that “few athletes have left as profound a mark on Canadian tennis as Genie has throughout her extraordinary career,” and noted her role as a “true catalyst for the development of tennis in our country.” Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault also expressed honor that Bouchard chose her home tournament for her farewell, recognizing her as “one of the most important figures in the history of our sport in Canada and a trailblazer.”
In recent years, Bouchard has also diversified her athletic pursuits, notably engaging in professional pickleball, where she has achieved a ranking of No. 12 in women’s singles. Her retirement from professional tennis marks the end of a chapter for the fan-favorite player who captivated audiences with her aggressive style and breakthrough performances.
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