Eugenie Bouchard bid an emotional farewell to her tennis career at the Canadian Open. The former world No. 5, who had been less active in recent years, chose to participate in the Montreal event with a wildcard entry for her final appearance, mentioning that she might continue playing if she emerged victorious.
Bouchard emerged victorious in her first match and was in a leading position against 17th seed Belinda Bencic in the third set before eventually losing 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Tears flowed as she addressed the audience in a moving on-court ceremony.
Expressing her emotions, Bouchard vowed not to cry, though tears had already welled up after the match. She expressed the significance of playing her last match in Montreal on a court where she had aspired to compete since childhood. She acknowledged the role of tennis in her life, expressing gratitude for the sport and the support she received.
The weight of the occasion was evident as the 2014 Wimbledon finalist struggled to maintain her composure while thanking her family for their sacrifices and encouragement. She highlighted their crucial role in her journey and emphasized that their support was instrumental in her achievements.
Addressing her supporters in French, Bouchard received a commemorative photo frame celebrating her tennis career. The audience displayed their appreciation with a ‘Merci Genie’ sign, recognizing her contributions to Canadian tennis.
Bouchard, one of Canada’s most successful tennis players, achieved remarkable success in 2014, winning her first title in Nuremberg, reaching the Wimbledon final, and climbing into the top five rankings globally. Despite subsequent challenges, including injuries and performance fluctuations, she has left a lasting impact on the sport.
Having announced her retirement plans earlier, Bouchard humorously mentioned reconsidering her decision if she won the Montreal tournament. Despite a strong performance against Bencic, she confirmed her readiness to transition to other pursuits, expressing gratitude for the opportunities tennis had provided her.
The article concludes with Bouchard reflecting on the demanding nature of professional tennis, the sacrifices required, and her readiness to explore new avenues while cherishing the experiences and lessons gained from her tennis career.