EUGENIE BOUCHARD said an emotional farewell to tennis as she retired following her exit from the National Bank Open.
The 2014 Wimbledon runner-up wiped away the tears after she was beaten in three sets in the second round by Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic after two hours and 16 minutes.
Choosing to say her farewells in Montreal, the city of her birth, made natural sense and she gave the sold-out crowd a thrilling finale before going down 6-2 3-6 6-4 to the former Olympic champion.
Once the clash was over, a montage of the best bits of her career was played on the screen and American world No.4 Jessica Pegula – the 2024 US Open finalist – paid her tributes.
A framed commemorative collage of photos from Bouchard’s career was presented on court and the caption said: “Congratulations Genie on an outstanding career. You will be missed, WTA.”
She was also given a Tennis Canada trophy and fans spelt out MERCI GENIE with red placards.
Bouchard, playing as a wildcard, had won her opening match in the tournament against Colombian Emiliana Arango 6-4 2-6 6-2 on Tuesday but this was a test too far in the end.
The 31-year-old will now switch her allegiances to the sport of Pickleball which is growing momentum and popularity in the States.
Bouchard, who had strapping on her left thigh, did well to keep it together during her speech but there was one point she came close to losing control.
She said: “I think it’s so special to play my last match in Montreal, on this court, in front of you guys.
“I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day.
“I grew up playing on these courts and nearby. So, it feels like a full-circle moment to finish my career here.
“Tennis has given me so much. I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way.
“I want to thank my family – mum, dad, my sisters and brother for their sacrifice and support. It’s only because of that that I am standing here today.
“I want you to know when this crowd cheers for me, they’re cheering for you guys, too. I wouldn’t be here without you.
“Also to all the coaches, physios, trainers, everyone I’ve worked with in this whole journey.
“You all know who you are. Because of your hard work and help I was able to live out my dreams.
“How lucky am I to live out my dreams? So, thank you!”
Bouchard – named after the Duke of York, Prince Andrew’s younger daughter Princess Eugenie – became the first player to represent Canada in a Grand Slam singles final when she made it to the 2014 Wimbledon final.
Tennis has given me so much. I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way.
Eugenie Bouchard
It was a bittersweet experience as she was crushed 6-3 6-0 by Czech player Petra Kvitova in the Wimbledon final on Centre Court.
That same season she made the semi-finals of the Australian Open and French Open and reached the Last 16 of the US Open.
Two years ago, she achieved a career high by helping Canada win the Billie Jean King Cup Final in Seville.
Her career has been derailed by inconsistent play and injury, which included a serious shoulder surgery that kept her off the court for 17 months between 2021-2022.
There was also a lengthy lawsuit against the United States Tennis Association (USTA) after she suffered a concussion when she slipped and fell in a US Open locker room in 2015.
In February 2018, a jury decided Bouchard was partially at fault – it determined the USTA was 75 per cent to blame for the incident, with Bouchard 25 per cent to blame.
More people have gotten to know Bouchard in recent years from stunning beach swimsuit photoshoots – the most famous was for Sports Illustrated – than from tennis appearances.
Since her heyday, she has faded from the competitive arena and slumped to 1,062 in the world ranking due to inactivity.
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