Eugenie Bouchard, one of Canada’s most celebrated tennis stars, has announced her retirement from professional tennis. She revealed the news during this year’s National Bank Open in Montreal. Tennis Canada released the announcement in a press release on Wednesday. The Montreal-born player received a wild card into the WTA 1000 tournament at IGA Stadium, starting July 26. This marks the final chapter in the career of a history-making Canadian tennis star.
Bouchard’s career trajectory showed a remarkable rise, especially during her breakthrough 2014 season. She reached No. 5 in the WTA rankings that year. She also achieved a defining moment by reaching the Wimbledon women’s singles final. Petra Kvitova defeated her in straight sets in that final. Still, Bouchard became the first Canadian woman in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. She also reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and the French Open. These results solidified her place among tennis’ brightest stars. In 2014, she also won her only WTA title, the Nuremberg Cup, on clay.
Injuries and inconsistent form later affected her ranking and on-court performances. Still, her legacy in Canadian tennis remained strong and untouched. Her early success inspired many young players in Canada. She helped open doors for the next generation of Canadian tennis talent. Valerie Tetreault, tournament director for the National Bank Open, praised Bouchard’s impact on the sport. She said, “Genie redefined what Canadian tennis could be.”
Bouchard’s Legacy in Canadian Tennis
Bouchard contributed much more than personal achievements to Canadian tennis. She played a vital role in Canada’s rise on the international stage. She represented Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games.
She also played a major role in Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup success. Her leadership and resilience helped Canada win its first BJK Cup title in 2023. She earned 13 match wins in 10 ties during her career in the tournament. Bouchard also paired with Gabriela Dabrowski for doubles wins during group stages.
Her retirement ends an era for Canadian tennis. Still, her influence will likely resonate for years. Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv thanked her for her long-standing contributions. He said, “Few athletes have left as profound a mark on Canadian tennis as Genie.” He described her career as “extraordinary and inspirational.”
Injuries and Inconsistent Form
Bouchard’s 2014 season stands as the peak of her career. In later years, injuries began affecting her form and performance. She suffered a concussion during the 2015 U.S. Open. That injury became a turning point in her career. Her rankings dropped over the following seasons. Despite challenges, she stayed active in the tennis world. She continued to compete with determination and spirit.
At age 31, Bouchard felt the time had come to retire. She shared her thoughts on X (formerly Twitter). “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now,” she wrote. “Ending where it all started: Montreal.” She will retire in front of her hometown fans at IGA Stadium. This choice makes her farewell even more meaningful and symbolic.
Other Withdrawals from the National Bank Open
Bouchard’s retirement isn’t the only big news ahead of the National Bank Open. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 10 Paula Badosa have both withdrawn. Sabalenka cited fatigue after a Wimbledon semifinal run. She said skipping Montreal will help her in the hard-court season. Badosa suffered a back injury during Wimbledon’s first round. Doctors advised her to rest for several weeks.
Their absence opens spots for rising stars in the draw. Caty McNally of the United States gained a main-draw entry. Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima also received a wild card into the tournament. These changes could bring unexpected excitement to this year’s event.
The 2024 National Bank Open begins July 26 at IGA Stadium in Montreal. Fans will witness Bouchard’s final match and celebrate her remarkable career. It promises to be an emotional and historic moment in Canadian tennis history.
Stay tuned for all the latest Sports News, follow SportsNewsTime on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram