Genie Bouchard made a winning return at the 2025 National Bank Open on Monday. She defeated Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the first round. The victory marked her 300th career win on the WTA Tour.
Bouchard had earlier announced plans to retire after playing this tournament in her hometown. But her emotional win may have changed that plan.
“I told my family that if I won, I would come out of retirement,” Bouchard told the crowd. “I felt like the old Genie out there.”
The 31-year-old Canadian played just one match this season before Montreal. She has focused more on pickleball in recent months. Given a wildcard entry, she took full advantage and showed glimpses of her old form.
The match started well for Bouchard. She claimed the first set 6-4 with aggressive baseline play. Arango bounced back in the second, winning it 6-2. In the final set, Bouchard raised her level. She broke Arango twice to lead 5-1.
Arango broke back once, but Bouchard stayed composed. At 5-2, she went up 40-love. On her second match point, Arango’s backhand went wide. Bouchard waved and blew kisses to the crowd.
This was her first WTA Tour victory since 2023. With this win, she now faces No. 17 seed Belinda Bencic in the second round.
Bouchard, a Wimbledon finalist in 2014, was once ranked World No. 5. Injuries and inconsistency derailed her career, but fans still cheer her return.
Raducanu and Osaka Win Their Openers
Elsewhere in Montreal, Emma Raducanu also started strong. Just two days after a semifinal run in Washington, she beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-2, 6-4. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, looked sharp from the baseline.
Naomi Osaka returned to action with a solid win. She defeated Canadian wild card Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2. This is Osaka’s first tournament since parting ways with coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Both Raducanu and Osaka are looking for deep runs in the lead-up to the US Open. Their early form suggests they’re ready.
With Bouchard’s milestone win, Raducanu’s resurgence, and Osaka’s return, the 2025 National Bank Open promises more excitement ahead.
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