Eugenie Bouchard of Westmount, Quebec began her tennis journey at Tennis Canada’s National Training Centre in Montreal when she was five. Although she turned professional in 2009, 2014 proved pivotal as Bouchard made significant inroads into international tennis – reaching semifinals of both Australian Open and French Open before reaching Wimbledon finals where Petra Kvitova eventually defeated her. Her remarkable run made history; becoming first Canadian-born player representing Canada to reach major singles tournament final.
Bouchard initially set her sights on making another run at finals; however, her career never progressed according to plan; never making the cut at any major tournament again in 16 years and winning just once title: the 2014 Nuremberg Cup in 2014. Recently however, Bouchard announced her retirement with gratitude expressed and no regrets expressed regarding pursuing success even as physical demands of sport forced her away from competing full time.
Bouchard chose the Omnium Banque Nationale présenté par Rogers for her final professional match, having led Canada to a triumphant Billie Jean King Cup win in 2023. Despite low expectations for her performance, Bouchard surprised fans by winning her first match against Emiliana Arango, hinting at a possible unretirement should she win the tournament. However, her journey ended in the next round against Belinda Bencic. The loss brought Bouchard to tears during a heartfelt address to her family and fans, underscoring the profound impact tennis and her supporters had on her life.
Since her announcement of retirement, reactions and tributes from within the tennis community have been swift and meaningful. Valerie Tetreault of National Bank Open tournament director has paid her many compliments as one of Canada’s greatest tennis figures; Victoria Mboko, one of Canada’s promising young talents praised Bouchard as having helped open doors for Canadian female tennisers; Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Coco Gauff shared fond memories competing alongside and against Bouchard as American players shared their appreciation and respect.
Bouchard may no longer play professional tennis, yet she leaves an indelible mark on Canadian tennis with her extensive legacy of breaking barriers and setting milestones. Given her involvement in Professional Pickleball Association tournaments as well as exhibition partnerships with legends like Andy Roddick for exhibitions it’s evident her competitive spirit will flourish even beyond tennis courts.