LONDON — Rising tennis star Emma Raducanu sent a heartfelt message to former world No. 5 Eugenie Bouchard after the Canadian player tearfully retired from her first-round match at the Madrid Open due to injury. Raducanu, who has faced her own injury struggles, expressed empathy and support for Bouchard, calling her an "inspiration."
Bouchard, 30, was forced to retire while trailing 6-3, 2-0 against Martina Trevisan after suffering an apparent abdominal injury. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist, who has been working her way back from multiple injuries in recent years, was visibly emotional as she left the court. Raducanu, 21, took to social media shortly after to offer encouragement.
Raducanu's Supportive Message
In an Instagram story, Raducanu wrote, "Genie, you’re such an inspiration. Keep fighting—we all believe in you! Sending love." The message resonated with fans, many of whom praised Raducanu for her sportsmanship and kindness toward a fellow player who has endured a difficult career resurgence.
Bouchard, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 5 in 2014, has faced multiple setbacks, including a concussion at the 2015 US Open and a series of injuries that sidelined her for extended periods. Her recent return to competitive tennis has been marked by determination, but recurring physical struggles have made her journey challenging.
Bouchard's Emotional Exit
During her match against Trevisan, Bouchard appeared to be in discomfort early on. After receiving medical treatment, she attempted to continue but ultimately decided she couldn’t proceed. "I tried to push through, but the pain was too much," she later explained in a post-match interview.
Fans and commentators noted the emotional weight of the moment, as Bouchard has been vocal about her desire to return to top form. Her perseverance has earned admiration from peers, including Raducanu, who has also faced her own battles with injuries since her historic 2021 US Open win.
Injury Struggles in Tennis
Both Raducanu and Bouchard have experienced the physical toll of professional tennis. Raducanu, who underwent multiple surgeries in 2023, has spoken openly about the mental and physical challenges of recovery. Similarly, Bouchard’s career has been derailed by:
- A concussion from a locker room fall at the 2015 US Open
- Shoulder surgery in 2021
- Persistent abdominal and knee issues
Despite these setbacks, Bouchard has remained determined. "I love this sport, and I’m not ready to give up," she said in a recent interview. Her resilience has clearly struck a chord with younger players like Raducanu.
Fan and Peer Reactions
The tennis community rallied around Bouchard after her retirement, with many expressing support on social media. Former doubles champion Rennae Stubbs tweeted, "Genie has been through so much. Her fight is inspiring—hope she heals quickly."
Raducanu’s message was particularly notable given her own recent struggles. After withdrawing from multiple tournaments in 2023, she has been working her way back up the rankings, showing flashes of the form that made her a Grand Slam champion.
Looking Ahead
Bouchard has not yet confirmed the extent of her injury or a timeline for her return. However, she has vowed to continue her comeback efforts. Meanwhile, Raducanu is set to compete in the upcoming Stuttgart Open, where she hopes to build momentum.
The mutual respect between the two players highlights the camaraderie in women’s tennis, even amid fierce competition. As Raducanu put it in another interview, "We all go through tough times. It’s important to lift each other up."
Bouchard has yet to publicly respond to Raducanu’s message, but fans hope the gesture provides some comfort during another difficult moment in her career. For now, the tennis world waits to see if she can overcome this latest hurdle and continue her inspiring journey back to the top.