TORONTO — Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard announced her retirement from professional tennis at the age of 31 in an emotional social media statement on Tuesday, marking the end of a career that saw her rise to global stardom before battling injuries and setbacks.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 2014 Wimbledon finalist shared her decision with fans, writing, "After years of highs and lows, I’ve decided to step away from professional tennis. This sport has given me so much, but my body and mind are telling me it’s time to move on." The announcement was accompanied by a montage of career highlights, from her breakthrough Grand Slam runs to her signature confidence on and off the court.
A Meteoric Rise and Unfulfilled Potential
Bouchard burst onto the scene in 2014, becoming the first Canadian to reach a Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, where she fell to Petra Kvitová. That same year, she climbed to a career-high No. 5 in the WTA rankings, earning the nickname "Genie Army" for her passionate fanbase. Her aggressive baseline game and marketable appeal made her one of tennis’s most recognizable faces.
However, injuries and a loss of form derailed her momentum. Key struggles included:
- A concussion sustained from a locker-room fall at the 2015 US Open, leading to a lawsuit against the USTA
- Persistent shoulder and abdominal injuries that limited her playtime
- A gradual slide down the rankings, eventually falling outside the top 100
The Emotional Toll and New Beginnings
In her retirement statement, Bouchard acknowledged the mental challenges of her career, stating, "Tennis taught me resilience, but it also took a piece of my soul. I gave everything I had, and now I’m ready to explore life beyond the baseline." She hinted at ventures in broadcasting, fashion, and entrepreneurship—areas where she’s already dabbled during injury layoffs.
Reactions from the Tennis World
Tributes poured in from peers and legends. Billie Jean King tweeted, "Eugenie brought fire and flair to the game. Her fearlessness inspired a generation in Canada and beyond." Fellow Canadian Bianca Andreescu added, "You paved the way for us. Thank you, Genie."
The WTA also released a statement: "Eugenie’s impact on tennis transcends rankings. She was a trailblazer who connected with fans worldwide. We wish her the best in her next chapter."
Legacy and What’s Next
While Bouchard’s career didn’t yield the major titles many predicted, her influence on Canadian tennis is undeniable. She:
- Helped spark Canada’s tennis boom alongside Milos Raonic
- Became the first Canadian to crack the WTA Top 5
- Won the 2012 Wimbledon girls’ title, foreshadowing her future success
As for her future, Bouchard teased collaborations with her activewear brand, "Genie Bouchard Apparel," and potential commentary roles. She signed off her announcement with a nod to her fans: "The Genie Army made every match unforgettable. This isn’t goodbye—it’s see you later."
Her final professional match was a first-round loss at the 2023 Guadalajara Open. Though her retirement closes one chapter, Bouchard’s charisma ensures she’ll remain in the public eye—just no longer with a racket in hand.