MONTREAL — Eugenie Bouchard, Canada’s former tennis darling, fought back tears as she bid farewell to her professional career following a first-round loss at the Canadian Open. The 30-year-old, once ranked No. 5 in the world, announced her retirement after falling 6-2, 6-1 to Spain’s Sara Sorribes Tormo in front of an emotional home crowd.
Bouchard, who burst onto the scene as a Wimbledon finalist in 2014, struggled to contain her emotions during her post-match press conference. "This was my last match, and it’s hard to put into words what this sport has meant to me," she said, her voice trembling. "I gave everything I had, and now it’s time to move on."
A Career of Highs and Lows
Bouchard’s career was a rollercoaster of triumphs and setbacks. After her breakthrough 2014 season—where she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open before her Wimbledon final—she struggled to maintain consistency. Injuries, including a concussion from a locker-room fall at the 2015 US Open, derailed her momentum.
Despite the challenges, Bouchard remained a fan favorite, particularly in Canada. "Genie inspired a generation of young Canadian players," said Tennis Canada CEO Michael Downey. "Her success showed that Canadians could compete at the highest level."
Key Moments in Bouchard’s Career
- 2014 Wimbledon Final – Reached her first Grand Slam final, losing to Petra Kvitova.
- 2015 US Open Lawsuit – Successfully sued the USTA after slipping in a locker room, securing an undisclosed settlement.
- 2017 Comeback – Won her first WTA title in Bogotá, ending a three-year drought.
- 2020 Australian Open – Defeated world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty in a thrilling three-setter.
The Emotional Farewell
The Canadian Open crowd gave Bouchard a standing ovation as she exited the court for the final time. "I wanted to finish here, in front of my home fans," she said. "They’ve supported me through everything, and I’ll never forget that."
Fellow Canadian players, including Leylah Fernandez and Bianca Andreescu, paid tribute to Bouchard on social media. Andreescu wrote, "Thank you for paving the way for us. Your fighting spirit will always inspire me." Fernandez added, "You made us believe anything was possible."
What’s Next for Bouchard?
Bouchard hinted at future endeavors beyond tennis, including potential media work. "I’ve always loved connecting with fans, whether on the court or through other platforms," she said. "I’m excited for this next chapter."
She also expressed interest in mentoring young players. "I’ve learned so much from my journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. If I can help someone else navigate this sport, I’d love to."
A Legacy Beyond Tennis
Bouchard’s impact extended beyond her results. She became one of the most marketable athletes in tennis, gracing magazine covers and securing major endorsements. Her social media presence, with millions of followers, showcased her personality and helped grow the sport’s popularity.
As she left the press conference, Bouchard took one last look at the court. "Tennis gave me everything, and I hope I gave something back," she said. "Thank you for the memories." With that, one of Canada’s most iconic tennis careers came to a close.