Eugenie Bouchard, the celebrated Canadian tennis star, recently concluded her illustrious professional career, a decision that has resonated deeply with both her and her dedicated fanbase. Her emotional retirement, following an appearance at the National Bank Open, marks the end of a journey characterized by dazzling highs and challenging periods, culminating in a poignant farewell to the sport she dedicated her life to.
Bouchard’s final competitive outing saw her face off against 17th seed Belinda Bencic at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Despite a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 defeat, the Canadian athlete showcased flashes of the formidable form that once propelled her to a world ranking of No. 5 in 2014, captivating the crowd with her enduring talent and competitive spirit on the court.
The 2014 Wimbledon finalist chose her home city of Montreal to bring her 16-year professional tennis career to a close, a symbolic decision that underscored her deep connection to her roots. In a heartfelt farewell speech, Bouchard expressed a profound sense of gratitude, stating, “I’ve always had a feeling I would end my career here. Montreal is where I was born and raised, so it just feels right. An emotional moment. I think I just wanted a moment like this because my career deserved a moment like this.”
Her decision to retire stems from a desire to explore new avenues and “do other things in life,” a sentiment shared by many professional athletes transitioning from demanding careers. In recent years, Bouchard had played only sporadically on the professional tennis circuit, having diversified her focus and engagements beyond the competitive realm, though remaining a prominent figure in the sports world.
The emotional impact of her retirement extended beyond the court, as evidenced by her raw and honest sharing on social media the day after her final match. Taking to Instagram, Bouchard posted, “Woke up and can’t stop crying over here – seeing all your messages – thank you!” This candid revelation highlighted the deep bond she shares with her supporters and the significant weight of stepping away from professional tennis.
Tributes from across the tennis community poured in, celebrating her impactful career and wishing her well for future endeavors. British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu praised Bouchard’s competitive spirit, while tennis legend Billie Jean King extended her congratulations, expressing anticipation for Bouchard’s next chapter, underscoring her widespread respect within the sport.
Bouchard’s career highlights include clinching the junior Wimbledon singles title in 2012 and experiencing her most successful season in 2014. That year, she secured her sole WTA singles title and reached the semi-finals of both the Australian Open and the French Open, firmly establishing herself as a rising star in the Grand Slam circuit.
Historically, Bouchard etched her name as the first Canadian to reach a Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, a monumental achievement where she ultimately faced defeat against Petra Kvitova. While her meteoric ascent at just 20 years old faced challenges after her All England Club final, her contributions to Canadian tennis and her memorable performances continue to inspire aspiring athletes.
