The tennis world witnessed an emotional farewell as Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard announced her retirement from professional tennis, a decision that deeply resonated with her and her global fanbase. Her final professional match concluded with a hard-fought defeat at the National Bank Open in Montreal, marking the end of a career characterized by both dazzling highs and challenging lows.

Bouchard, now 31, concluded her competitive journey with a 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 loss to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, the 17th seed. Despite the defeat, the match showcased fleeting glimpses of the potent game that once propelled her to a career-high world No. 5 ranking in 2014. The Montreal crowd, ever supportive, acknowledged her effort and the spirited performance she delivered.

In recent years, the former tennis prodigy had reduced her presence on the professional tennis circuit, opting for more consistent participation on the PPA Pickleball Tour, where she currently ranks 12th in singles. This shift highlighted her versatility as a professional athlete and her continued commitment to competitive sport, even as her full-time tennis career gradually wound down.

The day following her major announcement, Bouchard took to Instagram, candidly sharing her raw emotions. “Woke up and can’t stop crying over here – seeing all your messages – thank you!” she posted, revealing the profound impact of the public’s well wishes and tributes. This heartfelt message underscored the personal weight of her decision and the strong connection she maintained with her supporters.

Among the many well-wishers was British tennis sensation Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion. Raducanu penned a touching message, stating: “Thank you, Genie, loved watching you compete and play. Wish you all the best for your next chapter.” Such endorsements from fellow players underscored the respect Bouchard commanded within the professional tennis community.

Bouchard’s initial ascent in the tennis career began with her triumph at the junior Wimbledon singles title in 2012. Her breakthrough season arrived in 2014, a year in which she secured her sole WTA singles title and reached the semi-finals of both the Australian Open and the French Open, solidifying her status as a rising star in Grand Slam tennis.

That same year, she etched her name into the history books as the first Canadian female to compete in a Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon. Though she ultimately fell to Petra Kvitova with a score of 6-3, 6-0, her remarkable journey to the final captivated audiences and cemented her place in Canadian tennis lore. This meteoric rise at just 20 years old, however, faced challenges after that pivotal match at the All England Club.

Eugenie Bouchard’s tennis retirement marks the close of a chapter for an athlete who inspired many with her tenacity and talent. While her competitive future may lie on different courts, her impact on Canadian tennis and her memorable Grand Slam achievements will undoubtedly be remembered by fans worldwide.