Eugenie Bouchard Announces Retirement
Eugenie Bouchard, the Canadian tennis star and 2014 Wimbledon runner-up, has officially declared her impending retirement from the sport, setting her final match for her home crowd at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal. Fans had long hoped for a revival in her career, but it seems that chapter is closing.
Rise to Prominence
Bouchard’s ascension in the world of tennis captivated many as she burst onto the scene, reaching the prestigious title of 2013’s Newcomer of the Year. Her journey was remarkable as she climbed from a ranking of No. 144 to No. 32 within just a single year. She made headlines that season by advancing to her first WTA final at the Japan Women’s Open, where she was narrowly beaten by 2011 US Open champion Samantha Stosur in a tense three-set match.
2014: A Year of Triumphs
The Canadian saw her greatest successes in 2014, when she solidified her place among the elite female tennis players. She made it to the semifinals of both the Australian and French Opens, falling just short against the eventual champions, Li Na and Maria Sharapova. However, her most significant achievement that year came at Wimbledon, where she fought her way to the finals, showcasing her talent by defeating future champions Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep before facing Petra Kvitova in the final. Despite entering the match with six straight-set victories, Bouchard couldn’t replicate her winning form, losing 6-3, 6-0.
Reflections on Retirement
“You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal.”
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Bouchard reflected on her decision to retire. Her entry into the sport’s higher echelons inevitably raised expectations, but after achieving her lone WTA 1000 final at the 2014 Wuhan Open—where she lost to Kvitova—the decline in her performance was stark. Bouchard experienced a combination of injuries and struggles to maintain the high level of play that once had so many predicting a bright future for her.
Challenges and Comebacks
The mental exhaustion of life in the public eye took a toll, particularly during a challenging 2015 season when mental health conversations were not as prevalent in sports culture. Despite a few promising moments after 2014, including appearances in four WTA finals between 2020 and 2021, she was sidelined for 17 months due to significant shoulder surgery, which ultimately limited her comeback efforts.
Recent Endeavors
On a positive note, Bouchard contributed to Canada’s victory in the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup, where she excelled in doubles matches alongside Gabriela Dabrowski, although she did not participate in the semifinal or final stages of the tournament.
In recent months, Bouchard has explored new avenues beyond tennis, focusing on professional pickleball. She made headlines for an altercation with a teammate earlier this year. While her professional journey may not have met the early promise many had envisioned, reaching the Wimbledon final at just 20 years old remains an unforgettable milestone in her career, earning her a lasting place in tennis history.
