Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard fights back tears in emotional retirement after Canadian Open defeat

Eugenie Bouchard, a Canadian trailblazer became the second player from the nation to retire after the Canadian Open joining Vasek Pospisil in ending an era as she bowed out losing to Belinda Bencic 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 playing her final tournament in her hometown.

Bouchard who is only 31 has long drifted away from tennis and has mainly played the fledgling sport pickleball in recent years with only sporadic appearances and runs at tournaments in her main sport amid loss of form and injuries. But amid now the rise of Bianca Andreescu, Leylah Fernandez and even Victoria Mboko came Bouchard before them who became the first player born and representing Canada to reach a Grand Slam singles final.

She was the first to crack the top five and also latterly was part of the Billie Jean King Cup winning squad back in 2023. A 14-year-old prodigy who played qualifying for Montreal back then in 2008, she made her debut as a wildcard in DC in 2011. While in 2012, she won the girls singles title at Wimbledon. Ironic too that Elina Svitolina who she beat on that day also won her latest match on the same night Bouchard retired.

She made her top 100 debut on April 8, 2013 and cracked the top 50 in late September 2013. She reached the first of eight tour level singles finals and was named WTA Newcomer of the Year. 2014 was the year that hung the career on it for Bouchard who reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros falling to eventual champions Li Na and Maria Sharapova. She then stormed to the final of Wimbledon losing to Petra Kvitova.

In addition she made it to the WTA Finals in 2014, she is the last player of that line-up to retire. In losing out to Bencic, she was fighting back tears on court as expected as she was given a ceremony as a result of retiring by the tournament.

“Tennis has given me so much. I'm filled with so much gratitude for this sport and the people along the way. I want to thank my mom, dad, sisters, & brother for their sacrifices and support. It's only because of them that I'm standing here today. I want you to know when this crowd cheers for me, they’re cheering for you too. I wouldn’t be here without you," said Bouchard on court after her defeat.

“I think it’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys. I remember being a little kid sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I can play on this court one day. It feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here.”