**Eugenie Bouchard Bids Farewell to Professional Tennis for Second Time, Announces Retirement at 31**
Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard has officially revealed her intention to retire from professional tennis for a second and final time at the age of 31, closing a chapter on a career marked by headline-grabbing highs and persistent challenges. This decision comes just weeks after her brief return to the WTA Tour, signalling the end of an illustrious and, at times, turbulent journey in the world of tennis.
Bouchard first gained global attention in 2014, capturing the sport’s imagination with a run to the Wimbledon final. Her performances that season saw her ascend to a career-high ranking of world number five and claim her sole WTA singles title at the Nuremberg Cup. For many Canadians, she was a trailblazer, inspiring a new generation and breaking through what had previously been considered insurmountable barriers for athletes from her country.
However, her path was anything but linear. Following her meteoric rise, Bouchard encountered a succession of obstacles, including recurring injuries and a series of unexpected defeats that resulted in a gradual slide down the rankings. Despite her early promise, she struggled to replicate her Grand Slam success in the years that followed, prompting questions about whether she could rediscover her form on the biggest stages.
After stepping away from competitive tennis and experimenting with pickleball in 2023, Bouchard attempted a comeback this May, using a wildcard entry to rejoin the WTA circuit. Unfortunately, her campaign was cut short by a first-round defeat to Anna Sinclair Rogers, who bested her in straight sets. This result appeared to reinforce Bouchard’s conclusion that her future lay beyond the baseline.
The Canadian confirmed her retirement in a heartfelt post on Instagram, writing, “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal.” Accompanying her farewell message were images encapsulating her lifelong relationship with tennis, from early childhood tournaments to her memorable appearance at the Wimbledon final. Bouchard’s professional swan song is scheduled for the upcoming Canadian Open at IGA Stadium, planned for later this month.
Beyond her on-court talents, Bouchard frequently found herself in the media spotlight for her charismatic personality and off-court escapades. Perhaps the most notable of these was her viral social media wager during the 2017 Super Bowl. After publicly betting that the New England Patriots would lose, she gamely agreed to go on a date with a fan, John Goehrke, when the odds-defying Patriots staged a famous comeback. Their subsequent rendezvous was widely chronicled and even led to further meetings, although their relationship remained platonic in the end. Reflecting on the episode years later, Bouchard remarked on the unexpected joy it brought to her career, acknowledging that she and Goehrke still keep in touch.
Responding to news of Bouchard’s retirement, Tennis Canada CEO Gavin Ziv spoke of her enduring legacy, highlighting her pioneering impact on the nation’s sporting landscape. “Few athletes have left as profound a mark on Canadian tennis as Genie has throughout her extraordinary career,” Ziv commented. He credited Bouchard’s Grand Slam exploits and national team triumphs as major catalysts for the growth of tennis in Canada, describing her as a “true ambassador” for the sport.
Bouchard’s story is not just one of fleeting triumph; it is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Her candour regarding the ups and downs of professional tennis has resonated with fans worldwide, distinguishing her not only as an athlete but as a relatable personality beyond the court.
As Bouchard prepares to hang up her racquet for good, she does so with the gratitude of a nation and a legacy as one of the most influential Canadian tennis players in history. Her next steps remain unclear, but she is certain to remain in the public eye, whether through commentary, mentoring, or championing new causes.
For followers of the sport, Bouchard’s retirement marks the conclusion of an era, but there is little doubt her achievements will continue to inspire future generations of Canadian tennis hopefuls.