Eugenie Bouchard breaks down in tears as former Wimbledon runner-up officially retires after losing final match
The 2014 Wimbledon runner-up wiped away the tears after she was beaten in three sets in the second round by Switzerland's Belinda Bencic after two hours and 16 minutes.
4
Eugénie Bouchard emotionally retired from tennis
Credit: Getty
4
Bouchard chose to say her farewells in Montreal
Credit: Getty
Choosing to say her farewells in Montreal, the city of her birth, made natural sense and she gave the sold-out crowd a thrilling finale before going down 6-2 3-6 6-4 to the former Olympic champion.
Once the clash was over, a montage of the best bits of her career was played on the screen and American world No.4 Jessica Pegula – the 2024 US Open finalist – paid her tributes.
A framed commemorative collage of photos from Bouchard's career was presented on court and the caption said: 'Congratulations Genie on an outstanding career. You will be missed, WTA.'
She was also given a Tennis Canada trophy and fans spelt out MERCI GENIE with red placards.
READ MORE IN tennis
Bouchard, playing as a wildcard, had won her opening match in the tournament against Colombian Emiliana Arango 6-4 2-6 6-2 on Tuesday but this was a test too far in the end.
The 31-year-old will now
Bouchard, who had strapping on her left thigh, did well to keep it together during her speech but there was one point she came close to losing control.
She said: 'I think it's so special to play my last match in Montreal, on this court, in front of you guys.
Most read in Sport
CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
'I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day.
"I grew up playing on these courts and nearby. So, it feels like a full-circle moment to finish my career here.
Former Wimbledon finalist makes shock comeback to tennis after unranked star turned pro in different sport
'Tennis has given me so much. I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way.
'I want to thank my family – mum, dad, my sisters and brother for their sacrifice and support. It's only because of that that I am standing here today.
'I want you to know when this crowd cheers for me, they're cheering for you guys, too. I wouldn't be here without you.
'Also to all the coaches, physios, trainers, everyone I've worked with in this whole journey.
"You all know who you are. Because of your hard work and help I was able to live out my dreams.
'How lucky am I to live out my dreams? So, thank you!'
Bouchard – named after the Duke of York, Prince Andrew's younger daughter Princess Eugenie – became the first player to represent Canada in a Grand Slam singles final when she made it to the 2014 Wimbledon final.
Tennis has given me so much. I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way.
Eugenie Bouchard
It was a bittersweet experience as she was crushed 6-3 6-0 by Czech player Petra Kvitova in the Wimbledon final on Centre Court.
That same season she made the semi-finals of the Australian Open and French Open and reached the Last 16 of the US Open.
Two years ago, she achieved a career high by helping Canada win the Billie Jean King Cup Final in Seville.
Her career has been derailed by inconsistent play and injury, which included a serious shoulder surgery that kept her off the court for 17 months between 2021-2022.
There was also a lengthy lawsuit against the United States Tennis Association (USTA) after she suffered a concussion when she slipped and fell in a US Open locker room in 2015.
In February 2018, a jury decided Bouchard was partially at fault – it determined the USTA was 75 per cent to blame for the incident, with Bouchard 25 per cent to blame.
More people have gotten to know Bouchard in recent years from stunning beach swimsuit photoshoots – the most famous was for Sports Illustrated – than from tennis appearances.
Since her heyday, she has faded from the competitive arena and slumped to 1,062 in the world ranking due to inactivity.
4
Bouchard is also playing pickleball
Credit: Instagram / @geniebouchard
4
Bouchard has also become a star on Instagram
Credit: Instagram / @geniebouchard
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
20 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Zhao Xintong falls victim to Ding Junhui Curse at Shanghai Masters as he loses first snooker match for nine months
ZHAO XINTONG lost his first snooker match for nine months as he fell victim to the Ding Junhui Curse. 2 Zhao Xintong fell to his first defeat in 27 games against Kyren Wilson Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 Kyren Wilson is through to the final of the Shanghai Masters Credit: Getty The Warrior, 33, scored breaks of 66, 75, 70, 95, 70, 101 and 51 across the 15 frames and crucially claimed all SIX frames in the evening session. For Xintong, it was a first defeat since losing to Shaun Murphy in the Last 32 of the UK Championship in York on November 23, 2024. After that loss in the North Yorkshire cathedral city, Xintong won an astonishing 26 matches in a row, which included lifting the Crucible crown in historic scenes for his country. But Xintong's Far East homecoming was ruined by the Kettering cueist as he completely flopped in the evening action. READ MORE IN SNOOKER The Cyclone potted breaks of 113, 59, 95 and then a 121 to lead 5-4 in the afternoon but when nighttime came, he was outclassed by the Englishman. And forget all about the Crucible Curse, which he has to negotiate next spring in Sheffield – the Curse of Ding Junhui struck again in a competitive environment. This was the 21st time in a row that someone had beaten Ding, 38, and then LOST their next match. A run that stretches back to the Players Championship in February 2024 in Telford. Most read in Snooker CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS It is a quirk that whoever manages to eliminate Ding, the Godfather of Chinese snooker, from a tournament cannot repeat the victory in the next appearance. Robbie Williams is the last person, at the 2024 Welsh Open, to have knocked out Ding and then won his next match. Snooker fans baffled as star who's not won a match all year knocks in staggering 147 break Wilson, the world No.2, faces Ali Carter in the final, the best of 21 frames, at the Luwan Gymnasium and the winner will earn a £210,000 jackpot. Kyren Wilson said: 'The crowd were massively on Zhao Xintong's side, which is obviously to be expected out here. He's an absolute local hero. 'I managed to settle quite early in the game and find a bit of rhythm. 'It was about going back to the hotel, resetting and recharging and coming out firing for the evening. 'Snooker is booming in China. You can feel an air of expectation every time Xintong turns up for a match. I knew I had to play well. 'We are both young guys and the most recent world champions. Hopefully it's a game the Chinese fans can enjoy for many years to come. 'I did hear about the curse. It's a mad stat. Maybe Ding Junhui is so good he takes it out of you when you beat him. 'Who knows? It's a crazy stat. I am sure Ding enjoys it. 'Ali Carter has battled through some tough deciding matches, which is what he does best. He's a fantastic match player. A very gritty, determined character. 'I will have to dig deep and play some of the best snooker I have played in maybe the last 18 months.'
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Alex Dunne claims another F2 podium finish as Pepe Marti's Hungaroring sprint victory cleared after stewards' review
Marti led from the lights but was pushed all the way by Rodin Motorsport's Dunne, who mounted a late charge after muscling past Arvid Lindblad in a bold move that split the Campos teammates. The 19-year-old Offaly driver closed to within DRS range on the final lap, but Marti defended aggressively, with Dunne forced wide on the penultimate corner after a last-ditch overtake attempt around the outside. The Irishman was very unhappy in the aftermath, claiming he had been 'brake-tested' by Marti earlier behind the safety car. The Campos driver was investigated for the incident, while Dunne himself was noted for a yellow flag infringement but both drivers were ultimately cleared by the stewards. Jak Crawford completed the podium after finally getting past Lindblad in the closing laps. The American's persistence paid off after a safety car, triggered by Sebastian Montoya's stranded PREMA, bunched up the field and reignited the battle behind the leaders. Pole-sitter Roman Stanek saw his race unravel early on after contact with PREMA's Gabriele Mini, who received a 10-second penalty for spinning the Czech driver out of contention. Montoya impressed early, climbing from 21st to 14th before his retirement. Further back, Williams juniors Luke Browning and Victor Martins fought hard for fifth, while John Bennett was handed a five-second penalty for forcing Montoya off track earlier in the race. Despite crossing the line in second, Dunne was left frustrated by Marti's defensive tactics but regardless, it was another strong showing from the Irish driver as he continues to underline his growing credentials in the paddock. The result sees Dunne move joint third in the standings on 122 points, level with Crawford with Richard Verschoor a further point ahead and Leonardo Fornaroli top on 127 ahead of tomorrow's feature race.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd given hope in Benjamin Sesko transfer race as RB Leipzig boss provides update after Newcastle's £70m bid
MANCHESTER UNITED are not out of the race for Benjamin Sesko despite Newcastle's £70million bid. The Toon wasted no time in their pursuit of the striker as they 5 Benjamin Sesko is wanted by both Man Utd and Newcastle Credit: Getty 5 Newcastle bid £70m for the striker earlier today Credit: Getty 5 But another round of talks give Man Utd hope Credit: Getty But reports by Sky Germany claim the deal is not done yet and more negotiations are scheduled for tonight with both clubs. And with talks ongoing, Sesko was left out of their pre-season friendly against Atalanta today. READ MORE ON MAN UTD Sesko is said to be weighing up a move to either Newcastle or Interest from St James' Park comes amid star striker The Swede is currently at his former club Real Sociedad after not joining his team-mates on the club's pre-season tour. Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 5 Isak has his heart set on a switch to Liverpool despite them already splashing £79m on Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike this summer. The Premier League champions had a £110m bid for Isak turned down by Newcastle yesterday. Man United quartet exiled as Amorim reshapes squad! They are demanding a staggering £150m for their main man. Meanwhile, Man Utd's Sesko interest is being driven by director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who previously worked at RB Leipzig. The club are desperate to sign a striker after Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managed just seven league goals between them last season. Sesko was on fire in the Bundesliga, finding the back of the net 13 times in 33 games last term. Arsenal were interested in the Slovenian but are now out the running after snapping up 5
