Eugenie Bouchard to Retire at Montreal’s National Bank Open
Canadian tennis legend Eugenie Bouchard is set to retire from professional tennis at the National Bank Open in Montreal, her hometown and the heart of her remarkable journey. With a career that once electrified fans worldwide, Bouchard will say goodbye to the WTA Tour where it all began.
A Pioneering Career That Changed Canadian Tennis
Bouchard captured national and global attention in 2014 with a dazzling run to the Wimbledon final, becoming the first Canadian woman in the Open Era to play in a Grand Slam singles final. That same year, she also reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and the French Open, qualified for the WTA Finals, and was named the tour’s Most Improved Player.
Her only WTA title came at the Nuremberg Cup on clay, but her real triumph was redefining Canadian tennis on the world stage.
A Final Rally in Front of Home Fans
Tennis Canada announced that Bouchard will receive a main-draw wild card to play one final time at the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, beginning July 26. The city where she first picked up a racket will host her emotional farewell.
“You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal,” Bouchard posted on X.
Injuries Slowed Her Rise, But Never Diminished Her Legacy
Following her 2014 breakthrough, injuries—including a concussion at the 2015 U.S. Open—and inconsistent form held her back from maintaining top-tier performance. Still, she remained an unwavering presence on Canada’s women’s team.
She represented Canada at the 2016 Olympics, and over the course of 10 Billie Jean King Cup ties, she earned 13 match victories, including a key doubles role in Canada’s first BJK Cup title in 2023.
Celebrated by Fans, Players, and Officials
Valerie Tetreault, tournament director of the National Bank Open, called Bouchard “a trailblazer who redefined what Canadian tennis could be.”
Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada, echoed the sentiment:
“Her Wimbledon final and BJK Cup win were pivotal. Genie inspired a generation.”
Sabalenka and Badosa Withdraw From Tournament
In related news, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 10 Paula Badosa have pulled out of the tournament.
Sabalenka, who recently reached the Wimbledon semifinals, cited fatigue and a need to reset before the hard-court season. Badosa withdrew after sustaining a back injury during her first-round Wimbledon match.
Caty McNally (USA) and Moyuka Uchijima (Japan) will fill their main-draw slots.
One Last Serve from a Canadian Icon
As Bouchard takes her final bow, fans will remember not just her victories, but the spirit and passion she brought to the court. Her farewell will be a celebration of resilience, ambition, and national pride.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more stories celebrating Canadian icons.
