Eugenie Bouchard, who appeared in the 2014 Wimbledon women's final, represented Canada at the Olympic Games in 2016 and earned 13 match wins over 10 Billie Jean King Cup ties.
Canadian tennis icon Eugenie Bouchard is preparing to say goodbye to professional tennis at the 2024 National Bank Open in her hometown of Montreal. The announcement came via Tennis Canada on Wednesday, confirming that Bouchard will receive a main-draw wild card entry for the WTA 1000 event starting July 26 at IGA Stadium.
Bouchard’s Historic Career Comes Full Circle
Bouchard’s retirement marks the conclusion of a trailblazing career that forever changed Canadian tennis. The 30-year-old made headlines worldwide in 2014 when she became the first Canadian woman in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam singles final. She made it all the way to the Wimbledon final that year, where she was bested by Petra Kvitova in straight sets.
That breakthrough season wasn’t a fluke. Bouchard also reached the semifinals at both the Australian Open and the French Open in 2014. She ended the season ranked No. 5 in the world and was named the WTA’s Most Improved Player. Her only WTA title came the same year at the Nuremberg Cup on clay.
A Farewell Where It All Began
Bouchard’s announcement, made on X (formerly Twitter), struck an emotional chord. “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal,” she wrote.
Valerie Tetreault, tournament director of the National Bank Open, paid tribute to Bouchard’s impact on the sport. “She redefined what Canadian tennis could be,” Tetreault said. “We’re proud of her legacy as a player and a role model. Seeing her one last time on home soil will be special.”
Career Disrupted but Never Derailed
Injuries and inconsistency prevented Bouchard from replicating her 2014 success. A concussion suffered at the 2015 U.S. Open was a significant setback. Still, she remained a vital part of Canada’s tennis journey.
She represented Canada at the 2016 Olympic Games and notched 13 victories across 10 Billie Jean King Cup ties. Her final flourish came in 2023, where she teamed up with Gabriela Dabrowski to secure two doubles wins that contributed to Canada’s first-ever Billie Jean King Cup title.
A Legacy That Inspired a Generation
Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada, acknowledged Bouchard’s lasting impact. “Few athletes have left such a mark on Canadian tennis,” he said. “Her Wimbledon final and BJK Cup win were milestones. They made the impossible seem possible for Canadian players.”
Ziv added that her presence had been pivotal in inspiring young athletes and elevating the sport’s profile nationwide.
What’s Next for Bouchard?
As she steps away from the WTA Tour, Bouchard isn’t entirely leaving the court. She is set to join the professional pickleball circuit, marking a new chapter in her sporting life.
Big Names Out of Montreal Event
While Bouchard’s farewell has added emotional weight to the 2024 National Bank Open, the tournament will miss some major stars. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and tenth-ranked Paula Badosa have both withdrawn.
Sabalenka cited fatigue following her semifinal run at Wimbledon. “I love my Canadian fans, but I need to rest to prepare for the hard-court season,” she shared in a statement.
Badosa exited Wimbledon in the first round due to a back injury and confirmed she’ll be out for a few weeks.
Their withdrawals have opened spots for Caty McNally (USA) and Moyuka Uchijima (Japan), who were awarded main-draw entries.
Montreal Prepares for an Emotional Send-off
As the National Bank Open kicks off on July 26, all eyes will be on Eugenie Bouchard. Her final match in Montreal won’t just close a chapter in her career—it will celebrate a legacy that lifted Canadian tennis to global recognition.
