Eugenie Bouchard: The Journey of a Canadian Tennis Star
Eugenie Bouchard, affectionately known as “Genie,” is one of the most iconic figures in Canadian tennis. Born on February 25, 1994, in Montreal, Quebec, she captivated the tennis world with her talent, charisma, and determination. Her journey, marked by historic achievements, personal challenges, and a significant presence off the court, has made her an inspiration to fans and athletes alike. This article explores Bouchard’s life, career, and legacy, detailing her rise, accomplishments, and transition to new paths, culminating in her retirement in 2025.
Early Life and First Steps in Tennis
A Childhood in Montreal
Eugenie Bouchard was born into a close-knit family in Montreal, the daughter of Michel Bouchard, an investment banker, and Julie Leclair. She is one of four children, with a twin sister, Beatrice, six minutes older, and younger siblings Charlotte (born 1995) and William (born 1999). Interestingly, Eugenie and Beatrice were named after the daughters of Prince Andrew, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice of York, while Charlotte and William were inspired by members of the Monegasque and British royal families. Raised in the Westmount neighborhood, where she lived on the same street as former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Bouchard grew up in an environment that balanced privilege and discipline.
At five years old, Eugenie began playing tennis at Tennis Canada’s National Training Centre in Montreal. Her passion for the sport was immediate, unlike her sister Beatrice, who quit tennis after a year. Bouchard showed natural competitiveness early on, with her mother noting that she always wanted to “hit more balls” after lessons. Her dedication extended to academics, excelling in math and science at The Study, a private girls’ school, where she graduated. Bouchard briefly considered a career in medicine, but tennis soon became her primary focus.
Early Success as a Junior
At 12, Bouchard made a pivotal decision for her career: she moved to Florida to train with renowned coach Nick Saviano, who also worked with players like Sloane Stephens. The move to a more competitive environment with diverse opponents and access to outdoor courts was a game-changer. In 2005, at age 11, she competed in the Open Super 12 tournament in Auray, France, showcasing her international potential. In 2008, she won both singles and doubles titles at an ITF event in Costa Rica and the singles title at the ITF All Canadian in Burlington, Ontario. At 15, in 2009, she claimed the Canadian Under-18 Indoor Championship in Toronto, becoming one of the event’s youngest champions.
Rise in Professional Tennis
First Steps in the Professional Circuit
Bouchard joined the WTA professional circuit in 2011 as a teenager. Her significant debut came at the 2011 Australian Open, where she reached the junior semifinals. That same year, she won her first professional title at the Burnie International, demonstrating her ability to compete at a high level. In 2012, Bouchard made history by winning the Wimbledon junior girls’ singles title, becoming the first Canadian to claim a Grand Slam title at any level. Alongside Filip Peliwo’s victory in the boys’ junior event, this marked a historic moment for Canadian tennis.
In 2013, Bouchard began to gain attention on the professional circuit. She reached her first WTA singles final at the HP Open in Osaka, losing to Samantha Stosur in three sets. Despite the loss, her consistent performance earned her the WTA Newcomer of the Year award, solidifying her status as a rising star.
The Golden Year: 2014
The year 2014 was the pinnacle of Bouchard’s career. Starting the season outside the top 30, she quickly climbed the rankings with standout performances. At the Australian Open, she reached the semifinals, defeating former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic en route. She replicated this success at Roland Garros, reaching the semifinals and proving her consistency across surfaces. However, it was at Wimbledon where Bouchard made history. She became the first Canadian to reach a Grand Slam singles final, facing Petra Kvitová. Although she lost the final, the achievement drew over a million Canadian viewers and turned her into a national sensation.
Also in 2014, Bouchard won her first WTA title in Nuremberg, Germany, defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final. It was the first WTA title won by a Canadian since 2008. Her consistency throughout the year—she was the only player to reach the semifinals of three Grand Slams in 2014—propelled her to world No. 5, a historic milestone for Canada. Bouchard was named the WTA’s Most Improved Player and won the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as Canada’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
Challenges and Injuries
The Impact of the 2015 US Open Injury
After her 2014 success, Bouchard faced a significant setback in 2015. At the US Open, she advanced to the fourth round, defeating players like Alison Riske, Polona Hercog, and Dominika Cibulková. However, during the tournament, she suffered a concussion after slipping and falling in the locker room. The injury forced her to withdraw from the event and other tournaments, limiting her to just one more match that year, against Andrea Petkovic at the China Open, where she also retired due to dizziness. Bouchard filed a lawsuit against the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which was settled in 2018.
The concussion marked the start of a challenging period. Her confidence and performance suffered, and she struggled to regain her previous form. In 2016, Bouchard competed at the Rio Olympics, reaching the second round in singles and doubles, but the consistent results of 2014 seemed distant.
Struggles and Comeback
Between 2017 and 2018, Bouchard appeared on Forbes’ lists of the highest-paid female athletes, earning $6.2 million in 2017 and $7.1 million in 2018, largely from endorsements. However, her ranking plummeted, reaching No. 1,459 in 2022. Despite this, she showed signs of recovery in 2020, reaching the quarterfinals at the Prague Open and Istanbul Open.
In 2021, Bouchard underwent shoulder surgery, sidelining her for months. Her return included appearances in smaller tournaments like the Vancouver Open and Chennai Open, where she showed resilience but struggled to reclaim her top ranking. In 2023, she contributed to Canada’s victory in the Billie Jean King Cup, winning her doubles matches, a proud moment in her career.
Presence Off the Court
Social Media Influence
Beyond her tennis achievements, Bouchard became a prominent figure on social media, with over 2.3 million Instagram followers. Her posts, often showcasing personal moments like training, travel, and even gardening in Miami, have garnered both admiration and criticism. In 2024, an Instagram post of her gardening in a bikini sparked controversy, with some calling it “cringe.” Bouchard defended her social media presence, comparing herself to figures like Kim Kardashian and emphasizing that public exposure is part of modern life.
In a 2024 interview with The Times, she lamented the impact of “hate” and “brainwashing” she faced for her off-court activities. Bouchard admitted that criticism affected her confidence and performance but said she learned to handle public pressure over time.
Transition to Pickleball
In recent years, Bouchard expanded her horizons by competing in pickleball, a rapidly growing sport. Her participation in pickleball tournaments, alongside her tennis career, showcased her versatility and desire to stay active in sports. She expressed plans to continue competing in both sports before announcing her retirement from tennis.
Retirement and Legacy
The Final Dance in Montreal
On July 16, 2025, Bouchard announced she would retire from professional tennis after the National Bank Open in her hometown of Montreal. The decision was symbolic, closing her career where it began. “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Finishing where it all started: Montreal,” she wrote on social media. At the tournament, Bouchard won her first-round match against Emiliana Arango 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, showing flashes of her former brilliance before bidding farewell.
A Lasting Legacy
Eugenie Bouchard leaves an undeniable legacy in Canadian tennis. As the first Canadian woman to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open Era and world No. 5, she paved the way for future generations. Her 2012 Wimbledon junior title, her role in Canada’s 2023 Billie Jean King Cup victory, and her charisma on and off the court inspired fans, known as the “Genie Army.” Bouchard was named Tennis Canada’s Player of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and received the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award in 2013 and 2014.
Despite challenges, including injuries and criticism for her social media presence, Bouchard remained resilient. Her admiration for Roger Federer, whom she met at the 2012 Wimbledon Ball, and her dedication to fitness—maintaining a rigorous training routine and high-protein diet—reflect her commitment to excellence.
Conclusion
Eugenie Bouchard is more than a tennis player; she is an icon who transcended the sport. Her journey, from a young prodigy in Montreal to a Wimbledon finalist and global influencer, is a story of talent, determination, and reinvention. As she stepped away from the court in 2025, Bouchard left a void but also a powerful example of pursuing dreams with passion. Her impact on Canadian tennis and her connection with fans ensure that the name “Genie” will be remembered for years to come.
