In the heart of Montreal, where her tennis journey began, Eugenie Bouchard, the former world No. 5, stepped onto the IGA Stadium court for the final time as a professional. The 31-year-old Canadian, unranked but undaunted, delivered a performance brimming with heart and grit in her last professional match at the 2025 National Bank Open. Facing world No. 20 Belinda Bencic in the second round, Bouchard fought valiantly, ultimately falling 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 in a three-set thriller that captivated a crowd of 10,138. The match, a poignant capstone to a 16-year career, was a testament to Bouchard’s enduring spirit and the love of her hometown fans, who roared her on until the final point.
Bouchard, a Montreal native who began playing tennis at age five, announced in July that the 2025 Canadian Open would mark her retirement. “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal,” she declared, setting the stage for an emotional farewell. Her journey to this moment was nothing short of historic. In 2014, Bouchard redefined Canadian tennis, becoming the first woman from her country to reach a Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, where she fell to Petra Kvitova. That same year, she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open, won her only WTA singles title in Nuremberg, and climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 5. Her trailblazing career, which included a doubles title, 11 finals appearances, and a pivotal role in Canada’s 2023 Billie Jean King Cup triumph, earned her accolades as a national icon. “Few athletes have left as profound a mark on Canadian tennis as Genie has throughout her extraordinary career,” said Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada, celebrating her legacy.
The second-round clash against Bencic was a microcosm of Bouchard’s career: flashes of brilliance, fierce determination, and moments of vulnerability. Bencic, a former Canadian Open champion, stormed through the first set, breaking Bouchard twice with deep, punishing shots. Bouchard struggled to find her rhythm, winning just 29.4% of her first-serve return points. Yet, the Montreal crowd, chanting “Let’s go Genie,” refused to let her fade quietly. In the second set, Bouchard rediscovered the aggressive style that once made her a global star. She held serve with confidence, unleashed backhand winners, and broke Bencic with a blistering forehand to take a 5-3 lead, leveling the match. “I felt like the old Genie out there,” Bouchard said, her voice tinged with pride as she reflected on recapturing her 2014 form.
The third set was a grueling battle. Bouchard, buoyed by the crowd’s thunderous support, held serve under pressure and broke Bencic with exquisite volleys, showing the versatility that once propelled her to the top. At 4-3, she faced a critical break point, delivering a forehand that kissed the line, prompting a roar so loud she couldn’t hear the call. “The crowd was so loud, I couldn’t feel my body for 30 seconds,” she admitted, laughing. Despite her heroics, unforced errors crept in, and Bencic capitalized, edging ahead to secure the victory after over two hours of play. As Bouchard stood on court, soaking in the applause, she addressed the fans: “It’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal, on this court and in front of you guys. I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day, so it feels like a full circle moment to finish my career here.”
Bouchard’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Injuries, including a 2015 US Open concussion and a 17-month hiatus for shoulder surgery in 2021-22, derailed her momentum. Yet, her resilience shone through, from her junior Wimbledon title in 2012 to her role in Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup victory. Off the court, she embraced new ventures, competing in pickleball and building a $6 million net worth through endorsements with brands like New Balance and Coca-Cola. “It’s hard to live a life without regret,” Bouchard reflected, acknowledging the highs and lows. “I did what I thought was best for me at that time.”
Montreal’s fans, dubbed the “Genie Army,” gave her a hero’s send-off, their “Olé, Olé, Olé” chants echoing through IGA Stadium. “She was an inspiration for me,” said Trois-Rivières resident Sabrina Casavant, echoing the sentiments of young players like Victoria Mboko, who credited Bouchard with paving the way for Canadian tennis. As Bouchard transitions to pickleball and new chapters, her farewell match—a display of courage and connection with her roots—ensured her legacy as a trailblazer endures.
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