Genie Bouchard's final match was a three-set battle against Belinda Bencic, ending with a hometown standing ovation. The unranked wildcard played well, ultimately losing 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
Bouchard, emotional, said finishing her career in Montreal felt like a full circle. She thanked her family, acknowledging their role in her journey.
Returning to her tennis roots, the former World No. 5 retired before family and friends. She received a wild card, and postponed retirement with a first-round win.
Bouchard had shifted focus to pickleball, playing few matches recently.
Before the match, "Genie in a Bottle" played. Bouchard and Bencic had met three times previously, with Bencic winning.
Bouchard fought hard, but Bencic prevailed.
A video montage followed, celebrating her career.
Bouchard leaves as one of Canada's most accomplished players, with two WTA titles and a junior Wimbledon title.
In 2014, she reached No. 5 in the world and made a Wimbledon final. Her success popularized tennis in Canada.
5 Comments
Facilitator
Bouchard's time has passed. Plugging away at pickleball now? Really?
Bob the Helper
She made more headlines for her Instagram than her tennis lately. Just another faded star.
Giverr
A standing ovation just for showing up? She should have earned it with better performances.
Amatus
The standing ovation was well-deserved. She put Canada on the tennis map!
KittyKat
Bouchard’s resilience in her final match was commendable. She fought until the end!