Montreal was more than just a tournament for Eugenie “Genie” Bouchard — it was the stage for her final act. After a decade of swinging forehands, chasing slam glory, and battling both injuries and expectations, she chose to bow out where her journey began. Her announcement before the National Bank Open that this would be her last professional tennis event came with a wild card drive, and a promise: “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal.”
🎾 The Win That Extended the Goodbye
To open her farewell tournament, Bouchard faced Emiliana Arango. It wasn’t going to be easy — this was her first singles win since 2023, and the crowd was buzzing with emotion. But Genie delivered, grinding out a 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 win. Not just a win. A lifeline. She had asked herself earlier: if she wins this tournament, maybe — just maybe — she’ll reconsider retirement.And with that victory in front of her hometown fans, she granted them one more moment to cheer, one more moment to believe.
The match had its ups and downs: beautiful rallies, wavering momentum, an unforced error here and there. But when she sealed the win, Genie’s hands flew to her heart. There were tears, salutes, an overwhelming sense of both relief and sorrow. The cheers from the stands echoed the unspoken: this wasn’t just a match, it was a final statement.
💔 Shea’s Last Dance: Not a Finale, But a Full Circle
Later, she met Belinda Bencic in the second round. It was a close battle, a three-set fight that ended in a loss. With it, Genie’s professional journey concluded. She fought hard, but her body and the years had made their claim.
Yet, despite the loss, the atmosphere was triumphant. This was more than the end of her career; it was the closing of a circle. As a child, she dreamed of playing in Montreal. She grew into one of Canada’s most iconic players, breaking barriers and carrying hope. Now, she ended there — to thunderous applause, tearful speeches, and a crowd that acknowledged both her glory and her grit.
🌟 Her Legacy — More Than Matches Won or Lost
Bouchard came up in 2014 with a season that gave the tennis world a jolt: three major semifinal matches, a Wimbledon final, a No. 5 world ranking. After that, injuries, inconsistency, and scrutiny followed. But through it all, she remained a symbol for Canadian tennis — proof that players from outside the traditional powerhouses could reach for the top.
In her speech, Bouchard spoke of gratitude — for family, fans, and fellow players. She said that even if the match was over, the love for the sport, and what she stood for, would continue. She hinted at exploring more of pickleball, her business interests, and staying part of the tennis world in new ways. Her presence won’t disappear; it will shift.
