Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has been generating considerable attention due to her recent foray into the sport of Pickleball, rather than her absence at SW19. Once a rising star in the world of tennis, the Canadian athlete has articulated her considerations regarding her future in the sport amidst her recent endeavors.
A decade ago, Bouchard achieved a world ranking of number five following impressive showings at the Australian and French Open, as well as a runner-up finish at Wimbledon. However, a series of setbacks including consistent injury problems and a decline in form has resulted in her current ranking at 524th in the world.
Following a shoulder injury in 2021 which kept her away from the court for 17 months, Bouchard turned her attention to Pickleball, joining the Professional Pickleball Association Tour, a rapidly growing sport that has been gaining traction globally. In a recent interview with YouTuber Valeria Lipovetsky, Bouchard acknowledged the shift in her priorities and the impact it has had on her tennis career.
As her time is now divided between training for both tennis and pickleball, Bouchard noted the differing physical demands and court dynamics of the two sports. She referred to this period as an “experimental year” and expressed her curiosity in exploring her passion for either sport and how she can effectively manage both of them.
Pickleball, which utilizes paddles and a plastic ball on a smaller-sized court, offers Bouchard a less physically demanding alternative to tennis. The Canadian athlete secured her first pickleball victory earlier this year, further intensifying her interest in the sport. Despite her commitment to pickleball, Bouchard continues to balance her career, making her broadcasting debut for the Tennis Channel and engaging in commentary at various tennis events across Europe.
Reflecting on her injury, Bouchard shared how it allowed her to explore new opportunities off the court, particularly in broadcasting. She expressed her interest in pursuing a career in commentary once she concludes her tennis journey, highlighting her passion for storytelling and analysis in the field of sports.
As Bouchard navigates through this period of transition in her sporting career, her followers eagerly anticipate her next move. The tennis star’s shift in focus towards pickleball and broadcasting raises questions about her future in the world of sports, leaving fans to wonder what lies ahead for the former Wimbledon finalist.
The combination of Bouchard’s presence in both tennis and pickleball, alongside her growing career in broadcasting, illustrates a multi-dimensional athlete with a diverse range of talents. As she embarks on this new chapter in her athletic journey, the world watches with bated breath for what the future holds for the versatile Eugenie Bouchard.