MusaEmma Raducanu paid an emotional tribute to Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard after the former Wimbledon finalist announced her retirement from professional tennis. Bouchard, who was once hailed as the future of women’s tennis, officially bid farewell to the sport in an emotional ceremony at the Canadian Open, where she first made her breakthrough.
Raducanu, who has often spoken about how she admired Bouchard’s early rise in tennis, took to social media and later addressed the press to express her respect for the Canadian star. “Genie has always been an inspiration. Her run to the Wimbledon final was one of the first big matches I watched as a young girl. To see her retire is emotional, but I hope she knows how much she’s done for Canadian tennis and for young players like me growing up,” Raducanu said.
Bouchard’s career has been a story of remarkable highs and tough setbacks. After reaching the Wimbledon final in 2014 and breaking into the Top 5 of the WTA rankings, injuries and form struggles derailed her momentum. Despite battling through numerous comebacks, Bouchard ultimately decided to hang up her racket, acknowledging that her body could no longer cope with the demands of professional tennis.
Raducanu, who herself has faced intense scrutiny following her meteoric rise after winning the US Open as a teenager, has often related to Bouchard’s journey. Both players experienced the pressure of early success, followed by challenging spells of injuries and media attention. Raducanu’s heartfelt message emphasized solidarity and understanding, saying, “What Genie has endured and how she’s handled herself through ups and downs is truly admirable. She’s a role model for resilience.”
As Bouchard transitions into her next chapter—likely involving media, fashion, and tennis commentary—Raducanu wished her well, expressing hope they could collaborate off-court in the future. “I’m sure Genie will continue to shine in everything she does next. I look forward to seeing her thrive in her post-tennis life.”
Bouchard’s retirement marks the end of a significant era for Canadian tennis, but tributes like Raducanu’s reflect how her influence has gone beyond just rankings and titles. For the next generation, Eugenie Bouchard remains a symbol of ambition and perseverance.
Musa
