Bouchard Gets Emotional Montreal Farewell As She Retires From Tennis

Summary:

• Eugenie Bouchard played her final match at the National Bank Open in her hometown, losing a close three-set battle to Belinda Bencic.
• The former world No. 5 thanked fans during an emotional post-match ceremony, calling it a “full-circle moment.”
• She confirmed her retirement, saying she’s ready for a new chapter outside tennis, possibly in TV.

Eugenie Bouchard couldn’t have scripted a more fitting finale to her tennis career. Under the lights on centre court in her hometown of Montreal, the former world No. 5 gave fans one last electrifying performance, as well as a moving goodbye.

“An Emotional Moment”

The 31-year-old Westmount native lost a hard-fought three-set battle to 17th seed Belinda Bencic at the National Bank Open on Wednesday night, but the result hardly mattered. The crowd came to celebrate her, and Bouchard gave them a reason to cheer.

I’ve always had a feeling I would end my career here. Montreal is where I was born and raised, so it just feels right. An emotional moment. I think I just wanted a moment like this because my career deserved a moment like this. I really think I got it tonight, and I’m so grateful for that.

Despite falling 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 to her opponent on the court, Eugenie Bouchard was seen turning back the clock and showing the same intensity and confidence that originally turned her into a global tennis sensation. 

She pushed the Swiss with a world No. 4 career-high ranking to the limit in a match that lasted over two hours, once again showcasing her trademark grit and aggression.

Her second-round appearance followed a nostalgic first-round win over Emiliana Arango, her first WTA victory since 2023, and marked one final spark in a career that’s had plenty of ups and downs.

“A Full-Circle Moment” for Genie From Montreal 

On this night, though, she was simply “Genie from Montreal“. Fans took over IGA Stadium, chanting her name, giving standing ovations, and taking in every celebratory moment. Bouchard, overcome with emotion, addressed them after the match.

It’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal, on this court, in front of you guys.

she said while reminiscing about her childhood when she would sit in the stands, “hoping and dreaming” that she would one day play on that court. 

“It feels like such a full-circle moment”. Eugenie added. Her sister, however, joked about fans signing a petition to cancel her retirement, but Bouchard made it clear she’s ready for what comes next.

I’ve given so much to tennis, and it’s given me so much, but I do feel ready to move on.Maybe into TV… if anyone’s hiring.

After years in the spotlight, Bouchard now turns the page, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada’s most memorable tennis stars and inspiring new stars such as Leylah Fernandez.