Canadian tennis champion Eugenie Bouchard announces retirement at home tournament

Hugely popular Canadian tennis star Genie Bouchard has called time on her career.

The 31-year-old will play one one last time at the Canadian Open in her home town of Montreal, starting next week, before saying goodbye.

“You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal,” Bouchard wrote across her social media platforms.

Bouchard, a former world No.5, was at her peak in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final and semi-finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

She also won her only singles title that year.

Bouchard returned to a grand slam semi the following season in Australia, but had her career somewhat derailed by a fall later that year at the US Open, after which she was never the same.

The Canadian suffered a concussion after slipping on a wet locker room floor, forcing her to pull out of her fourth-round match.

American superstar Coco Gauff and Bouchard’s sister Beatrice were among the first to pay tribute to her career.

“Watching you chase your dreams with everything in your being has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Beatrice said.

“You are the true definition of hard work, determination, HEART, and resilience.

“You made history, inspired a nation, and gave everything to this sport.

“But to me.. you’ve always just been my hero. So proud to be your sister, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you.”

Hundreds of fans added their well-wishes.

“Genie, you’ve done a lot of great things, not only for yourself, but the sport of tennis and you made a lot of new people become fans, not only of yourself, but of the sport itself. Be proud of your career and I hope you find something that you loved as much as tennis,” one wrote.

“Congratulations Genie, what a wonderful career. You helped Canadian tennis on World tennis map, a place it has never left since you burst onto the scene. Thank You. Wishing you all the best in your new ventures. The tennis world will not be the same without you in it,” another added.

A third called her a “tennis goddess and queen”.

“Hoping that Genie goes out with bang. Many great moments from her career.”

Bouchard has scarcely played on the WTA tour in recent years, having explored professional pickleball instead.

But she has received a wildcard entry to the Canadian Open, as the tournament’s official account revealed.

“One final Montreal homecoming and a main draw wildcard for Eugenie Bouchard,” it said.

“The former world no. 5 and 2014 Wimbledon finalist will bid adieu to tennis at the #NBO2025”

Tournament director Valerie Tetreault said she’s been an icon of the sport in Canada.

“She has been one of the most important figures in the history of our sport in Canada and a trailblazer who redefined what Canadian tennis could be,” Tetreault said.

“We are proud of everything she has done, as a player and role model, and we can’t wait to see her in action one last time at IGA Stadium this summer.”