Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard is proving that life after retirement can be just as exciting! Bouchard, who hung up her racket at the young age of 31, is now making waves with her post-retirement adventures. But here's where it gets controversial—is it really retirement if she's still in the spotlight? And this is the part most people miss—the transition from professional tennis to pickleball.
Bouchard, once a top-ranked player, has traded in her tennis gear for a new sport: pickleball. This change has given her more free time, which she recently spent on a Caribbean getaway. The former tennis glamour girl shared captivating vacation photos from the British Virgin Islands, showcasing her dedication to staying fit and active.
Her Instagram post, captioned 'no schedule these days,' offered a glimpse into her trip, featuring snorkeling, dancing, and poolside relaxation. This comes after her surprising retirement announcement at the National Bank Open in Montreal, where she expressed gratitude for the sport and her supporters.
Bouchard's career peaked in 2014 when she reached No. 5 in the WTA rankings and won her only singles title. She also reached the Wimbledon final, losing to Petra Kvitova, and made it to the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open that same year. However, a concussion suffered at the 2015 U.S. Open marked a turning point, and she never quite regained her former glory.
The tennis star's legal battle with the US Tennis Association after her injury made headlines, with the jury assigning 75% of the blame to the organization. Despite these challenges, Bouchard contributed to Canada's success in the Billie Jean King Cup in 2023, solidifying her impact on Canadian tennis.
Valerie Tetreault, National Bank Open tournament director, praised Bouchard's influence, calling her a 'trailblazer'. Bouchard's fame extended beyond the court, with appearances on Forbes' World's Highest-Paid Female Athletes list in 2017 and 2018. However, her social media presence and sponsorship deals sparked mixed reactions, as she revealed in a 2024 interview.
So, what's next for Bouchard? As she embraces her new sport and lifestyle, will she continue to captivate audiences? And what does her journey say about the challenges and opportunities for athletes after retirement? Share your thoughts below!
