Watching Eugenie Bouchard Win Again Made Me Feel Things I Wasn't Ready For

By Lewis Barnett 29 July, 2025 6 mins read 144 Views

God, I wasn't prepared for the emotions last night.

There I was, sitting in my living room at 11:47 PM (yes, I checked the time because I'm weird like that), watching Eugenie Bouchard play tennis again. Actually play tennis. Not just pose for another Sports Illustrated shoot or post Instagram stories from Cabo, but grinding out points like her career depended on it. Which, honestly, it kind of did since she's been planning to hang up her racquet after this tournament in Montreal.

The woman hasn't won a match in two years. TWO YEARS. Do you know how long that feels in tennis time? That's like a decade in normal human years.

Audio Summary of the Article

When Your Comeback Story Writes Itself

Bouchard beat Emiliana Arango 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in what can only be described as a proper slugfest. Over two hours of tennis that had me pacing around my apartment like an idiot. My neighbor probably thinks I've lost it – I may have yelled "YES!" a bit too loudly when she closed out that final set.

The IGA Stadium was absolutely electric. You could feel it through the screen.

Here's what gets me: Bouchard is ranked 1,062 in the world right now. That's not a typo. One thousand and sixty-two. For context, she was once ranked No. 5 and made the Wimbledon final back in 2014 when we all thought she'd be the next big thing in tennis.

Life comes at you fast, doesn't it?

The Princess Who Lost Her Kingdom

Remember when Eugenie Bouchard was everywhere? Named after Princess Eugenie (random fact that still makes me smile), she was Canada's tennis darling. First Canadian to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Made the semis at three of the four majors in 2014. The future looked so damn bright.

Then everything went sideways.

Injuries happened. That shoulder surgery kept her out for 17 months between 2021-2022. There was also that bizarre lawsuit against the USTA after she slipped in a locker room at the 2015 US Open and got a concussion. A jury eventually decided the USTA was 75% at fault, Bouchard 25%. But honestly? The whole thing just felt like another chapter in a career that couldn't catch a break.

Poor Eugenie became more famous for her beach photos than her backhand.

Why I'm Getting Emotional Over One Tennis Match

Look, I know it's just one win. Against the 82nd-ranked player in the world. But sometimes sports hits you in ways that don't make logical sense.

Bouchard's post-match interview got me. She said: "I woke up this morning just telling myself: 'Look, I can't control the result.' I just want to have a good attitude, have good fight, and try to feel good with my shots."

That's not athlete-speak. That's human-speak.

She talked about having to "block out the noise" from the crowd because they were so loud and supportive. This woman who once played on Centre Court at Wimbledon was getting overwhelmed by the home crowd in Montreal cheering for what might be her final tennis moments.

Next Stop: Pickleball Paradise

After this tournament ends, Bouchard is switching to pickleball. I'm not even kidding. From Wimbledon finals to pickleball courts – if that's not a metaphor for something, I don't know what is.

But you know what? Good for her. She's 31, she's been through hell with injuries and lawsuits, and she's built a massive social media following doing her own thing. Sometimes knowing when to pivot is the smartest move you can make.

She gets one more match now – against Belinda Bencic on Wednesday. The former Olympic champion versus the former Wimbledon finalist in what feels like a passing-of-the-torch moment, except the torch is being passed to a pickleball paddle.

I'll be watching. Probably getting way too invested again.

Some stories just grab you, you know?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be credited for standardizing tennis in the modern era?

Major Walter Clopton Wingfield owes a lot to the modernization of tennis. In 1873 he invented a game he called "Sphairistike", which was played in an hourglass-shaped court. Wingfield's version included a simplified score system and equipment similar to that used today. This iteration laid the foundation for the rules of lawn tennis, and by 1877, the first Wimbledon Championships were held, cementing the game's rules and structure.

What are the roots of tennis in history?

The origins of tennis can be traced back to the 12th century France. In monastery courtyards, monks would use their hands in a sport called jeu de pâume to hit the ball. Over time, rackets were introduced, and the game evolved into what we recognize today as tennis. In the 16thcentury, European nobility began to play the game. Tennis has changed a lot since it was first invented, with the introduction in the 19th Century of lawn tennis and standardized rules.

What are the effects of playing surfaces on tennis?

Tennis matches are affected by the pace and style of play on different surfaces. Grass courts tend to produce a faster game favoring big servers and those with an attacking style. Clay courts have a slower ball speed and a higher bounce. They are better for players with tenacity and topspin. Hard courts provide a balanced playing field that is neither too fast nor too slow, rewarding well-rounded players. These surface variations require different approaches to match strategy and can influence match outcomes.

How have women's contributions to tennis shaped the sport?

Tennis has been greatly influenced by women both on and off court, with their performances and advocacy for equal rights and recognition. Billie Jean King's tireless efforts to promote equal prize-money and professional opportunities for female tennis players led to the Women's Tennis Association's (WTA's) formation in 1973. Steffi Graf and Venus and Serena Williams along with Martina Navratilova, all icons in the sport, have raised its profile dramatically through their talent and competitiveness. Women's Tennis is also a sport that attracts equal viewers, highlighting its appeal and inclusivity.

What is the significance of the grass courts at Wimbledon?

Wimbledon grass courts hold a unique place in tennis as they are the only Grand Slams still played on the traditional surface. The low-bouncing, fast game of grass tests players' skills in unique ways. Wimbledon (formally The Championships) began in the year 1877. The tournament is known for its rich tradition and strict dress codes. Wimbledon's venerable grass courts are often regarded as the pinnacle of a tennis players career.

Statistics

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) governs over 200 nations, indicating the sport's vast international governance structure and participation rate.
As of 2023, Wimbledon remains the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is considered by many to be the most prestigious.
Lawn tennis, which evolved into the game we know today, adapted its point system from the jeu de paume, with theories suggesting its increments represent the face of a clock.
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is often credited with pioneering the rules of modern tennis in 1873, and his version of the game was patented under the name "Sphairistikè."
Since the Open Era began in 1968, allowing professional players to compete in the Grand Slams, the United States has produced the most Grand Slam singles titles across men's and women's competition.

External Links

How To

How to Research the History of Tennis

To delve into the history of tennis, explore key historical periods starting from its origins as "real tennis" in 12th century France to its modern establishment as lawn tennis. There are many sources of reference material, including libraries, online database and archives. Some notable milestones are the codification by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield of the rules and the introduction of prestigious events like Wimbledon. Tennis history books and resources at the International Tennis Hall of Fame are invaluable for avid researchers.