Eugenie “Genie” Bouchard, the Canadian tennis star known for her impressive run to the Wimbledon final in 2014, has embarked on an exciting new journey in the world of professional sports. Recently, Bouchard made headlines by transitioning from tennis to pickleball, a sport that has been rapidly gaining popularity.
Bouchard’s decision to switch to pickleball was driven by a combination of curiosity and the desire for a fresh challenge. Despite her success on the tennis court, she felt the need to explore new avenues and test her skills in a different arena. Pickleball, with its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, offered the perfect opportunity.
In her own words, Bouchard described the transition as “wacky” and admitted that she initially felt out of her league. The smaller court, different paddle, and unique rules of pickleball presented a steep learning curve. However, her competitive spirit and dedication to mastering the sport have kept her motivated.
One of the most significant adjustments for Bouchard has been the realization that tennis skills do not automatically transfer to pickleball. While both sports involve hitting a ball over a net, the techniques and strategies required are quite different. Bouchard has had to adapt her game, focusing on precision and quick reflexes rather than the power and endurance that characterized her tennis career.
Despite the challenges, Bouchard has embraced the transition with enthusiasm. She has been actively participating in professional pickleball tournaments and has even managed to balance her pickleball commitments with occasional appearances on the tennis circuit. This hybrid career allows her to enjoy the best of both worlds, keeping her connected to her first love, tennis, while exploring the new and exciting world of pickleball.
Bouchard’s journey into pickleball has also provided her with opportunities to engage with fans in new ways. She has been involved in pickleball clinics, sharing her experiences and insights with aspiring players. Her presence in the sport has undoubtedly contributed to its growing popularity, inspiring others to give pickleball a try.
As Bouchard continues to navigate this new chapter in her athletic career, she remains optimistic about the future. Her story is a testament to the importance of embracing change and challenging oneself, even after achieving great success. Whether on the tennis court or the pickleball court, Bouchard’s passion for sports and her determination to excel shine through, making her a true inspiration for athletes everywhere.
practice and reps ✍️ @geniebouchard gives her best advice for pickleball players coming from tennis 🎾#PBTV #pickleball pic.twitter.com/BqmCjGYDQJ
— Pickleballtv (@Pickleballtv) August 6, 2024
Eugenie Bouchard in 2024
LLWW Now the world no.517, Bouchard played her last match on the 4th of August when she was overcome by world no.63 Moyuka Uchijima 5-7 7-5 6-4 in the qualifications in Toronto (draw).
This year Eugenie achieved a compiled 2-2 win-loss record.
