Canadian tennis player Genie Bouchard extended her tennis career at least one more match by defeating Emiliana Arango in the first round of the National Bank Open. Bouchard, who reached the Wimbledon final and two Grand Slam semi-finals in 2014, had announced her retirement after her participation in the tournament in her hometown. With this victory, Bouchard achieved her first win on the WTA circuit since 2023 and the 300th of her career, advancing to face Belinda Bencic. In 2014, Bouchard reached the number 5 spot in the ranking, but the 31-year-old player has mainly dedicated herself to pickleball, playing only one match this season before receiving an invitation to the Montreal tournament. After splitting the first two sets, Bouchard broke Arango’s serve twice, building a 5-1 lead in the decisive third set. Arango responded, but Bouchard secured the match with a final score of 6-4, 2-6 and 6-2. After the victory, Bouchard waved and blew kisses to the crowd.
Emma Raducanu, after her participation in Washington, defeated Elena-Gabriela Ruse with a score of 6-2 and 6-4. Naomi Osaka, in her first tournament after announcing the end of her relationship with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, eliminated Ariana Arseneault with a score of 6-4 and 6-2.I told my family that if I won, I would come out of retirement. I felt like the old Genie out there.
Genie Bouchard
