Genie Bouchard is a Canadian professional tennis player who has won numerous titles in her career, including a runner-up finish at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. She has achieved a career-high singles ranking of world No. 5 in October 2014 and has been ranked as high as No. 2 in doubles. After a series of injuries and lacklustre performance in the 2017 season, Bouchard has since been absent from the professional circuit. But is Genie Bouchard planning to make a return to the court? In this article, we’ll be looking at the reasons behind her extended absence, her current state of play, and what the future may hold for the Canadian star.
Background of Genie Bouchard
Genie Bouchard is one of Canada’s most successful female athletes. Born in Montreal, Canada in February 1994, Bouchard began playing tennis at the age of five and quickly rose to prominence. In 2012, she won the junior Wimbledon Championships and was named the tournament’s most valuable player. This was quickly followed by a breakthrough year in 2013, when she reached the semifinals of the French Open and the fourth round of the US Open.
In 2014, Bouchard reached the peak of her career when she became the first Canadian to reach the women’s singles final of a Grand Slam tournament, at the Wimbledon Championships. She achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 5 in October 2014 and was named WTA’s Most Improved Player of the Year.
Injury Struggles
Bouchard’s career began to decline in 2015, when she suffered a hip injury that forced her to miss several tournaments. In 2016, she suffered a concussion during a match against American player Christina McHale, which caused her to miss the remainder of the season. She also withdrew from several tournaments due to abdominal and wrist injuries.
These injuries seemed to take their toll on Bouchard’s game, and her performance suffered as a result. She finished the 2017 season with a record of 23-32 and failed to qualify for the WTA Finals.
Absence from the Professional Circuit
After a disappointing 2017 season, Bouchard took an extended break from the professional circuit. In March 2018, she announced that she had been dealing with a number of personal issues, including depression and anxiety, and would be taking a break from tennis.
Bouchard’s extended absence from the court has led to speculation that she may be considering retirement. However, she has since refuted these rumours, claiming that she is simply taking a break to refocus and re-energize her career.
Comeback Plans
In recent months, there have been signs that Bouchard is planning a comeback to the professional circuit. She has been spotted training at the National Tennis Centre in Montreal, and is said to be in good physical condition.
In July 2019, Bouchard announced that she would be making a return to the court at the 2019 Citi Open in Washington, D.C. She is also scheduled to play in the 2019 Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo and the 2019 Rogers Cup in Montreal, which could be a sign that she is planning a full comeback.
Reception from Fans and Media
Bouchard’s return has been met with enthusiasm from fans and the media alike. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement at the prospect of seeing Bouchard back in action, while the media have speculated that her return could mark the beginning of a new era of Canadian tennis.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement around Bouchard’s return, there are still many challenges that she will face. After two years away from the court, she will be up against some of the world’s best players, who have been playing consistently in that time. She will also need to prove that she is still capable of competing at the highest level, and that her injuries are not a lingering issue.
The Future of Genie Bouchard
While it remains to be seen whether Bouchard will be able to recapture the form that saw her become one of the world’s top players, her return to the court has certainly generated excitement among Canadian tennis fans.
Positive Outlook
Despite the challenges that she will face, Bouchard has expressed optimism about her future. She has stated that she is “refreshed and ready to go” and is looking forward to testing herself against the world’s best players.
Support from the Canadian Tennis Community
The Canadian tennis community has also been extremely supportive of Bouchard. Tennis Canada has offered her financial and logistical support, while top players such as Milos Raonic and Vasek Pospisil have been vocal in their support of her return.
Conclusion
Whether Genie Bouchard will be able to recapture her past form remains to be seen, but her return to the court has certainly generated excitement among Canadian tennis fans. With the support of the Canadian tennis community and the belief that she can still compete at the highest level, there is every reason to believe that Bouchard can make a successful return to the court.