Eugenie Bouchard, once one of the most promising stars in world tennis, embarked on a new challenge by making her professional debut in pickleball in California, coinciding with the start of the Australian Open. Her transition to pickleball, a sport that mixes elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, represents a surprising turn in her career, which has been marked by notable highs and lows.
Bouchard, a Canadian native, burst onto the tennis scene with an aggressive playing style and a charismatic presence. She achieved stardom in 2014, reaching the Wimbledon final and climbing to the world number 5 ranking, a notable feat that positioned her as one of the top promises in women’s tennis. However, her career suffered a decline in the following years, with injuries and a drop in performance, leading her to gradually fade from the spotlight.
Bouchard’s decision to venture into pickleball was met with surprise by many tennis fans and critics, with some describing the move as a shift to a ‘Mickey Mouse Ball’, a term used to describe something not very serious or of lesser importance. Despite this, the change can be seen as a fresh start for Bouchard, who seeks to reinvent her career and passion for sport in new horizons.
Bouchard’s debut in pickleball, although it may be seen as a step away from professional tennis, also highlights her versatility and willingness to explore new opportunities in the world of sports. As the Australian Open progresses without her, Bouchard embarks on a new journey that may bring new achievements and exciting challenges in her sports career.