MONTREAL – Eugenie Bouchard is set to begin her final tennis tournament at the National Bank Open, facing Colombia's Emiliana Arango in the opening round. The 31-year-old from Westmount, Quebec, announced her decision to retire from professional tennis at the conclusion of this event, marking the end of her illustrious career.
Bouchard gained international recognition during her breakout season in 2014, when she soared to a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the WTA standings. Her most notable achievement came that year when she reached the women’s singles final at Wimbledon, where she ultimately lost to Petra Kvitova in straight sets. This accomplishment made Bouchard the first Canadian woman in the open era to secure a spot in a Grand Slam singles final, setting the stage for her legacy in Canadian tennis.
Receiving a main-draw wild card for the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal, Bouchard's participation adds a sentimental note to the event as it is hosted in her hometown. The tournament's format has been revamped for this year, expanding to a 12-day, 96-player setup. The top 32 seeds, including world No. 2 Coco Gauff, have been granted byes to the second round, ensuring a competitive atmosphere from the outset of the tournament.
This edition of the National Bank Open proudly features a record eight Canadian players in the main draw. There is potential for this number to grow, as five additional Canadian athletes compete in the qualifying rounds. Among these rising talents is Victoria Mboko from Toronto, who will face Australia’s Kimberly Birrell in the first round, showcasing the promising future of Canadian tennis.
Bianca Andreescu, hailing from Mississauga, Ontario, is also participating in the tournament. She claimed victory at the tournament in Toronto back in 2019 and faces a formidable opponent in her opening match: Czechia’s Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion. This matchup is expected to be an engaging battle, given both players’ history and competitive spirit.
Leylah Fernandez, the highest-ranked Canadian player currently sitting at 36th in the world, is set to meet American Maya Joint. Fernandez’s participation adds yet another layer of excitement for local fans eager to support their talented athletes.
The National Bank Open not only serves as a significant event on the WTA calendar but also acts as a celebration of Canadian tennis, with a diverse lineup of players across various stages of their careers. As Eugenie Bouchard prepares for her farewell match and other Canadian competitors seek to make their mark, the tournament stands as a testament to the growth and potential of tennis in Canada.
