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The script didn’t quite go according to plan for Eugenie Bouchard.
Bouchard appeared to be ready to take the tennis world by storm when she reached the Wimbledon Singles’ Final in 2014, with sponsors rushing to be associated with one of the most glamorous new stars in sport.
Injuries derailed her efforts to build on that early success, which also included semi-final appearances at the Australian Open and French Open.
Now 2012 Junior Wimbledon champion Bouchard is back in the Canada team for the first time in three years and she is relishing the chance to take part in team tennis once again.
“I think it’s always special playing for your country. I’ve done it many times over my career,” said Bouchard.
“I always enjoy having the support of teammates, because normally we play an individual sport and we don’t have that. I think it’s unique. I’m happy the tennis calendar has a week like this a year or a couple weeks a year.
“I’m just here to be part of the team and play as well as I can and support as far as I can, as well.”
Bouchard’s role as a back seat driver in the Canada team is not what many envisioned as she exploded onto the tennis scene almost a decade ago.
Oozing with charisma and having a game to back up her stunning good looks, Bouchard looked destined to be the successor to Maria Sharapova as the most talked about player in the women’s game.
In the end, Bianca Andreescu became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles title in 2019, while Leylah Fernandez reached the 2021 US Open Final and is on the way back to top form after some strong performances in recent weeks.
That leaves world No 273 Bouchard very much as the back-up player for Canada at this year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals, with Fernandez the shining star of the team.
Yet 29-year-old Bouchard has played a role in the rise of tennis in Canada and she is encouraged by the growth of the game in her country.
“Tennis has grown a lot in Canada,” she continued.
“We’ve seen it over the last 15, 10, 5 years. It’s been an honor to be a part of that wave and see to it continue with the other generation as well.
“I would say it’s the second-most popular sport now in Canada after hockey. Nothing will beat that. But at least we have the No. 2 spot. I hear so many stories of tennis clubs and summer camps being full.
“I was just training in Montreal, and I could not get a court to practice on over the weekend. It was insane.
“That makes me so happy, and I hope it keeps growing and kids keep picking up tennis or any sport for that matter. I think that’s the most important thing. It’s amazing.”
Now Canada’s Billie Jean King Cup captain Heidi El Tabakh is hoping her team can upset the odds and lift the trophy in Seville, as they look to continue the rise of tennis back home.
“I think that’s the ultimate goal,” said El Tabakh.
“I think that’s everyone’s goal on this team to win the Billie Jean King Cup. You know, we believe that we can achieve it.
“We were hoping to follow in Davis Cup footsteps. Big inspiration to us. I trust my players. I know they are going to give it 100% on court.
“We are competing against the big nations of teams and players in the world, so it’s not going to be easy, but we have earned our spot and we believe that we could do it.
“It would mean a lot for us. It would mean a lot for tennis in Canada and mean a lot for Canada as well.”
Bouchard will be hoping her injuries are behind her and if she can play a role in Canadian success in Seville, it could set her up for a sparkling 2024.
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