The decision by Tennis Canada to seemingly overlook Eugenie Bouchard for a spot on Team Canada is facing scrutiny after the former Wimbledon finalist delivered a stellar performance, recording six points in a recent tournament. The snub, which has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, comes as Bouchard, now 31, continues her comeback journey in the sport.
Bouchard, who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 5 in 2014, has had a career marked by both significant achievements and setbacks. In 2014, she became the first Canadian player to reach the final of a major singles tournament at Wimbledon. That same year, she also reached the semifinals of the Australian Open and French Open. Off the court, she was ranked among Forbes' highest-paid female athletes in both 2017 and 2018. However, injuries and inconsistent form have seen her ranking fluctuate in recent years.
After announcing her retirement from professional tennis at the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, Bouchard has been focusing on other ventures, including a professional pickleball career. However, her recent performance suggests that she still possesses the talent and competitive fire to compete at a high level in tennis.
The decision to exclude Bouchard from Team Canada has sparked debate, especially in light of her past contributions to Canadian tennis. She played a key role in Canada's efforts on the international stage and competed at the Olympic Games in 2016. While the specific criteria for team selection remain unclear, many argue that Bouchard's experience and potential should have been given more weight.
Some speculate that the decision may be influenced by Bouchard's past history with Tennis Canada, including an incident in 2015 where she declined to play in a Fed Cup tie against the Czech Republic. At the time, Bouchard stated that she needed to prioritize her schedule and training to achieve her goals of winning Grand Slams. Others point to Bouchard's on-court behavior, referencing instances such as when she refused to shake hands with an opponent before a match at the 2015 Fed Cup in Montreal. While Bouchard explained that she didn't "believe in wishing [her] opponent good luck before the match", the incident drew criticism and raised questions about her sportsmanship.
Regardless of the reasons behind the snub, Bouchard's recent performance has undoubtedly put Tennis Canada in an awkward position. As she continues to defy expectations and showcase her skills on the court, the pressure may mount for a reassessment of her potential role in future national team events.
