Daijiworld Media Network- Montreal
Montreal, Jul 29: In an emotional and spirited performance, Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard kept her farewell tour alive, defeating Colombia’s Emiliana Arango 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the opening round of the National Bank Open on Monday. The victory — her first on the WTA Tour since 2023 — marked the 300th win of her career and came in front of an adoring home crowd in Montreal.
Bouchard, 31, who once climbed as high as No. 5 in world rankings and famously reached the Wimbledon final in 2014, had earlier announced that this tournament would be her final professional appearance before retiring. However, after her gritty first-round triumph, the former Grand Slam finalist hinted at possibly reconsidering her decision. “I told my family that if I won, I would come out of retirement,” she said, smiling from centre court. “I felt like the old Genie out there.”
Playing with renewed determination, Bouchard controlled the third set after splitting the first two. She broke Arango twice early, taking a 5-1 lead with a powerful forehand winner followed by an error from her opponent at the net. Although Arango managed to delay Bouchard’s win by breaking once, the Canadian sealed the match on her second match point after Arango sent a backhand wide.
The crowd erupted as Bouchard waved and blew kisses, soaking in the support in what could be her final tournament in front of home fans.
Meanwhile, British star Emma Raducanu also began her Montreal campaign on a high note, defeating Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-2, 6-4, just two days after reaching the semifinals in Washington. The former US Open champion looked sharp and composed throughout the contest.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who recently announced her split with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, showed signs of strong form as she cruised past Canada’s Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2. Osaka, aiming for a successful return to the top ranks, looked confident and focused as she advanced to the next round.
With top names making headlines and Bouchard’s inspiring story unfolding on home soil, the National Bank Open is off to an exciting start.