By Rory Carroll
July 30 – Canadian Eugenie Bouchard concluded her tennis career on Wednesday, after a 6-2 3-6 6-4 defeat to Belinda Bencic in the second round of the Canadian Open held in Montreal.
The 31-year-old announced earlier this month that her hometown tournament would be her last. While she initially struggled against the 17th seed Bencic, she rallied in the second set, breaking with a powerful forehand to gain a 5-3 lead before leveling the match.
In the final set, Bouchard took a 3-1 lead but Bencic fought back and secured victory when Bouchard’s backhand went wide.
“It’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal, on this court and in front of you guys,” Bouchard expressed during an emotional retirement ceremony.
Bouchard’s career highlight was in 2014, with semi-final appearances in the French and Australian Opens and reaching the Wimbledon final. She now competes on the Professional Pickleball Association Tour, joining ahead of the 2024 season.
In other matches in Montreal, two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula, Australian Open winner Madison Keys, and British Emma Raducanu advanced to the third round with straight-set victories on Wednesday.
In Toronto’s men’s tournament, Ben Shelton defeated France’s Adrian Mannarino 6-2 6-3. Shelton, the fourth seed, will next face fellow American Brandon Nakashima in the third round.
American Frances Tiafoe overcame Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki 1-6 7-5 7-6 and is set to play Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic next. Former world number three Stefanos Tsitsipas continues to face challenges, losing to Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-4 4-6 6-2. Recently, Tsitsipas ended his coaching relationship with Goran Ivanisevic.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to the text.