Montreal-born Tennis Star Eugenie Bouchard Makes Successful Pro Pickleball Debut
In a much-anticipated event, Montreal-born tennis star Eugenie Bouchard made her pro pickleball debut on Wednesday, and according to her, it exceeded her expectations.
Bouchard, known for her achievements in tennis, including reaching the Wimbledon finals and achieving a career-high ranking of No. 5 on the WTA Tour, competed in the singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles categories at the PPA Tour Hyundai Masters in Palm Springs. However, she was knocked out of the competition on the first day.
Despite her extensive experience in tennis tournaments, Bouchard admitted to feeling a bit nervous before her pickleball matches. She described the sport as “crazy” and acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from tennis to pickleball.
Pickleball is often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. While it may appear similar to tennis at first glance, Bouchard emphasized that it is not necessarily an easy transition.
One of the biggest adjustments for Bouchard has been adapting to the difference in length between a tennis racket and a pickleball paddle, with the latter being shorter. This adjustment has affected her shots, sometimes causing her to miss or hit the ball incorrectly.
Despite a rocky start in her first match, Bouchard felt that she improved with each successive game. Playing with professional pickleball players provided her with valuable learning opportunities, as they shared tips on positioning and technique.
Bouchard mentioned that there aren’t many pickleball coaches yet due to the sport’s relative newness. However, she expressed her excitement about being part of something that is rapidly gaining popularity.
She has witnessed the growth of pickleball in Miami, where she is based, with everyone she knows being obsessed with the sport. Tennis courts in the city are being converted into pickleball courts, further highlighting its popularity.
Despite her newfound interest in pickleball, Bouchard assured tennis fans that she still holds a deep love for the sport. She plans to pursue both sports at a professional level, challenging herself with this new chapter while remaining connected to the tennis world she adores.
As the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., pickleball’s rise has caught Bouchard’s attention, and she is eager to be a part of its continued success.
