The Rise of Pickleball: Eugenie Bouchard’s Unexpected Sporting Journey in 2024

Tennis Eugenie Bouchard jouera au pickleball en 2024

By Katherine Harvey-Pinard | Updated at 18h35

Eugenie Bouchard, the Canadian professional tennis player, has announced that she will be transitioning to pickleball starting in 2024, according to a statement released by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) on Thursday. This unexpected news has sparked speculation over the future of Bouchard’s tennis career. However, the answer to this question remains unknown as Bouchard has not provided any further details on the matter.

The Decline of Bouchard’s Tennis Career

The decision to switch to pickleball may not come as a surprise to those familiar with Bouchard’s turbulent tennis journey over the past decade. In 2014, the 29-year-old athlete achieved notable success on the global circuit, reaching the final of the Wimbledon tournament and finishing the season at the 7th position in the world rankings. It was also the year she secured her only singles title. However, since then, Bouchard has struggled to regain momentum due to numerous injuries.

In recent years, Bouchard’s ranking has steadily declined, and she currently sits at the 215th position on the WTA circuit. Her last competitive match on a tennis court took place on August 5th at the National Bank Open, where she was eliminated in the qualifying rounds by American player Danielle Collins. Following her elimination, Bouchard made appearances as a commentator for the Sportsnet network.

The Popularity of Pickleball

Pickleball, also known as “tennis-lite,” has been on the rise, attracting professional athletes from various sports. In fact, Bouchard is not the first professional tennis player to make the transition to pickleball. Jack Sock, the former 8th-ranked male tennis player in the world, also made a similar move in late August.

Pickleball, which shares similarities with tennis, is played both indoors and outdoors, in singles or doubles. Players use a solid-faced paddle to hit a hollow perforated plastic ball over a net that stands at 0.91 m high. The PPA circuit consists of 25 tournaments across 14 American states, with one event located in Toronto.

Similar to tennis, each pickleball tournament is classified by a number (2000, 1500, or 1000), representing the total points awarded to winners. According to the World Pickleball Association’s website, players start earning prize money once they reach at least the round of 16 in a tournament. The prize money for the singles champions, both male and female, is $12,375 for a PPA 2000 tournament, $11,191 for a PPA 1500 tournament, and $10,007 for a PPA 1000 tournament.

At the end of each season, the top eight players and teams with the most accumulated points during the 52 weeks of the season qualify to compete in an ultimate tournament and vie for the title of world number one.

Editorial: Bouchard’s Decision and the Future of Canadian Tennis

Bouchard’s transition to pickleball raises important questions not just about her own career but also about the state of Canadian tennis. The decline of Bouchard’s performance on the court has left many wondering about the future prospects of Canadian tennis players on the international stage.

While Bouchard’s decision is ultimately a personal one, it is worth considering the factors that may have influenced her choice. The rise of pickleball‘s popularity, with its less grueling physical demands and potentially more lucrative opportunities, could have been a significant deciding factor for Bouchard.

Additionally, Bouchard has faced numerous obstacles in her tennis career, including injuries and inconsistent performances. The opportunity to start fresh in a new sport may be appealing to her, offering a chance to regain her competitive edge and find success in a different setting.

However, it is important to acknowledge the impact of Bouchard’s departure from professional tennis on the development of young Canadian players. Bouchard’s achievements at Wimbledon and her rise in the rankings inspired a generation of tennis players in Canada. Her transition to pickleball leaves a void in Canadian tennis, and it is crucial for Tennis Canada to focus on nurturing and supporting emerging talents to ensure the continued growth of the sport in the country.

Advice for Bouchard: Embracing the New Challenge

As Bouchard embarks on her pickleball journey, it is essential for her to approach this transition with determination and an open mind. The switch to a new sport presents an opportunity for personal growth and reinvention. By embracing the challenges and unknowns that come with pickleball, Bouchard can tap into her competitive spirit and apply the skills and resilience she developed as a professional tennis player.

Furthermore, Bouchard’s background in tennis provides her with a unique perspective and skill set in approaching pickleball. Her strategic thinking, agility, and ability to adapt to different game styles can give her a competitive advantage on the pickleball court.

Throughout her career, Bouchard has shown resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles. It is these qualities that will serve her well as she navigates the pickleball world and strives for success in this new endeavor.