The 2025 season is now in its second half, and there’s been plenty to unpack. From surprise wins and losses to fresh rankings, players are gearing up for a new surface starting in Montreal before heading into the US Open campaign. But Eugenie Bouchard made the most of her moment in the spotlight—and faced a tough decision on home soil. Last week, she wrote, “You’ll know when it’s time. For me, it’s now. Ending where it all started: Montreal ❤️.” At the National Bank Open, she said goodbye to the sport in her final match. Leaving the court, but never leaving the hearts of her fans.

Wednesday night in Montreal was all about Bouchard and one unforgettable farewell. With the crowd behind her, the Canadian star fought hard in the second round but ultimately lost to Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic, 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. Despite the loss, Bouchard fired up her hometown fans, snagging an early break in the third set and keeping the energy high.

After the final point, emotions took over. Tears sparkled in her eyes as she thanked everyone who had helped her along the way. “Tennis has given me so much. I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way. I want to thank my family: mom, dad, sisters, and brother, for their sacrifices and support. It’s only because of that that I’m standing here today, and I want you guys to know that when this crowd cheers for me, they’re cheering for you guys too, because I wouldn’t be here without you,” she said, her voice thick with feeling.

The fans answered with a thunderous standing ovation. Fresh off a first-round win on Monday—her first WTA victory since 2023—Bouchard had promised this would be her final tour run. And what a sendoff it was. Even as Bencic stormed back to claim five of the last six games, the night belonged to Bouchard. Her heartfelt tribute and passionate play left fans celebrating a career full of unforgettable moments.

Fans celebrate Eugenie Bouchard’s legacy following farewell

Hearing her emotional speech to her family and reflecting on her career, one fan wrote, “That’s a sweet speech. I’ve watched a lot of tennis. She was one of the best looking ever in person. Wow 🤯 Great to hear her speak so articulately. She’s great for tennis.” Bouchard gained massive media attention for her appearance, making headlines by featuring in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 2017, 2018, and 2019. And that’s not all!

With over 2.3 million Instagram followers and endorsement deals from brands like Nike and Coca-Cola, she built a powerful public image that reached beyond the court. Represented by IMG Models, Bouchard was a crossover figure in both fashion and media, regularly appearing in fan polls and lists of attractive athletes. As another fan expressed, “Thank you for showing this. She spoke wonderfully.”

Another fan couldn’t help but think of what tennis would miss, writing, “[Translated from Spanish] Truly the What if of women’s tennis.” The 31-year-old’s tennis career was highlighted by her junior Wimbledon title in 2012 and a sensational 2014 run—Wimbledon final, Australian and French Open semifinals, and a career-high ranking of World No. 5. She shot up the rankings and became the “first Canadian” to hit these milestones in women’s tennis. Many just wished she’d taken home a grand slam.

One fan was especially touched by her humble nature and close relationship with her family, something they feel is rare among stars. They pointed out, “Years ago, when my family would gather to watch the annual Academy Awards, my dad loved to point out that the movie stars and others receiving awards rarely, if ever, thanked their parents. I’ve noticed that this has changed in recent years, thankfully. Glad to see a professional athlete doing this.”

Eugenie Bouchard got strong support from her family early in her journey. She started tennis at age five in Montreal and, by age twelve, was training seriously at the National Training Centre. At fifteen, she moved to Florida to join the Saviano High Performance Tennis Academy.

Her parents backed her all the way—her mother, Julie Leclair, often traveled to tournaments with her, while her dad and siblings supported from home. That push helped her win the junior Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon in 2012 and rocket to No. 5 in the world in 2014, the same year she reached the Wimbledon final. Bouchard always credited her family for her success. Maybe that’s why her words, “I wouldn’t be here without you,” come straight from the heart.

Now, as Genie hangs up her racket, fans can only cheer for her career. “Total class act! Obvious she comes from a great family and sports needs more people like Genie who keeps all things in perspective. Best of luck to her in her next career.” It’s tough to watch such a strong player step away, but who knows what’s next for her!