“I Remember Being a Fan” – Eugenie Bouchard Talks About Changing Rules in Tennis

Canada’s former number one tennis player Eugenie Bouchard was once asked had she been in charge of sports, what changes she would bring in to the regulations. Being concerned for the fans, Bouchard suggested changes from their perspective that would enable them to connect more with the sport. 

“That’s an interesting question. I would allow fans to come in between every game and allow them to be louder and more into it,” Bouchard said during US Open 2014.

In tennis, the spectators are always expected to keep quiet; they aren’t really allowed to cheer or applaud during an ongoing point. Moreover, fans aren’t allowed to enter the stadium except between points or games. Also, there are constant announcements from the chair umpire to maintain decorum in the stadium during the course of a match.

“It is would just be more fun” – Eugenie Bouchard 

Bouchard came up with a rule change that would increase the fans’ involvement with the sport.

“I think it would be more fun for them, and I think tennis is a sport where maybe the fans are kind of told to be the quietest and, you know, really obey the rules,” World No.332 Bouchard added.

“So I think it is would just be more fun and appealing to fans. If they could get into it if they want to. And if they could kind of come in as soon as they want to without waiting for so long. I remember being a fan and having to wait for two games. It’s tough.”

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In 2020, Eugenie Bouchard began her tennis season at the ASB Classic. She defeated Kirsten Flipkens and eight-seed Caroline Garcia but lost to American teenager Amanda Anisimova.

Thereafter, she played qualifiers at the 2020 Australian Open where she lost her third qualifying match in Melbourne.