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Eugenie Bouchard of Canada reacts during the ladies singles first round match against Risa Ozaki of Japan day three of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Eugenie Bouchard of Canada reacts during the ladies singles first round match against Risa Ozaki of Japan day three of the 2017 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Canadian tennis star Eugenie “Genie” Bouchard has made her allegiance known in the famous Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry. In a recent interview, Bouchard revealed that she is firmly on Team Federer. Her reasons for siding with the Swiss Maestro are both personal and emotional.
The Federer-Nadal rivalry has been a dominant narrative in men’s tennis for well over a decade, with both players earning numerous titles and accolades throughout their careers. While both athletes have legions of devoted fans, it is not uncommon for tennis enthusiasts to choose one of the two. Bouchard, a former top-five player herself, has now made her choice clear.
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Genie Bouchard is officially Team Roger Federer hands down
In the interview with The Globe and Mail, Bouchard cited a personal connection with Federer as one of the reasons she prefers him over Nadal. She recalled meeting Federer when she was just 16 years old, playing in the junior ranks.
Bouchard described the encounter as a significant moment in her life, as she was able to meet and speak with him. She also mentioned that Federer took the time to make her feel important, a gesture that has stuck with her over the years.
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SHANGHAI, CHINA – OCTOBER 10: Roger Federer of Switzerland hits a forehand against David Goffin of Belgium in the Rolex Shanghai Masters at the Qi Zhong Tennis Centre on October 10, 2019 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by TPN/Getty Images)
She said, “I’ve always loved Roger Federer. You are either Roger or Rafa. But you can’t be both. And I am Team Roger. He gives you the time of day like you’re as important and as busy as he is. I remember him stopping to talk to me and my mom. Not rushing the conversation, not being distracted, eye contact, pleasant conversation. Making you feel like you’re the only person in the room”.
This personal experience with Federer made a lasting impression on Bouchard, who went on to praise the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s personality. This appreciation for Federer’s off-court prowess is a sentiment shared by many tennis enthusiasts, who often refer to him as the most humble player in the sport.
Which team are you on? Federer or Nadal?
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Written by
Edited by
Tony Thomas