Eugenie Bouchard clarifies tennis and pickleball plans after confusion

Eugenie Bouchard, a prominent Canadian tennis player and former Wimbledon finalist, made headlines when she announced her decision to step back from the WTA Tour last year. This decision came after a disappointing performance that saw her fail to qualify for the US Open. In the wake of this setback, Bouchard shifted her focus to pickleball, a sport that has been rapidly gaining traction in the United States, allowing her to explore new opportunities in a less demanding environment. However, earlier this year, Bouchard surprised fans by returning to the tennis court, indicating that she did not want to completely abandon the sport she loves. In her own words, she initially concentrated on pickleball to improve her skills, as she felt she was not performing well. Despite the challenges of transitioning between the two sports, she has participated in several tennis tournaments this year, demonstrating her commitment to both disciplines. Bouchard is currently navigating the complexities of balancing her commitments to tennis and pickleball. She has developed a strategy to manage her schedule, opting to focus on one sport at a time to avoid the difficulties of switching back and forth too frequently. While she enjoys the dual commitment, she is aware of the potential strain it places on her, especially as she also engages in off-court activities like commentary and modeling. Ultimately, Bouchard's journey reflects her passion for both tennis and pickleball, as she strives to maintain a professional presence in both sports while exploring new interests. Her future in juggling these commitments remains uncertain, but her enthusiasm for playing continues to drive her decisions.