The curtain fell on Eugenie Bouchard’s tennis career at the 2025 Canadian Open, but her celebration was just beginning. While most athletes mark retirement with quiet reflection, Bouchard chose something more memorable: an intimate family dinner and a stunning Hermès Kelly bag that perfectly symbolized her transition from court champion to the next chapter of her life.
How Did Eugenie Bouchard Mark the End of Her Tennis Career?
Bouchard, who turned professional in 2009, officially retired from tennis after participating in the 2025 Canadian Open. In early July 2025, she announced her decision to retire from competitive tennis. Her farewell tour began at the 2025 Citi DC Open, where she partnered with Clervie Ngounoue in the doubles event. They lost 3-6, 1-6 in the first round to the wildcard duo of Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste.
The final tournament of Bouchard’s career took place at home during the 2025 Canadian Open, where she received a wildcard entry into the main draw. She began her farewell tournament with a victory over Emiliana Arango, winning 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in the first round. Her professional career concluded in the second round against 17th seed Belinda Bencic, where she lost 2-6, 6-3, 4-6.
Following her last match, Bouchard celebrated her retirement with a family dinner that included a cake in her honor. In a personal gesture to mark this new chapter in her life, she revealed that she treated herself to a luxurious Hermès Kelly bag, specifically a Kelly 32, which is crafted from Gold Togo leather and is completed with palladium hardware.
“A little fan retirement dinner :),” Bouchard captioned her Instagram story.
“and a cake!!!” she continued.
“the queen ,” she added.
“lil retirement gift to myself ,” Bouchard revealed.
During her career, Bouchard became the first Canadian-born player to reach the final of a Grand Slam singles tournament, finishing as the runner-up at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships after losing to Petra Kvitová in the final. Her other best results at the Grand Slam level include reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open and the French Open.
What Did Bouchard Say About Her Family During Her Retirement Speech?
Following her defeat to Bencic in the second round of the 2025 Canadian Open, Bouchard delivered an emotional on-court speech. She expressed that it was “special” to conclude her tennis career in Montreal, the city where she first fell in love with the sport.
“It’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal, on this court. I remember being a little kid sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day. I grew up playing on these courts and courts all around Montreal and near here. So it feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here,” Bouchard said.
The former World No. 5 expressed her gratitude for everything tennis has given her. In her heartfelt speech, she thanked her parents, Julie and Michel, and her siblings, Charlotte, Beatrice, and William, for their support and sacrifices throughout her tennis career.
“Tennis has given me so much. I’m 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, my sisters, and brother for their sacrifice and support,” she continued.
Bouchard mentioned that the encouragement and dedication of her family enabled her to pursue her passion for tennis, achieve her goals in the sport, and ultimately live out her “dreams.”
“It’s only because of that that I am 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. I mean, how lucky am I to be able to live out my dreams, so thank you,” she added.
While Bouchard has stepped away from the tennis court, she remains active in professional sports as a pickleball player. She made her professional debut in January 2024 by joining the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour.
