Tears fell as Eugenie Bouchard walked off the court in Montreal for the final time. After 16 years as a professional, the Canadian who once reached Wimbledon’s final was saying goodbye on home soil. But this wasn’t just any retirement speech. Standing before the crowd that watched her grow from a dreaming kid in the stands to World No. 5, Bouchard delivered words that made even the toughest tennis fans reach for tissues.
What Did Eugenie Bouchard Say After Her Final Match at the 2025 Canadian Open?
Earlier this month, Bouchard announced that she would retire from professional tennis after competing at the 2025 Canadian Open, her home tournament. As the moment finally arrived at the WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal, she became visibly emotional while paying tribute to her parents and siblings.
Bouchard received a Wild Card entry into the main draw at the tournament. She began her campaign with a victory over Emiliana Arango in the first round, winning 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
However, the Canadian’s run came to an end in the second round, where she faced 17th seed Belinda Bencic, losing 2-6, 6-3, 4-6. This match marked the conclusion of her professional tennis career.
Following her defeat to Bencic, Bouchard was visibly emotional, with tears in her eyes.
Genie Bouchard takes in all the emotions on court for the final time #OBN25 pic.twitter.com/SCAoWT8r0h
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) July 31, 2025
While addressing her home crowd after the match, she expressed that it was “special” to conclude her tennis career in Montreal, a place where she had grown up playing tennis. She described this as a full-circle moment in her life.
“It’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal, on this court in front of you guys. 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.
Bouchard, who turned professional in 2009, achieved several milestones throughout her career, including attaining her highest singles ranking of World No. 5 at the WTA world rankings.
The 31-year-old also 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. She also reached the Australian Open and the French Open semifinals, among other accomplishments.
How Did Bouchard Honor Her Family During Her Retirement Speech?
In her speech, Bouchard extended her gratitude to her parents, Michel and Julie, as well as her siblings, Beatrice, William, and Charlotte, acknowledging their support and sacrifices that enabled her to pursue her passion for tennis.
“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,” Bouchard said.
Eugenie Bouchard talking through tears after playing her final match
“I want to thank my mom, dad, sisters, & brother for their sacrifices. I want you to know when this crowd cheers for me, they’re cheering for you too. I wouldn’t be here without you”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 31, 2025
The former World No. 5 highlighted that she would not have been able to play tennis as she did without her family’s encouragement.
“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,” she continued.
Additionally, Bouchard expressed her gratitude to all the coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and others who have supported her throughout her career and contributed to her accomplishments.
“Also, to all the coaches, physios, trainers, and everyone I’ve worked with in this whole journey, you all know who you are, because of all your hard work and your help, I was able to live out my dreams. I mean, how lucky am I to be able to live out my dreams, so thank you,” Bouchard added.
Apart from tennis, Bouchard plays pickleball. She debuted professionally in January 2024 when she joined the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour.
