Eugenie Bouchard has secured a thrilling three-set victory in the first round of the Canadian Open, prolonging her career momentarily. The Canadian tennis player, once ranked as high as No. 5 in the world, triumphed over Colombian Emiliana Arango with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 in Montreal on March 15, 2024. This win comes just weeks after Bouchard announced her intention to retire following the tournament.
During a spirited match, Bouchard displayed her trademark competitive spirit, particularly in the final set. After winning the first set, she faced challenges in the second, where a series of unforced errors allowed Arango to seize control. Nevertheless, Bouchard rallied in the deciding set, breaking Arango’s serve to take a 3-1 lead. An impressive swinging volley extended her advantage to 4-1, showcasing her determination to continue her career.
In a post-match interview, Bouchard expressed her commitment to the tournament. “If I win this tournament, I will not retire,” she declared, eliciting cheers from the packed crowd. This sentiment adds a layer of excitement to the competition, as fans rally behind the local favorite.
Next Steps for Bouchard and Other Contenders
Bouchard’s victory sets up a challenging second-round match against 17th seed Belinda Bencic of Switzerland. The matchup promises to be a significant test for Bouchard as she seeks to extend her career in front of her home crowd.
In other matches, British player Emma Raducanu defeated her close friend Elena-Gabriela Ruse from Romania with a score of 6-2, 6-4. Raducanu, who reached the semi-finals at last week’s Washington Open, acknowledged the difficulty of competing against a friend. “It’s very difficult to play someone who you are close to,” she said. She will face 32nd seed Peyton Stearns in her next match.
Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka of Japan continued her strong performance, defeating Canadian qualifier Ariana Arseneault 6-4, 6-2. Osaka’s victory sets the stage for a second-round clash with 13th-seeded Liudmila Samsonova of Russia.
The Canadian Open has already proven to be a platform for thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. As Bouchard continues her journey in the tournament, the excitement builds not only for her matches but also for the other talented players competing at this prestigious event.
