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via Imago

via Imago

Canadian sensation Eugenie Bouchard recently took her fans on a journey through her extraordinary vacation. Beyond the fierce courts and powerful serves, she revealed a side fans have rarely seen. It was a sun-soaked adventure and she embraced the breathtaking landscapes. Eugenie’s Instagram feed has become a visual diary as it narrates tales of azure skies, pristine beaches, and local delights.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of tennis and pickleball, Bouchard managed to carve out a pocket of tranquility for herself. The setting was the Turks and Caicos Islands, a slice of paradise in the Caribbean. As the star enjoyed her vacation, her Instagram followers were treated to a visual feast.

She wrote, “Okay vacay is over.” She posed in a textured Hunza G. bikini consisting of a purple bandeau top, hot pink bottoms, and a pearl necklace. Clearly, a fresh start to 2024. Bouchard’s post spoke volumes about the allure of a well-deserved break.

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The context of Eugenie’s vacation definitely has something to do with the exhausting schedules of tennis.

It was the virtual postcard that marked the end of her short-lived island escapade. As Bouchard’s vacation has come to an end, can fans expect to see her on the pickleball courts soon? 

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Does Bouchard’s pickleball pursuit mean a retirement from tennis?

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The transition to pickleball marks a significant shift in Bouchard’s athletic pursuits. Amidst the chaos of tennis and the newfound rhythm of pickleball, Bouchard seems to have discovered the secret of serenity. Since she bid adieu to the intense tennis circuit, a palpable relaxation radiates from her. She will be joining the Professional Pickleball Association for the 2024 season. But does this mean she retired from tennis?

No. However, PPA just made her a “great offer that I really couldn’t refuse.” She has put it plain and simple on her pickleball pro debut, “Tennis has been my first love ever since I’m five years old. I’m very excited to just challenge myself with this new pickle chapter and then still remain in the tennis world that I love.” In fact, she shared that she intends to play both sports this year.

At her pro debut, Bouchard competed in the singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Unfortunately, she was knocked out of the competition on Day 1 of the PPA Tour Hyundai Masters that took place in Palm Springs. It was a “rocky start” for the rookie in her first match but the Montreal-born star felt like she improved a tad with each successive game. Playing with the pros was a learning experience for her, “That is just so helpful. I just need more of that because I wasn’t getting that before I got here.”

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Bouchard’s pivot to pickleball not only underscores her versatility but also injects newfound enthusiasm into the sport. The change is more than a switch in gear. In fact, despite reaching the Wimbledon finals and achieving a career-high ranking of No. 5 on the WTA Tour, she feels nervous; like the new kid in a school. As the Canadian star embraces the pickleball court, she revitalizes her career and the narrative around it. Sam Querrey, Jack Sock, and Donald Young are some examples of tennis players who switched to pickleball.

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