Eugenie Bouchard, the former Wimbledon runner-up, has made a bold career shift from the WTA to the ATP—but not the ATP you might think. Bouchard has traded in her tennis racket for a pickleball paddle, becoming one of the most talked-about athletes in the rapidly growing sport.
Bouchard’s decision to pursue pickleball stemmed from a desire for a new challenge and to be part of a burgeoning sport. Despite her impressive tennis resume, she has embraced the learning curve in pickleball, acknowledging that she has “a long way to go.”
Her progress has been evident in recent tournaments. In October, she reached her first professional pickleball semifinal at the Rate Championships in Las Vegas. This week, at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, Bouchard showcased her skills with an impressive “Around the Post” (ATP) shot, a tactic that requires exceptional agility and precision.
The ATP shot, which involves hitting the ball outside the net post while being taken off the court, has earned Bouchard recognition and a place in the Top 10 on ESPN’s SportsCenter. She has advanced to the round of 16 at the World Championships, further solidifying her status as a rising star in pickleball.
Sam Querrey, another tennis player who has transitioned to pickleball, has praised Bouchard’s talent, calling her the most underrated player in the sport. Bouchard’s success in pickleball is a testament to her athleticism, adaptability, and determination to excel in a new arena.
