When we announced Canadian Eugenie Bouchard was making her Hobart International debut in 2016, it smashed our social media records. The reach more than doubled any previous tweet we had sent, as engagement levels rose to unprecedented levels. The 21-year-old made front page news in Tasmania too.
These levels of excitement are unheard of for a world No.49 – but let’s look past that number and remember that not long ago, Bouchard was the world No.5 and a Wimbledon finalist.
Her struggles of 2015 are well-documented – derailed by a confidence dip and a season-ending concussion injury.
“It has taught me that the journey towards success is not always easy or upwards,” Bouchard has reflected.
The popular Canadian made a winning return in Shenzhen this week, overcoming Croatian Donna Vekic in three sets in the first round. It was Bouchard’s first win since defeating Dominika Cibulkova, one of her Hobart International rivals, at the US Open in September. Hungarian Timea Babos ended her winning run in the quarterfinals today.
Bouchard’s two wins so far for season 2016, added with the anticipation surrounding her Hobart International debut, can only be reassuring for her confidence. She can also take comfort from previous success in the Apple Isle. The 21-year-old won her first professional title here in Tasmania, at an ITF event at Burnie 2011. She was a 549th-ranked 16-year-old then, coming through qualifying to triumph.
Could Bouchard’s Tasmanian return spark a career revival? With only three days until main draw action hits off, time will soon tell.
Is Genie your tip to win Hobart International 2016? Join the #HobartTennis conversation and tell us what you think on social media – Twitter and Facebook.
> Who is Bouchard’s competition? Take a look at the player field