Eugenie Bouchard knows how to use a tennis racquet – she’s a former world No.5 and Wimbledon finalist. But what is the Canadian like with a cricket bat?
Bouchard was keen to give it a try when Hobart Hurricanes captain George Bailey visited the Domain Tennis Centre today.
The wildcard entrant took time out from her Hobart International preparation to meet Bailey, where she was happy to learn more about cricket and swing a cricket bat for the first time.
“Cricket is not a big thing where I am from, but I know it’s huge over here and in some other parts of the world. Whenever I travel, I see the hype,” Bouchard said.
“The bat is pretty heavy – it’s heavier than I expected. I’d love to go on a field and try it out some day. It’s super cool.”
Presented with a Hobart Hurricanes top, Bouchard was happy to pledge her support to Tasmanian’s top team.
“I support the Hobart Hurricanes,” she beamed.
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Yet a tennis racquet remains Bouchard’s weapon of choice and her focus is firmly on a round one meeting with rising Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka tomorrow.
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The Canadian is competing at the Hobart International for a second time, aiming to better her runner-up finish in 2016.
“I was close, (but) didn’t quite get it,” Bouchard of her 2016 title bid.
“I actually have really good memories coming back here, those feelings of playing well and winning matches come back as soon as I step on court.”