Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard said she was “so grateful to have a job” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which has plung...
Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard said she was “so grateful to have a job” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which has plunged the global economy into a recession.
The 26-year-old Canadian has endured years of disappointment after failing to rescale the heights that saw her finish runner-up to Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon in 2014, and needed a wild card just to take part at the French Open.
Wednesday’s 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win over Daria Gavrilova sent Bouchard through to the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2017 Australian Open.
“I’m proud of taking advantage of the opportunities. There are so few tournaments this year. Especially with my ranking, I was very limited with what I could play,” said Bouchard, the world number 168.
“We’re all just so grateful to have jobs, have a big event to kind of end our season. You just have to be so grateful for every opportunity. I’ve tried to push myself in every chance I’ve had because I know there are so few.”
Six years ago Bouchard appeared on the cusp of global stardom after a golden season that also included semi-final appearances at the Australian Open and French Open.
She achieved a career high of fifth in October...
