Bouchard's Special Exit

Canadian enjoys 'full-circle moment' as 31-year-old ends career on home soil

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MONTREAL - Canadian Eugenie Bouchard brought the curtain down on her tennis career on July 30, after the former world No. 5 lost 6-2, 3-6, 6-4 to Belinda Bencic in the second round of the Canadian Open in Montreal.

The 31-year-old, who announced earlier in July that the tournament in her home town would be her last, was outplayed by 17th seed Bencic in the first set but rallied in the second, breaking with a blistering forehand to take a 5-3 lead before going on to level the match.

Bouchard then seized a 3-1 lead in the decider, but Swiss Bencic clawed her way back and sealed victory when the Canadian's backhand drifted wide.

"It's so special to play my last match here in Montreal, on this court and in front of you guys," Bouchard said at an emotional retirement ceremony.

"I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day, so it feels like a full-circle moment to finish my career here.

"Tennis has given me so much. I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and all the people who helped me along the way."