Eugenie Bouchard Reflects on Canada's Tennis Rise, Highlights Victoria Mboko

Former World No. 5 Eugenie Bouchard discusses the growth of Canadian tennis, including young star Victoria Mboko's success.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Former tennis star Eugenie Bouchard recently shared her candid thoughts on the rise of Canadian tennis over the years. Bouchard, who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 5, pointed to the youngster and world No. 10 Victoria Mboko as a key example of the sport's evolving landscape in Canada. Bouchard explained that while Canada has fewer tennis resources and challenging weather, the country has produced a wave of successful players, including Milos Raonic, Bianca Andreescu, and Leylah Fernandez. Mboko, in particular, has made a strong impression at a young age, claiming two titles and recently finishing runner-up in Doha.

Why it matters

Bouchard's reflections highlight the growth of Canadian tennis, which has seen a surge of talented players emerge in recent years. The success of Mboko and others has inspired the next generation of Canadian tennis stars, showing that players from the country can compete at the highest levels of the sport despite the challenges they face.

The details

Bouchard played a key role in fueling the wave of tennis in Canada, reaching a career-high singles ranking of World No. 5 and finishing runner-up at the 2014 Wimbledon Championships. After stepping away from the WTA Tour, Bouchard has shifted her focus to pickleball, joining the Professional Pickleball Association Tour in January 2024. Mboko, who is currently ranked World No. 10, has claimed two titles, including the 2025 Canadian Open, and recently finished runner-up in Doha.

  • Bouchard joined the Professional Pickleball Association Tour in January 2024.
  • Mboko claimed the 2025 Canadian Open title.
  • Mboko recently finished runner-up in Doha.

The players

Eugenie Bouchard

A former World No. 5 tennis player from Canada who has shifted her focus to pickleball after stepping away from the WTA Tour.

Victoria Mboko

A young Canadian tennis player currently ranked World No. 10, who has claimed two titles, including the 2025 Canadian Open, and recently finished runner-up in Doha.

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What they’re saying

“I was trying not to cry during this whole thing. So emotional seeing, not just my memories but all the Canadians and how well they have done over the years. It really feels like, there is this wave of tennis in Canada. It's been going on for 10+ years now. To see the young one continue it, I am honored to be a part of it.”

— Eugenie Bouchard (Tennis Channel)

“It looks even deeper. We have more and more players now. I think seeing some of us back in the day doing well just gives them the belief, 'Hey, someone from the same country who grew up training on the same spot did it. That means I can do it too.' I think there is something real about that. And I just remembered practicing with Vicky back in the day.”

— Eugenie Bouchard (Tennis Channel)

“She was like 15-16 years old, and she was hitting the ball so big, she was so powerful on her forehand. And I thought, if she can just harness this power and control it a little more, obviously she will be good. Now I am saying this now seeing her results. But I was like so impressed with her power and her game back then, and we are seeing it come to life now.”

— Eugenie Bouchard (Tennis Channel)

What’s next

Mboko is progressing steadily at the ongoing BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, having reached the quarterfinals. Awaiting her there is Aryna Sabalenka, presenting a formidable challenge for the Canadian.

The takeaway

Bouchard's reflections on the growth of Canadian tennis highlight the country's ability to produce top-level talent despite the challenges of limited resources and unfavorable weather conditions. The success of players like Mboko shows that with the right support and opportunities, Canadian tennis can continue to thrive on the global stage.