Bouchard’s Singles Journey Halted by Waters: Genie Bouchard’s impressive singles run at the Select Medical Orange County Cup came to a halt on Thursday. World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters showed why she’s the best in the sport with a commanding 11-1, 11-4 win over Bouchard, propelling herself into the quarterfinals.
First Encounter Between Waters and Bouchard
This marked the first meeting between Waters and Bouchard, who has recently transitioned from tennis to pickleball. Waters, who is known for her dominance and quick reflexes on the court, made sure the match was brief, displaying her superior skills against the newcomer.
Waters Reflects on the Victory
Reflecting on her victory, Waters said,
“I really never thought when I started playing pickleball that I would play these tennis players that I was watching, so it’s really cool, Honestly, I like to see how they’re transitioning over to pickleball. She hasn’t been playing too long, so I’m sure she’ll get better as she plays. It’s also interesting to kind of see different playing styles. She plays a little differently than a lot of tennis players that I see come over.”
Bouchard’s Notable Performance
Bouchard, seeded 23rd, had made headlines earlier in the tournament by defeating veteran Irina Tereschenko in the Round of 32. Her performance had fans buzzing about her potential in pickleball, but Waters proved to be a formidable obstacle.
Next up for Waters is a quarterfinal match against ninth-seeded Kaitlyn Christian, who secured her spot by defeating fifth-seeded Lauren Stratman with a convincing 11-6, 11-4 victory.
For Bouchard, this tournament has been a significant step in her pickleball journey. Despite the loss, her victories and overall performance indicate a bright future in the sport. As she continues to adapt and hone her skills, many are eager to see how far she can go.
The Select Medical Orange County Cup has showcased the blending of talents from both tennis and pickleball, making for an exciting and unpredictable competition. Waters’ encounter with Bouchard was just one example of the thrilling matchups this tournament offers. As the event moves into the later rounds, the competition only intensifies, promising more high-stakes action for fans to enjoy.
News in Brief: Bouchard’s Singles Journey Halted by Waters
Anna Leigh Waters, the world No. 1, decisively defeated Genie Bouchard 11-1, 11-4 at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals. This was the first meeting between Waters and Bouchard, a former tennis star transitioning to pickleball. Waters’ dominance showcased her superior skills against the newcomer. Reflecting on the match, Waters expressed admiration for tennis players entering pickleball. Despite her loss, Bouchard’s earlier victory over veteran Irina Tereschenko indicates her promising future in the sport. Waters will next face ninth-seeded Kaitlyn Christian, who triumphed over Lauren Stratman to reach the quarterfinals.
Our Readers Queries:
Ques: Is Genie Bouchard still playing tennis?
Ans: Yes, as of April 2024, Genie Bouchard has stated that she plans to remain active on both the tennis and pickleball professional tours.
Ques: Is Bouchard retiring?
Ans: No, Eugenie Bouchard has not officially retired from professional tennis. While she has joined the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tour for 2024, she continues to maintain her status as a professional tennis player, with a current world ranking of 522.
Also Read: Tyra Black and Dylan Frazier Reach Mixed Doubles Quarters at Veolia Sacramento Open
