Eugenie Bouchard Discusses Her Shift to Pickleball and Its Growing Popularity

Eugenie Bouchard, the former tennis star, has opened up about her transition to pickleball, a sport she finds more accessible and rapidly growing. She reflects on how the pandemic sparked her interest and discusses the differences between tennis and pickleball, particularly in terms of learning curves and player engagement. Bouchard emphasizes the excitement surrounding amateur events and the unique community aspect of pickleball, which contrasts sharply with her experiences in tennis. Her insights reveal a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of sports.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 10:43 IST

Eugenie Bouchard's Transition to Pickleball

Former tennis player Eugenie Bouchard has shared insights into her move to pickleball, emphasizing the sport's increasing accessibility and its rapid expansion at the grassroots level. Reflecting on her journey, Bouchard attributed her transition to the COVID-19 pandemic and a subsequent professional opportunity. She stated, “During the pandemic, I played with friends, which is when many people started to discover the sport. By the end of 2023, after the US Open, my agent approached me with an opportunity to participate in events organized by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).”

She expressed enthusiasm for embracing something new and being part of a sport that is experiencing significant growth, while also highlighting the physical challenges and travel demands of tennis that she wanted to move away from. “After dedicating over 20 years to tennis, I felt grateful for all it provided, but I was ready for a change,” she added.

Bouchard also discussed her experiences on the PPA tour, noting both the similarities and differences compared to tennis. “The tournaments resemble smaller tennis events, akin to the challenger tournaments I participated in during my early career. The venues accommodate about one to two thousand spectators, but what stands out is the simultaneous amateur events at all our tournaments. It’s fascinating to see how eager people are to play,” she remarked.

She contrasted this with tennis, where the learning curve is steep and requires extensive training before players can enjoy a rally. “In pickleball, the learning process is much quicker. Even if you’ve never played before, you can easily have a rally and enjoy it. In tennis, finding a partner of similar skill is crucial for enjoyment,” she explained.

Bouchard noted that the enthusiasm for playing pickleball is evident, with many participants eager to engage rather than just watch. “This is a stark contrast to tennis, where spectators often dominate the courts. It’s clear that pickleball has captured the interest of many, making it a popular choice at the amateur level,” she concluded, highlighting the sport's appeal and the role of the professional league in fostering this passion.