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Genie Bouchard Transitions from Tennis to Pickleball

Genie Bouchard, the former tennis sensation, is making waves in the world of pickleball. In a recent interview, she discussed her transition from tennis to this rapidly growing sport, citing the pandemic as a pivotal moment for her introduction to pickleball. Bouchard's decision was influenced by her desire for a new challenge and a break from the physical demands of tennis. As she embarks on this new journey, she reflects on her two-decade tennis career and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in pickleball.
By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 22:22 IST

Genie Bouchard's Shift to Pickleball


The surge in popularity of pickleball is attracting elite athletes from various sports, including former tennis player Genie Bouchard. The Canadian athlete recently shared insights about her shift to this emerging sport, highlighting a combination of timing, opportunity, and the challenges she faced in professional tennis.


Bouchard's journey into pickleball began during the pandemic when the sport started to gain traction worldwide. She remarked, “I played with friends during Covid. That’s when many people began to discover it, and it really started to take off.”


Her serious commitment to pickleball developed later. “After the US Open in 2023, my agent approached me with an opportunity to participate in events organized by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), and I decided to take it,” she explained.


She expressed that the allure of pickleball lies in its rapid growth and a change in her personal priorities. “I find it exciting to be part of something that’s expanding so quickly, without the physical strains and constant travel that tennis demands,” she noted, reflecting on the sacrifices required in her previous sport.


After dedicating over two decades to tennis, Bouchard concluded that it was time for a change. “I am grateful for everything tennis has given me over the years, but I realized I didn’t want to continue in that path indefinitely,” she stated. With all these considerations, her transition to pickleball felt like a natural progression. “So, with all those combined factors, I was like, let’s try it.”