Montréal, but make it Genie: Bouchard's off-court home city tour

Eugenie Bouchard is preparing for the final tournament of her career—going back to where it all began in Montréal, Canada—and The Tennis Traveler is taking you with her.

The 31-year-old announced her retirement plans in a social media post last week, revealing that she will play her final tournament at the upcoming National Bank Open presented by Rogers thanks to a main-draw wild card.

“You’ll know when it’s time,” wrote Bouchard. “For me, it’s now.

“Ending where it all started: Montréal ❤️”

Read More: Eugenie Bouchard, former World No. 5, to retire in Montréal

In celebration of the 2014 Wimbledon finalist’s career, Baseline is taking a walk down memory lane in Bouchard’s hometown—highlighting the must-visit places if you want to experience Montréal the Genie Bouchard way.

Bouchard grew up in Westmount, an exclusive anglophone enclave in Montréal Island. How exclusive? Her childhood home was famously located on the same street as former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.

Her parents, Michel Bouchard (an investment banker) and Julie Leclair are fans of the British royal family. Eugenie and her twin sister, Beatrice, were named after Prince Andrew's daughters, while their siblings—Charlotte and William—also bear royal names.

To give yourself the royal treatment, check out the historic Mount Royal Tennis Club. It’s the oldest tennis club in Montréal and Canada’s most-used Davis Cup venue.

Bouchard’s career highlights include reaching the 2014 Wimbledon final—where she faced Petra Kvitova—and achieving a career-high ranking of world No. 5, making her one of the most successful Canadian players of all time.

Now she’s heading back to “where it all started”—and that journey includes IGA Stadium, located in north-central Montréal.

More than just the site of the National Bank Open, the WTA 1000 event where Bouchard will say goodbye to professional tennis, the area is also home to Tennis Canada’s National Tennis Centre presented by Rogers—where many of the country’s promising young talents live, train and go to school with the goal of breaking into the world’s Top 50.

According to her WTA bio, Bouchard began playing tennis at age five at the National Tennis Centre in Montréal, before moving to Florida to train under coach Nick Saviano.

But it hasn’t just been all tennis for Bouchard, who has also played professional pickleball for the last two seasons.

A passionate sports fan and a courtside regular, Bouchard has often been spotted at major Montréal sporting events. Her social media feeds feature behind-the-scenes looks at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (home to Canada’s Formula 1 Grand Prix), plus custom Canadiens hockey jerseys and other highlights.

Sometimes, the best way to unwind from one sport is to enjoy another.

Hungry? Bouchard has you covered there too. In a 2021 interview, she shared some of her favorite hometown spots:

- Orange Julep: A roadside icon famous for its giant orange dome, poutine and fresh juice
- Beauty’s: A beloved brunch spot that’s been around since 1942
- Farsides, Deville Dinerbar, Grinder: Even more local go-tos for food, drinks and nightlife

Though she’s admitted that her busy tennis and pickleball schedules don’t allow for frequent trips home, her Instagram shows that she makes the most of every visit. Her feed includes family moments, scenic views of Old Montreal, concerts and snapshots with friends—all proving there’s no place like home.

Catch Bouchard’s farewell appearance — as well as all the action from the **National Bank Open presented by Rogers** — on Tennis Channel from July 26 to August 7, 2025. Women will compete in Montreal at the WTA 1000 event, while the men play concurrently in Toronto.