The British No. 1 shared a photo of Bouchard’s retirement on her Instagram story and wrote: “@geniebouchard thank you genie, loved watching you compete and play. Wish you all the best for your next chapter.”
Bouchard has previously likened Raducanu’s career to her own. The Canadian burst onto the scene when she reached the 2014 Wimbledon final aged just 20. However, throughout her career, she received criticism for her online persona and social media posts.
When Raducanu won the 2021 US Open as a teenager qualifier, she was propelled into the spotlight and signed several brand deals.
The Brit has also been forced to hit back at critics, who suggested she was more interested in sponsorships or claimed they could be a distraction from her tennis.
“I’m training five or six hours a day, I’m at the club 12 hours a day. But I put one post in the car on the way to practice and all of a sudden I don’t focus on tennis,” Raducanu said in 2022, months after becoming a Grand Slam champion.
Bouchard knew exactly what the world No. 33 was going through and reposted Raducanu’s comments, adding: “I feel you, Emma.”
While competing at the 2023 Madrid Open, the former Wimbledon finalist reiterated the similarities between herself and Raducanu.
The former world No. 5 explained: “I see a lot of similarities. I feel for her in that sense. She has a great life, she’s set for life, and she’s had great achievements. But I can understand a little bit, possibly the pressure, the scrutiny.
“She tweeted something, posted something about not doing tennis one day and people were like, ‘Why don’t you go practise?’ I was like, ‘Oh my God, I went through that six, eight years ago’.”
While Raducanu advanced to the third round of the Canadian Open on Wednesday, beating 32nd seed Peyton Stearns, Bouchard’s career came to an end on the centre court.
She led Bencic by a break in the final set but lost 6-2 3-6 6-4. Bouchard was in tears after the handshake and then told the crowd: “I think it’s so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys. I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day.
“I grew up playing on these courts and courts all around Montreal and near here, so it feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here. Tennis has given me so much, I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way.”
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Content Source: www.express.co.uk