Ex-Wimbledon finalist Bouchard latest tennis pro to switch to pickleball

In a pivotal move, Eugenie Bouchard, the former world No. 5 tennis player, has signed with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour for the 2024 season. This marks a significant milestone in the 29-year-old Canadian athlete's career, which saw her reach the pinnacle during the 2014 season with a Wimbledon final appearance.

Bouchard's transition comes after a series of injuries that have kept her away from tennis courts in recent years, including a surgery on her right shoulder. Despite the hurdles, her spirit remains unbroken as she embarks on this new journey in the pickleball world, a sport witnessing a surge in popularity.

Joining the ranks of other tennis stars like Jack Sock and Donald Young who have recently transitioned to pickleball, Bouchard is set to bring a fresh wave of attention to the sport. The PPA has heralded her signing as "one of the biggest of the year," indicating the high expectations surrounding her debut.

As the pickleball community anticipates Bouchard's entry in the 2024 PPA Tour, questions about the future of her tennis career remain. The star has yet to comment on how this shift will affect her tennis trajectory, leaving fans in eager anticipation of her next steps.

What is undeniable is that Bouchard's move to pickleball marks a new chapter not only in her career but also in the sport itself, promising new heights and broader horizons for pickleball enthusiasts globally.