Eugenie
Bouchard shared a fun anecdote on social media involving customs officers who
asked her if she was a professional tennis player like Novak Djokovic.
The former
world No. 5 hasn't competed in a tournament since mid-September when she played
at the WTA 1000 Guadalajara Open with a wild card. She advanced to the second
round after defeating Renata Zarazua (6-1, 7-6) but was then defeated by the
7th seed, Veronika Kudermetova.
'Genie'
Bouchard is active on social media and posted a brief story on Twitter about an
incident at the airport where she was asked about her profession, and when she
mentioned that she was a tennis player, the customs officers brought up Novak
Djokovic:
“At customs
in Germany and when I tell the officer I’m continuing on to Spain to play a
tennis tournament he goes ‘Oh so you are a professional? Like Novak Djokovic?’
Yes sir, just like that,” Canadian tennis player wrote on her X account (former
Twitter)
Fans reacted to the situation, noting that Bouchard was a semifinalist at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, as well as a finalist at Wimbledon, all in 2014, the same year Djokovic won his 7th Grand Slam at Wimbledon.
“‘We were
both finalists at Wimbledon 2014!’.” Some fan wrote
“I never
thought that Djokovic would transcend Federer and Nadal but it's lovely to see,”
“Must be
nice not to get recognised for a change,”
“Looking
forward to seeing you in Spain! Have you been to Sevilla before?”
Bouchard is currently ranked as the world No. 265 and will be part of the Canadian team competing in the Billie Jean King Cup starting on November 7th in Sevilla. The Canadian team will be led by the world No. 36, 21-year-old Leylah Fernandez, who had a strong finish to the year. The team will also include Rebecca Marino, Gabriela Dabrowski, and the young 18-year-old Marina Stakusic.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
At customs in Germany and when I tell the officer I’m continuing on to Spain to play a tennis tournament he goes ‘Oh so you are a professional? Like Novak Djokovic?’ Yes sir, just like that 😂
I never thought that Djokovic would transcend Federer and Nadal but it's lovely to see. 😉🐐
Genie Bouchard
@geniebouchard
At customs in Germany and when I tell the officer I’m continuing on to Spain to play a tennis tournament he goes ‘Oh so you are a professional? Like Novak Djokovic?’ Yes sir, just like that 😂