Bouchard 'grateful' after return to action with stunning win over Kudermetova in Prague: "You appreciate things more when they’re taken away from you"

Tuesday, 11 August 2020 at 14:45

Eugenie Bouchard during the 2014 French Open.

Despite the first day of the main draw at the Prague Open being blighted by rain, Genie Bouchard took to court to produce a stunning 6-0, 6-3 victory over Veronika Kudermetova.

Bouchard, now the World No.330 having been previously World No.5, has had injury issues and hasn't been able to replicate her form of 2014.

This was a flash of brilliance though from the popular Canadian who spoke afterwards her match against Veronika Kudermetova and said it wasn't as one sided as depicted.

"I feel that the first set was tough in almost every game. It’s not like it was a walk in the park," she said. "I’m proud of myself for battling in every single game. It ended up going my way most of the time. I stayed on it every point and didn't make too many loose errors. I played solid and aggressive, which is what I try to aim for.

"My rhythm was off on my serve in the first set, so I need to look at that. I felt better with it in the second set, so I'm happy I could find a solution."

"I'm grateful to have a job and to have this opportunity"

In terms of a return to action; despite playing a pivotal role in World Team Tennis as well as multiple other exhibitions, Bouchard knows there is no substitute for real action; as well as in an uncertain time in the world, the 26-year-old is grateful to have the opportunity to play again.

"It’s hard to know what to expect. I haven’t played a real match since January. I’ve played a couple of exhibitions, which helped a lot, but it’s still different, it’s not a real tournament. I didn’t set any expectations," she said.

"I’m grateful to have a job and to have this opportunity. You appreciate things more when they’re taken away from you."

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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