“It’s been total chaos”: Eugenie Bouchard warns Roland Garros has no clear hierarchy amid shock upsets
WTA
Genie Bouchard has described the Roland Garros tournament as structurally unpredictable, arguing that repeated upsets have eliminated any stable hierarchy across both draws in Paris.
Speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage on The Big T Podcast, the former Wimbledon finalist said the women’s and men’s events have moved through multiple shifts in perceived favourites, with early exits repeatedly reshaping expectations.
Bouchard, who reached a Wimbledon final in 2014 and spent several years inside the WTA elite, said this level of volatility has made analytical forecasting more difficult than in typical Grand Slam conditions.
She also focused on the psychological demands placed on leading men’s contenders, particularly Alexander Zverev, who has emerged as the nominal favourite following early eliminations of other top players.
Roland Garros volatility and women’s draw uncertainty
Bouchard said the defining feature of this year’s Roland Garros has been its unpredictability, noting that successive rounds have undermined pre-tournament projections and reshaped the competitive landscape.
She pointed to a series of unexpected results involving top-ranked players, which she said have forced analysts and players alike to continuously reassess the draw. According to her, momentum at Roland Garros has been highly unstable.
“First of all, it’s been total chaos this entire tournament. It’s been fun to work at a tournament where so much is going on," the former Wimbledon finalist said to Tennis Channel. "There have been so many unpredictable matches. We had a couple of chaotic days, and we’re like, okay, that’s probably it for the rest of the week.”
She added that even established champions have not been immune to early exits, reinforcing the idea that form consistency has been difficult to maintain across both tours during the opening week in Paris. “Then Swiatek, a four-time champion, loses this morning.”
Bouchard said this instability has reinforced the importance of sticking to pre-tournament evaluations when possible, although she acknowledged that ongoing results have complicated predictive accuracy. “My initial pick before all of this started was Svitolina on the women’s side.”
Svitolina analysis and tactical evolution
Bouchard offered a detailed assessment of Elina Svitolina’s development, highlighting a significant shift in playing style over recent seasons. She described the Ukrainian’s transformation from a defensive counterpuncher into a more aggressive, all-court competitor.
She linked this progression to both tactical maturity and physical adaptation following her return to the tour after maternity leave, noting that increased aggression has become central to her success in recent conditions. “You’ve got to stick with your pick, and she’s still going strong. And after seeing her in Rome and just knowing how good of a player she is, she’s exactly my year.”
Bouchard also referenced their shared junior history and professional rivalry, using it as context to evaluate Svitolina’s long-term evolution and consistency against top-level opposition. “I grew up with her in the juniors. I actually beat her in the finals of Junior Wimbledon back in 2012. And then played her four times in the pros, and I’m 0-4 with her.”
She added that Svitolina’s current game is defined by improved offensive shot-making, particularly on the forehand side, which has added a new dimension to her baseline structure in demanding conditions.
“Now she has added this dimension of aggression to her game, and she is so comfortable increasing the speed on her shot, especially her forehand. Of course, we know her backhand is rock solid, but she actually has a weapon in her forehand now.”
Elina Svitolina - Anna Bondar Roland Garros 2026
Men’s draw instability and Zverev pressure narrative
On the men’s side, Bouchard said the tournament narrative has repeatedly shifted, with different top players emerging as favourites before quickly being replaced following early-round defeats.
She identified Alexander Zverev as the current leading contender but stressed that the German’s psychological challenge remains unresolved in Grand Slam contexts, particularly when positioned as outright favourite. “It was Sinner’s tournament to lose, then Novak’s tournament to lose, and now it’s Zverev’s tournament to lose.”
Bouchard said Zverev’s inability to convert major opportunities in previous seasons continues to define external expectations around his performances in Paris. “He has this monkey on his back, and I’m not sure how he’s going to be able to handle it. He’s already had the monkey about not winning a Slam for a couple of years now.”
She added that while his current level suggests he is capable of winning the title, the mental component could prove decisive in the second week, where pressure and match intensity increase significantly. “This is probably his best chance to win a Slam maybe in his entire career. I’m stressed thinking about it. I can’t even imagine how he feels.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
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.
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