Genie Bouchard Reignites Career With Montreal Win As Raducanu, Osaka Also March On
In a night that felt like a throwback and a statement of resurgence, Genie Bouchard delighted the Montreal crowd with a stirring victory, reaffirming her desire to keep her tennis dream alive. The Canadian star, who has battled injuries and inconsistency in recent years, produced a gritty, crowd-lifting performance to advance to the next round of the National Bank Open. Meanwhile, Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka also registered convincing wins, making it a banner day for former Grand Slam darlings chasing comebacks.
Genie Bouchard’s Gritty Win Sends Montreal Into Frenzy
Playing in front of a roaring home crowd, Eugenie “Genie” Bouchard defeated Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-4, 7-6 (5) in a match that combined old-school tenacity with a renewed sense of belief. This win was more than just a first-round success—it marked her first WTA main-draw victory on home soil since 2018, and perhaps the most emotionally significant win of her career since reaching the Wimbledon final nearly a decade ago.
“I feel the love and support here, and that keeps me going,” Bouchard said post-match. “I’ve been through tough times, but this crowd makes it worth it.”
The match saw Bouchard playing with unexpected poise, absorbing pressure in long rallies and defending break points with fierce determination. Her forehand clicked at the right moments, and her serve—long a concern—held up in crunch time.
Raducanu Rises: Vintage Control With a Modern Touch
British sensation Emma Raducanu, looking sharper and more confident than she has in months, dispatched Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko 6-2, 6-3 in under 90 minutes. After months of injury struggles and media scrutiny, Raducanu finally seems to be finding her rhythm.
The 2021 US Open champion moved gracefully around the court, dictating rallies with precision and aggression. Her serve was consistent, and she managed to hit 18 winners with just 9 unforced errors—a significant improvement from previous outings.
“It feels great to play freely again,” Raducanu told reporters. “I’ve worked a lot on my fitness and mindset, and I’m beginning to see the results.”
Naomi Osaka Makes Statement With Smooth Victory
In another exciting clash, Naomi Osaka powered past Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti 6-3, 6-2 in a commanding display that reminded the tennis world why she’s still a force to be reckoned with. Returning from maternity leave and easing her way back into competitive tennis, Osaka looked composed, focused, and supremely in control.
Her explosive groundstrokes and strong serve proved too much for Bronzetti, who struggled to find rhythm under Osaka’s relentless pace. What was more encouraging was Naomi’s mental calmness, something she has spoken about extensively in her recent interviews.
“I’m playing with joy again,” Osaka shared. “I’m not chasing perfection—I’m chasing enjoyment and competitiveness.”
Why These Wins Matter: More Than Just Progression
This trio of victories signifies more than just movement into the next round—it reflects a potential changing narrative in women’s tennis. Bouchard, Raducanu, and Osaka have all been at the heart of media frenzies, each for different reasons—be it form, fame, or personal battles.
But now, all three are rewriting their own scripts:
- Bouchard is proving she’s not done yet and can still thrive under pressure.
- Raducanu is quietly building momentum and letting her racquet do the talking.
- Osaka is showing the grace of a former champion finding her groove post-motherhood.
What’s Next? Road Ahead at the National Bank Open
All three women now face sterner tests:
- Bouchard will take on a seeded opponent in the next round, possibly world No. 10 Daria Kasatkina—a true test of her resilience and stamina.
- Raducanu may face American teen star Coco Gauff, in what could be a blockbuster clash between two generational stars.
- Osaka is likely to go up against Petra Kvitová, a matchup of heavy hitters and past Grand Slam champions.
Comebacks Worth Cheering For
Tennis fans often crave fresh narratives, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about comebacks soaked in heart, humility, and hard work. On a single day in Montreal, three women—each a former phenom—reminded the world of their enduring talent.
Genie Bouchard, with the support of a home crowd, showed that belief can still light up her path. Emma Raducanu, cool and calculated, reminded us that her best is still ahead. Naomi Osaka, graceful and grounded, hinted that her journey post-motherhood could be just as glorious.
The road to full redemption may still be long, but in Montreal, it has well and truly begun.
