United States
Major League Pickleball x TORAY
Exclusive Interview with Professional Tennis and Pickleball Player: Eugenie Bouchard
From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Arenas:
Eugenie Bouchard’s Expanding Athletic Journey
July 1, 2025
At a Major League Pickleball event in Orlando, Florida, Canadian tennis player Eugenie Bouchard opened up about exploring new challenges on the pickleball court—while still competing in tennis. Known to Japanese fans through her past appearances at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, Bouchard shares her impressions of the growing sport, how she approaches competition today, and what excites her most about connecting with a new audience.
Q1. What inspired you to start playing pickleball?
I've played tennis my whole life, and when the PPA gave me the opportunity to compete on their professional tour, I was excited to try something new. After so many years of tennis, I wanted to challenge myself and learn a new skill.
Q2. Can you tell us about the differences between tennis and pickleball? Were you good at pickleball from the beginning?
Tennis and pickleball are actually quite different. Some people think they’re really similar, but they require different skill sets. I wasn’t good at all when I first started pickleball—it took me a while to learn, and I still have a long way to go.
One of the biggest differences is in doubles play. In pickleball, it’s all about the kitchen game—the dinking, the drops—which doesn’t exist in tennis. So I had to learn entirely new shots.
Q3. You play both tennis and pickleball. Is it difficult to balance the two? Would you recommend doing both?
It’s definitely hard to play both sports. I did both last year and I’m doing the same this year. Switching between the two can feel strange—going from tennis to pickleball or vice versa takes an adjustment period. The equipment, the court, the ball, even the technique for shots—it’s all different. It really feels like playing two separate sports.
As for recommending both, if you're trying to play professionally, I’d say it's pretty tough. Honestly, I don't know why I'm doing it myself! But I try to take it one step at a time.
Q4. Are the qualities you look for in a tennis racket different from those in a pickleball paddle?
Yes. The first thing I noticed when I started pickleball was how different the paddle felt. A tennis racket is longer, has strings, and allows for more spin. The paddle is shorter and stringless—kind of like a ping pong paddle—so I had to shorten my swing and adjust my technique.
In terms of quality, I always look for the best. I’ve played with Yonex for years—a Japanese brand known for their attention to detail and high-quality rackets.
Q5. What do you find appealing about pickleball?
What I love most about pickleball is how social and fun it is. On the professional pickleball tour, players are more friendly—we often practice together, which isn’t very common on the tennis tour where everyone stays within their own team.
Even my friends who play recreationally love it because of the social aspect. They meet new people and have fun, which is such a big part of the game.
Q6. What are your goals for this season, both individually and in team events in pickleball?
My goal is to keep improving. I still have a long way to go in pickleball, so I’m focused on developing my skills in practice and bringing that progress into matches. We had a really close match yesterday at MLP, so I hope we can start winning more as a team. Personally, I’d love to make it to more finals or medal matches—I did it once last year, and I want to do it again, and more often, this season.
Q7. You’ve been an athlete since childhood. What’s your bigger goal or ideal, and how are you working toward it?
I started tennis when I was about four and a half and have dedicated most of my life to it. Now, adding pickleball to the mix, my goal remains the same: to play my best and hopefully inspire others to be active and pick up a racket or paddle. If I can motivate even one person to get outside and play, that’s an amazing accomplishment for me.
Q8. What do you look for in sportswear in terms of functionality and design?
I believe if you look good, you play good! That’s something I’ve always told my clothing sponsors. I’ve been with New Balance for many years—they make great quality gear.
Personally, I like clothes that are cute and stylish—fun colors, crop tops, and more feminine outfits. As a female athlete, I think it’s important to embrace that side of ourselves, especially in a space that’s often seen as male-dominated.
Q9. Regarding your paddle—are there any features you wish it had?
When I first started playing, I really wanted a paddle with a longer grip so I could hit my backhand with two hands—just like in tennis. That was super important to make the transition feel more natural and comfortable.
Q10. What kind of image do you have of Japanese brands and companies? What are your thoughts on Toray joining pickleball as a partner?
I think it's really exciting. I’ve known Toray for years from the Tokyo tennis tournament, and I’ve always loved Japanese culture and the fans. I recently had a layover in Tokyo and just being at the airport reminded me of how much I enjoy being in Japan. I admire how polite, kind, and detail-oriented Japanese culture is. Everything seems to work so efficiently and thoughtfully.
Q11. At the Toray PPO, you wowed Japanese fans by defeating a former World No.1. You’re very popular in Japan—how do you remember that time?
The Japanese fans were so special. Unlike anywhere else, they would bring me little gifts after matches—Hello Kitty items, unique snacks—because they knew what I liked. It made me feel really loved and appreciated every time I visited.
Q12. What memorable experiences or places stand out from your visits to Japan?
During tournaments, we don’t have much time to explore, but I remember visiting Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo and enjoying cute restaurants in both Tokyo and Osaka. I always try to soak in the culture - it’s so beautiful and exciting.
Q13. Lastly, could you share a message for your Japanese fans?
I’ve always loved playing in front of you. I’m so grateful for all the support and special memories. I hope I can return soon—whether it’s to play tennis, pickleball, or just to visit and enjoy the amazing culture and kind people of Japan again.
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