Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard has always looked up to Roger Federer as one of his role models. Bouchard had congratulated Federer on his stellar career after the Swiss Maestro had played his last professional match with Rafael Nadal against the American duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup.
The Canadian, who has struggled with her shoulder injury in recent times, stated that it is an honor for her if the young players are looking up to her in the same way she used to idolize Roger Federer.
Bouchard defeated Kayla Day 7-5, 6-3 in the first round of the Guadalajara Open on Tuesday.
“Well, I mean, the way I look at Roger, I don’t know if it can be replicated by anyone. If there are kids that look up to me, I’ve always said this throughout my career: it’s just an honor,” she said in the post-match interview.
“I remember being that little kid, looking up to players, wanting their autographs, watching them on TV. To be that person for someone else is just an honor. I appreciate the support. I hope I can inspire people to, yeah, get out, play tennis, play sports,” she added.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer is regarded as one of the most stylish players in the history of the game, and his on and off-the-court demeanor made him one of the most respectful players on the tour.
On the other hand, Bouchard will take on Jelena Ostapenko in the second round and this will be the first meeting between the two players. The Canadian had become the first Canadian-born player representing Canada to reach the final of a Grand Slam tournament in singles at the 2014 Wimbledon championships.
The 28-year-old is currently ranked at 430 place in the WTA rankings and has a 6-6 record in the ongoing season.
