Former Wimbledon finalist Genie Bouchard has traded her tennis racquet for a pickleball paddle, making waves in the sports world. In 2023, Bouchard, once ranked No. 5 in the world, announced her entry into the Professional Pickleball Association Tour. While she insists she’s not retiring from tennis, her commitment to pickleball is clear, especially with her recent signing to the Utah Black Diamonds.
Bouchard isn’t alone in this transition; tennis influencer Rachel Stuhlmann, who boasts over 300,000 Instagram followers, was recently seen alongside her at a pickleball event. The two appear to be forging a friendship, even going on a “date” just last week.
Stuhlmann recently admitted pickleball is stealing her heart.
“I love how the sport brings communities together in a positive, healthy, and social way,” Stuhlmann said. “Love how it gives former professional and college tennis players another opportunity to shine on tour. No, it’s not ‘taking over tennis.’ That’s a very dramatic take. There’s room for both sports to thrive.”
Bouchard, meanwhile, felt a little out of place in her new sport.
“I’m like that kid going to a new school who goes to the cafeteria and doesn’t have any friends or know where anything is,” Bouchard said. “I’m completely nervous. I’m a wreck. I am nervous for playing, of course, because this is so new to me. But beyond that, I’m definitely anxious a little bit and wondering what it’s going to be like walking around a tournament or a locker room.”
She’s a bit worried about the details.
“I’m like, ‘Is my form good? Is this good? Is that good? What drill should we work on for this shot?’ I was going overboard, and this guy was like, ‘Whoa, you’re so unnecessarily detail-oriented about this,'” she added. “He literally told me to just go to a pickup game and just play and said that’s how I was going to improve the most.”
Social Media Is Praising Rachel Stuhlmann and Genie Bouchard
Fans quickly chimed in on social media, suggesting that Genie Bouchard and Rachel Stuhlmann team up for a pickleball doubles match. One enthusiastic comment read, “You two should play Pickleball doubles together,” sparking curiosity about how viral such a post could become.
In trending news, Snoop Dogg faced backlash after claiming he’s been a die-hard Steelers fan since the ’70s, with evidence suggesting otherwise. Meanwhile, Angel Reese turned heads in see-through leopard-print shorts, and George Pickens drew attention for a vulgar message on his eye black during the Steelers-Cowboys game.
Back to Bouchard and Stuhlmann, one fan expressed excitement over their recent “date night,” calling it a “dream date night” featuring two sports icons.
Bouchard officially entered the Professional Pickleball Association last year, signing with the Utah Black Diamonds. While she hasn’t announced her retirement from tennis, it’s clear she’s focused on succeeding in pickleball. With her impressive talent, there’s every reason to believe the former tennis champion will thrive in her new sport.