Genie Bouchard Suffers Eye Injury During Training but Remains Ready for Daytona Beach Open

As pickleball continues to gain popularity and evolve into a faster-paced sport, safety on the court is becoming a bigger priority for players. Increasingly, athletes are turning to protective eyewear to guard against potential injuries during matches and practice sessions on the standard 20×44-foot court.

Genie Bouchard, the former tennis star who transitioned to professional pickleball earlier this year, might soon join this trend after sustaining an eye injury during a training session. The incident occurred when a ball deflected off her partner’s paddle and struck her directly in the eye, leaving her with a scratched cornea.

Bouchard shared details of the incident on social media, writing:
“Got hit in the eye with a pickleball during training today. It was a shank off my partner’s paddle straight into the eye 😵‍💫. Went to urgent care and have a scratched cornea. The things we do for this sport! 🥒 I’ll be healed in a matter of days 🫶🏼.”

Despite the unexpected setback, the injury won’t sideline Bouchard. She remains committed to competing in this week’s Daytona Beach Open presented by ROAR Organic. She will take on a full schedule, competing in singles, women’s doubles alongside Layne Sleeth, and mixed doubles with Mota Alhouni.

A Year of Transition and Growth

Bouchard’s first year on the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) Tour remains a pivotal season for the former tennis pro. Known for her Grand Slam final appearance at Wimbledon in 2014 and a career-high WTA ranking of No. 5, Bouchard made waves when she announced her move to pickleball in early 2023. Her transition has brought significant attention to the sport, as fans and media alike follow her journey.

While adapting to the unique challenges of pickleball, Bouchard has steadily improved her game. Her competitive spirit and athleticism have made her a strong contender on the court, even as she navigates the sport’s physical demands and nuances.

The Rise of Protective Eyewear in Pickleball

Bouchard’s injury highlights an ongoing conversation within the pickleball community about safety measures, particularly the use of protective eyewear. As the sport becomes faster and more aggressive, especially at the professional level, the risk of injuries from the balls increases.

Many top players have already adopted goggles or glasses during play to protect against similar incidents. Bouchard’s recent experience could further influence others, especially recreational players, to consider prioritizing safety equipment.

Looking Ahead to Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach Open on (Thursday, December 19), part of the PPA Tour, is a key event on the pickleball calendar, attracting some of the sport’s biggest names. Despite her recent injury, Bouchard is expected to perform at a high level as she juggles matches across three categories. Fans will be watching closely to see how she bounces back after her brief time off the court.

As she continues to settle into her role as a pickleball professional, Bouchard’s resilience and determination are proving just as noteworthy as her skills. Whether it’s overcoming a scratched cornea or taking on top competitors, Bouchard’s dedication to her new sport is undeniable.

Stay tuned for updates on Genie Bouchard’s matches at the Daytona Beach Open and her progress as she completes her first season on the PPA Tour.