Complaint, ‘fired’ on live TV – Eugenie Bouchard’s Wimbledon for BBC | Tennis | Sport
Eugenie Bouchard had a memorable first tournament covering Wimbledon for the BBC (Image: BBC)
Former Wimbledon star Eugenie Bouchard didn’t waste any time letting her presence be felt while covering the tournament for the first time as a BBC pundit. The glamorous 32-year-old, who retired from professional tennis last year, joined the broadcaster’s revamped presenting team for coverage of SW19 recently.
Of course, Bouchard had already endeared herself to Wimbledon fans, having reached the final of the women’s singles back in 2014 aged just 20. The Canadian sadly lost that final to Petra Kvitova in straight sets, but there was still considerable excitement following her appointment at the BBC this summer. That excitement was not misplaced as, over the duration of the most recent edition of Wimbledon, Bouchard endeared herself to viewers and had several memorable moments while offering her expert analysis and instant courtside reaction.
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Fan reaction
Wimbledon viewers were immediately impressed by the 32-year-old’s punditry and analysis after she took up her new role with the BBC last month. Her work was singled out on X for the right reasons, with one user commenting: “I didn’t know Genie Bouchard was working for the BBC this Wimbledon but have to say she is doing well. Canadian more toned down than the likes of [John] McEnroe and knows the players etc. Surprised me in the commentary box.”
Another user wrote: “The Mighty Bouchard has effortlessly glided into the commentary booth.” A third praised her sensible approach in the commentary booth, pointing out: “Speaks a lot of sense and keeps it relevant.”
Another user praised Bouchard for being fun, adding: “Bouchard doing a good job and having fun today on BBC Sport. Fun to watch too!”
Fans couldn’t get enough of the Canadian (Image: Getty)
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Immediate complaint
No sooner had Bouchard’s stint at the BBC begun than she began to complain about the English weather in the summer. The heatwave across the country in June proved an annoyance to much of the nation and the former tennis star shared that frustration, questioning why the UK heat was so unbearable.
Bouchard, who lives in Miami, sought explanations as to why the temperature in London felt so overwhelming. “I know there’s been a lot of US/Europe AC discourse recently and some think we’ve probably talked about it enough,” Bouchard wrote.
“But I am here to tell you that we have NOT been in the UK less than 24 hours and I feel like I’m on an episode of Survivor. I brushed my teeth last night while sweating profusely, slept without any blankets and I normally run cold. Genuinely curious as to what the reason for this is. Who can enlighten me?”
Eugenie Bouchard was jokingly fired on live TV (Image: BBC)
‘Fired’ on live TV
Commentator Andrew Castle jokingly told Bouchard that she was “fired” during the BBC’s live coverage. The Canadian had been providing courtside analysis of Grigor Dimitrov’s third-round clash with Matteo Berrettini on Centre Court, when she was suddenly called out for not being able to speak Italian after Berrettini ranted at his box late in the second set.
During a change of ends, Castle asked Bouchard: “Do you speak Italian?” And the 2014 ladies singles finalist replied: “I do not but I see a lot going back and forth between Berrettini and his box, which is right behind me. Unfortunately, only English and French I can do for you guys.”
Castle replied: “I don’t know, it’s the Italian we’re looking for Genie.” And Bouchard added: “Is that it, am I fired?”
The pair both began laughing as Castle said: “That’s it, thank you for coming, you’re fired.” Bouchard concluded: “It was a good run, thank you for having me anyway. I’ll just see myself out.”
Clare Balding shared a laugh with Bouchard on-air (Image: BBC)
Dig at Britain
Bouchard aimed a dig at Britain’s rule of Canada during the BBC’s live coverage earlier this month. Jannik Sinner beat Nuno Borges in straight sets on Centre Court to start proceedings on day three. Meanwhile, Bouchard joined Clare Balding and Anne Keothavong in the studio on Henman Hill. Balding started the segment by saying: “Genie, happy Canada Day.”
July 1 is a public holiday traditionally celebrated as Canada Day – otherwise known as the birthday of Canada. It is their version of Independence Day that signifies when they were allowed to form their own government to manage its own internal and domestic affairs in 1867. Prior to this, Britain ruled Canada and they did not completely sever their sovereign ties until 1982.
Bouchard was keen to point out Britain’s rule in a pointed dig. “Thank you,” Bouchard replied to Balding. “I wore red in honour and I’ve seen a few Canadian flags out in the grounds. Thank you for letting us become independent so many years ago.”
Balding concluded: “You’re welcome,” before chuckling.
