By Mike McIntyre
Photos: Jimmie48 Tennis Photography
Genie Bouchard's experience in Indian Wells did not last very long as the No. 2 ranked Canadian was eliminated in the opening round of both singles and doubles competition.
Wednesday she teamed up with her occasional doubles partner Sloane Stephens and the pair was defeated by Kirsten Flipkens and Johanna Larrson 6-1, 6-2. While Bouchard does not usually concentrate on her doubles game, she did win the first such title of her career earlier this season in Auckland. She and Stephens also teamed-up last year in Indian Wells losing in the opening round and they played at the Rogers Cup in Bouchard's home town of Montreal where they made the quarterfinals. Despite their lack of on-court success this week, the two certainly appear to enjoy each other's company as can be seen below.
In singles, Bouchard found herself once again on the losing side against Flipkens, as the Belgian beat her in a three set battle 7-5, 3-6, 7-5. It brings Bouchard's record in 2019 to 6-6 with her best result being the quarterfinals in Auckland and in Newport Beach where she lost to fellow Canadian Bianca Andreescu.
Andreescu has now firmly established herself as one to watch on the WTA Tour with her strong play to start the season. The 18 year old has a 23-3 record and has been the far more consistent player, overtaking Bouchard for the top ranking spot in Canada.
Bouchard has taken her game up a level since mid-2018 but is still having difficulty getting deep into events on an even semi-regular basis. With the clay court season approaching and not playing to Bouchard's strengths, it won't get any easier for her as the WTA Tour season carries on.
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