McIntyre Tennis

Genie Bouchard Rogers Cup Press Conference

Genie Bouchard met with members of the press at the Rogers Cup in Toronto on Saturday to speak about her upcoming 12th appearance playing in Canada's premier tennis tournament. She spoke about working with her new coach Jorge Todero, the rise of Canadian tennis in recent years and also of her upcoming match against compatriot Bianca Andreescu who she will face Tuesday night on Centre Court. Here is the entire transcript from today. Check in with us later this weekend on Match Point Canada - the official Tennis Canada podcast - for our exclusive interview with Genie.

Q: You're working with a new coach these days, can you tell us how that came about and then how it's gone?

Genie: Sylvain (Bruneau) actually helped set up this partnership. It's been a couple of weeks now and I really like him. So it's going well. We're trying to change a couple of things, so it's definitely going to be a process. But I think it's the right process.

Q:  In Canadian tennis right now it's been on the rise for the past couple of years. Where do you put it? Where do you look at it and in terms of the talent that's coming up right now and where do you fit in?

Genie: I think Canadian tennis has improved a lot over the past couple years. And just the general excitement about tennis in the country I think is more - from fans watching on TV to the little kids who start playing -  I've heard so many stories that summer camps are all booked up and hearing things like that makes me so happy. I mean to just be any kind of part of it I think is an honor and hopefully it’ll continue like this for years to come.

Q: What are your expectations for Rogers Cup this year?

Genie: Well I'm going to go with my usual answer and say no expectations. Honestly, it's actually just so great to be here. It’s a little bit of a welcome home every time I come through this tournament whether it's in Montreal or Toronto I just really wanna enjoy it, enjoy the atmosphere. I was out around the grounds earlier today and doing some activities and spending some time with some of the fans just, you know, signing and taking pictures and that's a part of what it's all about,

Q: Are you looking forward to playing Bianca?

Genie: Yeah, I think it's hilarious that we play each other. I'm excited. It's actually gonna be fun. I know her well, we’re Fed Cup teammates, so it's hopefully gonna be a fun battle and I hope people enjoy it.

Q: You said with your new coach that it's going to be a process and you're working to change a few things, what in particular are you looking to change?

Genie: I mean I don't want to get into too many specifics, but just a couple of typical things on my shots,  court positioning and keeping in mind the essence of my game and also just putting in a lot of hours. He's very old school, he's Argentinian. So it's been tough. (said with a chuckle!)

Q: Genie, yesterday we had done Naomi Osaka and Bianca at the draw ceremony and Naomi recently admitted that the pressure she's been feeling in particular since the Aussie Open has been difficult for her to deal with. Bianca now is going to have to experience some of that as well as she's had success as well. For someone like you that's been at it for a little bit longer now and seems to sort of roll with all the punches so to speak, what's your secret or what advice might you have for those players that are starting to deal with it for the first time?

Genie: Well, I mean I haven't won two grand slams, so I don't think I'm in a position to give too much advice, but it’s a part of life, you know, and I think the most important thing is to just remember that it's all because of a good thing – it’s because of amazing results. In the past I let myself feel down or negative if I felt too much pressure, but at the end of the day, it's like I feel pressure because of something amazing that I did. Why should I feel sad about it? So those accomplishments that I’ve had or any of those players that you mentioned have, are there forever. So, you know, just enjoy it.

Q: You tweeted recently that you had a dream about Lady Gaga and that you guys chatted for 45 minutes. Can I ask what you guys talked about?

Genie: Um, I think I was in Dubai playing a tournament -  all my dreams I'm always at a tournament, like always. Even if something else is happening, I'm at a tournament site. Yes - tennis has taken over my life. She called because she had this concert and she was inviting me to this concert and we had hung out before, but I was like in Doha or Dubai and I was like, I don't know if I can make it. And then my mom was like, who are you on the phone with? And I'm like, Lady Gaga, you know - like give me - and you're on the phone and I remember like hanging up and seeing like 45 minutes and I was like, All right, this is a cool world to live in.

Q: Have you met her?

Genie: Uh, nope. But I did go to her concert way back in the day.  I don't know why it was her. I mean maybe I saw her for two seconds on TV and then you know how dreams are.

Q: Genie, you've got a first round opponent who’s coming off a long injury layoff. You've had to deal with that yourself. What's the toughest thing about coming back from an injury and for you does it make you approach the match in any kind of way - get into her early, get a leg up against somebody who maybe be a bit rusty?

Genie:  Injuries are the worst part about our sport. And I think, when I come back, the toughest is that competition aspect. There's nothing like real match practices. It's just nothing like the pressure or the tension of a match. I won't approach the match any differently. I know she's a great player and that's what I'm going to expect. And that's it.

Q:  Yesterday you had a cool visit to Sick Kids hospital. And I think for the kids it meant a lot to them, but it seemed like it meant a lot to you. What did that mean to you and what was the best part of being there and just hanging out with them and talking about Harry Potter and being maybe a kid again a little bit?

Genie:  I love, you know, giving back and I visited the children's hospital in Montreal many times and then other cities when we have tournaments there, so to be able to go I was so happy they had me. And if I could inspire one of them yesterday to stay positive and just keep fighting and all the hard work and sacrifices, it's really special to me. I love seeing the kids, they’re so young and energetic and so just to hang out with them, hear about what's cool to them in their life right now. They asked me about some of my experiences, meeting Drake – all of their faces lit up and they're like, oh my God. We talked about Harry Potter, I got like a wand as a gift from hospital and just kind of feeling like a kid, treating them like normal kids because they are and hopefully inspiring them, but you know, they inspire me more than I would ever inspire them.

Q: I know Montreal is your home, but this is Canada, so this is your home tournament. Do the other players ask you for what to do around Toronto and what do you hear from them about this tournament and how this tournament goes?

Genie: I mean it feels like home coming here too. Um, no one's really asked me what to do. I've been busy training, I haven't chatted that much. But I do have a cousin who lives here, and so I always try to go to some cool restaurants or things like that. I think it's a really cool city and I'm not here enough. I realized all of last year, I never came to Toronto, so I’m looking forward to spending more time there.

Genie Bouchard Out In Singles and Doubles in Indian Wells

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.

Bianca Andreescu Defeats Genie Bouchard in All-Canadian Quarterfinal in Newport Beach

By Mike McIntyre

Tennis fans in Canada were looking forward to Friday's quarterfinal match in Newport Beach between Genie Bouchard and Bianca Andreescu. It offered an all-Canadian affair between the current No. 1 and the heir apparent and it featured two players who had started 2019 in strong fashion. Fifty-three minutes after it began however it was all over with a resounding 6-2, 6-0 victory from the 18 year old Andreescu.

 

The highlight for Bouchard was an ace on the very first point of the match as it quickly went downhill from her first service hold. Andreescu would break for a 2-1 lead in the opening set and never looked back as she dictated play the rest of the way. She would finish by winning 78% of her first serves, taking 5 of 9 break point opportunities and winning 58 points compared to a mere 31 from Bouchard.

Despite Genie's experience, it was Andreescu who seemed poised and confident throughout the match as her groundstrokes were hitting their mark deep into the court and her variety and spin also seemed to fluster a lackluster Bouchard. Andreescu has been making life difficult for most of her opponents so far this year as she has a sparkling 14-2 record if you add-up all of her qualifying and main draw matches.

As the two approached the net at the conclusion of the match they offered each other a brief but cordial handshake and then Andreescu quickly packed-up her gear and left the court without any type of celebration - a classy gesture considering the way she dismantled her older compatriot.

Despite the loss Bouchard sports a respectable 5-3 record to start 2019 and aside from today's lopsided loss and quick exit versus Andreescu, the 24 year old has looked more confident and content on and off the tennis court lately. There are encouraging signs that both Bouchard and Andreescu could make their way into the top-50 on the WTA Tour, providing Canada with a solid one-two punch in Fed Cup play.

As for the take-away from today's match between the two, it reminds me of a comment made by Bouchard from back at the 2017 Rogers Cup. In reply to my question about the up-and-coming Andreescu, Bouchard joked that finally, "Someone else can carry the burden for Canada." With her strong play out of the gate this year and the potentially symbolic win over Bouchard - the country's current No. 1 - Andreescu may indeed be ready to take that challenge and see how it feels.

Carol Zhao is Canada’s New No. 1

 

By Mike McIntyre

The No. 1 ranking in Canadian women’s tennis traded hands again recently with 23 year old Carol Zhao of Richmond Hill assuming the top spot on June 11^th. The idea that Zhao could reach the top of her country’s rankings would not have even been considered a year ago. Then ranked 408^th in the WTA rankings, Zhao had just recently committed to turning pro and was only starting to learn the ins and outs of life on the road. When I congratulated her on the achievement a week before it became official, her reaction revealed that the accomplishment was still sinking in.

“Oh, thanks – I mean, (laughter) it’s ah, it’s I guess the first time someone’s said that to me!”

After taking a moment to put her new ranking into context, Zhao elaborated about what this moment means to her and how it fits-in with her overall goals as a professional tennis player.

“Quite honestly it’s not something that I’ve spent so much time thinking about. It’s not one of the main goals – to become the No. 1. Obviously it’s a nice title and it’s an honor to be able to represent Canada that way but I would say my goals have been more on personal development and seeing progress for myself and wherever that happens to put me in terms of the Canadian ranking, is not something I can really control, you know what I mean? So I’m just taking it as a bonus and hopefully I’ll be able to represent well going forward.”

Photo by Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

If tennis fans here in Canada are surprised to see Zhao’s quick ascension, don’t worry, she can relate as well. “Twelve months ago that would have been a very far, far fetched thing for me. I think I was maybe around 400-500 just coming out of college. So you can see it’s not something I have thought about a whole lot. But it’s definitely a nice thing to have happened.”

Making the decision to take a hiatus from her education at Stanford in order to pursue her chances full-time on the WTA was a big decision for Zhao but one that is clearly working out well for her so far as she just recently hit her career-high ranking of 131^st on the WTA. I asked her about the motivation for initially going the College route and she revealed that it was more about personal exploration than anything to do with tennis. She fully intends to go back and complete her final year of her degree in science technology and society.

“I mean looking back obviously I have no regrets,” Zhao explained.  “It was probably the best years of my life, the greatest experience. For me, it was very much like a personal decision not so much a tennis based decision. I really wanted that experience, I wanted to expose myself to a new environment when I was 18, 19, 20 and learn a lot of new things and see the world in a different way and all that kind of stuff. I think in turn that’s helped me with my tennis and my level maturity and all that understanding of what I do. I’m definitely glad that I chose that route.”

Photo by Mike McIntyre

The transition has been substantial from playing on the College circuit but Zhao seems to be adjusting just fine. She equates life on the pro tour to running your own business, complete with its own set of risks and rewards.

“It’s tough to manage it all but it’s part of the job. Managing your career, I kind of look at it as managing your own enterprise, as if I was doing a start-up or something. You are your own company and you’re trying to make the right investments, make the right decisions and take the right risks so that you get a good payoff.” 

The payoffs for Zhao began late during the summer of 2017. In mid-August she made the semi-finals of the $100,000 ITF event in Vancouver taking out former Canadian No. 1 Aleksandra Wozniak, Yanina Wickmayer and Ons Jabeur in the process. She then made the finals of a smaller ITF event in Tsukuba, Japan before taking things one step further and winning a similar-sized tournament on the other side of the country in Nanao. Zhao then returned to Canada where she played .500 level tennis in five events on home soil. She then made the decision to continue her season into November by returning to Asia and rediscovered her success there by winning the $100,000 event in Shenzhen, China. That saw her add 140 ranking points and jump from 221 to 150^th in the world.

Zhao attributes the sudden surge to finding her groove on the road and also starting to develop an increased sense of confidence in her abilities on the court as a full time tennis player.

“I think overall just a lot more awareness of myself as a tennis player because it was quite new to me, becoming a pro full time and developing a sense of my identity on the court and working with the right people, I think that brought out a lot of the potential that I had last year. Also just really believing that you belong. I think once you have a couple of good results that are indicative of what you can do it’s really promising and at a certain point you start to believe that you belong at a higher level. I think that’s what happened with me.”

Photo by Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

For Canadian tennis fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their new No. 1, Zhao will undoubtedly be featured later this summer in Montreal at the Rogers Cup. A main draw wildcard should be a given this time around thanks for her solid movements up the rankings. Zhao is definitely a very proud Canadian and seems to be the glue of the female Tennis Canada contingent. She has a positive relationship with many of her Canadian peers. A few examples include pairing-up with Gaby Dabrowski to win gold at the 2015 Pan Am Games, playing doubles with the younger Charlotte Robillard-Millette last summer in Toronto and most recently where she was seen catching a Taylor Swift concert with fellow Canuck Genie Bouchard in London. I asked her about her bond with her fellow Canadian pros and Zhao downplayed her role as a unifying factor amongst the group despite the fact that she is obviously a team player.

“It’s not something that I guess i intentionally do but I think the camaraderie is getting a lot better and we’re all great friends. The team atmosphere is great. Actually a lot of my closest personal friends on tour are from the Canadian women’s side. I guess we’re lucky to have that bond and with a lot of these girls I’ve also grown up with them and we’ve known each other for so many years that it’s definitely like a deeper relationship, so it’s cool.”

Speaking of Tennis Canada, after the comments that previous Canadian No. 1 Françoise Abanda had made last month about how race factored into her treatment as a tennis player, I had to ask Zhao if she had ever felt anything similar growing up. She didn’t hesitate to address the question head-on.

“I’m a first generation Chinese Canadian living and growing up in Canada. It’ something that I lived with growing up and in the tennis world I feel like your accomplishments kind of speak for themselves more than in some other fields. It’s never really bothered me that much or maybe it’s just because of what I identify as already and I’m comfortable with what I identify as. That being said, I think my message is just that I don’t think that any lack of fanfare has been intrinsically motivated by my race or my identity.”

She continued by stating that, “I’m comfortable enough in my identity to not feel the need for external validation because of my race…so I’m just really trying to become the best tennis player I can be and the best representative of my country, myself, my family and that’s really the most important thing for me.”

While most athletes probably look forward to ending an interview as quickly as possible, Zhao interjected as I was about to end our call to clarify how she felt about becoming Canada’s new No. 1. She added that, “I just wanted to clarify if I wasn’t like super clear before on the No. 1 thing, I’m obviously happy and I’m excited and honored to be in this position. The overwhelming thing I guess I feel now is to just try to continue producing results that are deserving of that position. So that’s really my focus.”

Whether she is able to hold onto the position throughout the rest of 2018 or not, it definitely appears that Zhao has the right outlook on her priorities. Her message on the merits of hard work and earning your accomplishments is also one that make her an ideal No. 1 player and role model for young Canadian tennis fans.

Thursday's WTA Results from the Australian Open

By: Mike McIntyre

Photos: Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

There were plenty of questions surrounding World No. 1 Simona Halep heading into her second round match against Canada's Genie Bouchard. She toughed out an opening round win over young Australian Destanee Aiava but suffered an ankle injury in the process.

Bouchard had ended her 6 match losing streak with her first round victory against Oceane Dodin. Halep was a big step-up from that level of competition despite the fact that the Aussie Open is the only Slam where Bouchard has performed at the best over her career. 

Halep won the match 6-2, 6-2 and will next face American Lauren Davis who is ranked 76th in the world.

For Bouchard it is back to the drawing board as her career limbo continues. She has a lot of work ahead of her if she wants to maintain her status as the No. 1 Canadian woman.

U.S. Open finalist Madison Keys has advanced to the third round after her 6-0, 6-1 dismantling of Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Keys was all smiles after her match and will play Ana Bogdan in the third round.

Russia's Elena Vesnina was facing an up-and-coming player in Japan's Naomi Osaka. The 31 year old couldn't handle the game of her younger opponent on Wednesday.

The 20 year old Osaka won 7-6(4), 6-2 but will have her hands full against Australia's own Ashleigh Barty next.

One of only two players who has even been to the Australian Open final (and won it in 2016), Angie Kerber continued her impressive start to 2018 and improved to 11-0 (including the Hopman Cup) with her 6-4, 6-1 win against Donna Vekic.

Kerber's winning streak has turned her into an immediate favorite to capture her third Grand Slam title here in Melbourne this year.

The only other previous finalist and winner left in the women's draw is Maria Sharapova who avenged her U.S. Open loss to Anastasija Sevastova with a straight set win 6-1, 7-6(4). Sharapova will now provide THE match of the third round when she faces the previously mentioned Kerber.

Tuesday's Women's Results at the Australian Open

By: Mike McIntyre

Photos: Jimmie48 Tennis Photography

Petra Kvitova was playing in her first Australian Open since 2016.

Kvitova was beaten in an epic match by Andrea Petkovic 6-3, 4-6, 10-8.

US Open finalist Madison Keys opened with a 6-1, 7-5 victory against Qiang Wang of China.

8th seeded Caroline Garcia of France with a routine 7-5, 6-3 win against Germany's Carina Witthoeft.

Garcia will next face 18 year old Marketa Vondrousova who is already ranked 62nd in the world.

The 22 year old Witthoeft is currently ranked 50th in the WTA rankings right now, hovering near her career high.

Garbine Muguruza was able to finish her first match in three tries in 2018 without injury difficulty. She advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 win against Jessika Ponchet.

Donna Vekic raises her arms following a 7-5, 6-3 win against Japan's Nao Hibino. She will face Angelique Kerber next.

Maria Sharapova was fired-up in her return to Melbourne.

Sharapova is one of two players along with Kerber who have won the Aussie Open in their careers. The two are expected to face one another in the third round.

A selfie with her fans after a 6-1, 6-4 win against Tatjana Maria.

Canada's Genie Bouchard trying to cool-off in her first round match with Oceane Dodin.

The Genie Army has stuck with their player through tough times the past few years.



It's nice to see Bouchard smiling once again on the court. We'll see how long that lasts however as she will next face World No. 1 Simona Halep.

Underwhelming Start to 2018 at the Hopman Cup for Genie Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil

By Mike McIntyre

For two Canadian players who suffered through agonizingly disappointing seasons of tennis in 2017, The Hopman Cup offered Genie Bouchard and Vasek Pospisil a fun way to kick-off their respective campaigns in 2018. The exhibition tournament has gathered a steady following over the past few years and is a fun, yet still competitive way to get ready for the real action on both the ATP World Tour and WTA Tour. The enjoyment for Bouchard and Pospisil must be evolving into something much less amusing as they struggle to put up points on the board nearing the conclusion of the round robin portion of the event.

The Canucks opened against host-nation Australia where both Bouchard and Pospisil failed to win their singles matches. Bouchard went down at the hands of Daria Gavrilova 6-1, 6-4 and then Thanasi Kokkinakis defeated Pospisil in three sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Doubles was the only area where the Canadian pair found some solace with a 4-3, 4-3 win over the same two players who had earlier beaten them.

On a non-playing day Bouchard and Pospisil hit the beach in Perth where they participated in a Baywatch themed photo shoot. It is unfortunate that this has turned out to be the highlight of their time there as they continued to struggle when they returned to the tennis court.

A strong German team swiftly beat them with former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber avenging her loss in Spain last year to Bouchard with a routine 6-1, 6-3 win. The talented Alexander Zverev then took-out Pospisil 6-4, 6-2. The Germans got them in doubles as well, 4-3, 4-3. Ok, fair enough, Genie and Vasek are not on that level and maybe few teams in the event save for the Swiss duo of Federer and Bencic are, but this tournament is not giving fans of the Canadians much reason to get their hopes up early in the season.

Only one round robin match-up remains for Bouchard and Pospisil to try and salvage something from their time in Perth. They face one of the hottest duos in the entire tournament unfortunately against Belgium's David Goffin and Elise Mertens who bring a 4-2 record into their tilt. That contest will be held Friday but barring a 3-0 sweep of their opponents, it seems likely that the Canadian tandem will be eliminated from advancing. 

Genie Bouchard Tops Connor McDavid and Aaron Sanchez at Rogers Cup Promo Event

By Mike McIntyre

On a perfect summer morning at Kew Gardens, Toronto's most picturesque Tennis Club, three athletes who have a profound impact on the Canadian sports scene got together to raise some money for charity and promote the upcoming Rogers Cup. Canadian No. 1 Genie Bouchard along with reigning NHL MVP Connor McDavid and Blue Jays All-Star pitcher Aaron Sanchez got together for a friendly competition that saw them face each other in a slew of cross-sport challenges.

Things started out fairly tame with McDavid admitting that, "I'm not much of a trash talker." Once the competitive juices got flowing however there was some good-natured ribbing amongst the three that got some laughs from the crowd.

Evanka Osmak from SportsNet acted as co-MC of the event with her sidekick Ken Reid and asked, "Genie if you were to play doubles in tennis with either of these guys, which one would it be?"

"I would pick neither of them!" the tennis star replied without hesitation.

The event comprised a hockey shootout drill that surprisingly was but narrowly won by the Edmonton Oilers superstar. Despite Genie Bouchard claiming she had never held a hockey stick - curious for a girl who grew-up in the hockey obsessed market of Montreal - she managed to put 22 balls in the net. McDavid finished up with 24 while Sanchez (an American) came a distant third with a mere 3 goals scored in the 60 seconds allowed.

Other events that put to use baseball, hockey and tennis skills tested the three professional athletes balance and co-ordination and kept the crowd entertained. In the end it was Bouchard who emerged victorious and saw her donate the grand prize of $5,000 to her charity of choice - the Montreal Children's Hospital.

Later the three spoke with a fairly large media scrum who were present and the questions immediately focused on Bouchard and her thoughts on playing at her nation's biggest tennis event where she has but once made the round of 16 in her six previous appearances.

"I’m really looking forward to coming to play in Canada," she explained. "I don’t get to play here that much it’s like once a year so its always extra special to play in front of my Canadian fans."

In contrast to her playful attitude during the "competition" with McDavid and Sanchez, Bouchard's generic answers in press came off rather scripted. Chalk it up to a busy week of promotional activities for the 23 year-old that included an exhibition match against Venus Williams in Atlanta, a Toronto Argo's game and appearances for sponsors like Coca-Cola and Rogers of course as well.

Kudos to Bouchard for being engaged with the kids who were present to watch and for signing a large number of autographs when her media obligations were done. She does seem quite genuine with her fans and mentioned how being a role model is a privilege to her.

"If ever I do inspire any one person it’s always an honour. I love seeing kids start playing tennis and just being active playing any sport really, just getting outside you know? That stuff that’s such an amazing thing. So if I’m a small part of that it’s an honour."

One funny exchange between the three athletes worth noting is the following in response to a question posed to Genie about how she was feeling physically:

Q: How are you feeling physically heading into the hard court season?

GB: Don’t you want to ask them questions? (laughter)

CM: It feels great. My hardcourt game is great. It’s really nice.

AS: She’s prepared.

EB: Yeah, they know, they’re my PR people.

AS: Her drive has been unbelievable, she’s ready to go.

CM: I’m sure you saw, she’s the best athlete here so she’s gotta be the favourite, right?

Check out some of our pictures from the event below. Qualifying action begins at the Aviva Centre in Toronto the weekend of August 5th with main draw matches beginning on August 7th. Check back with us regularly for extensive lead-up coverage and throughout the event as well. You can also follow us on Twitter for timely updates.

Bouchard arriving to a round of typically polite tennis applause from those at Kew Gardens.

It looked more like Bouchard was teeing-up for a golf swing than a hockey shot during the shoot-out competition.

Basking in the glory of winning one of the five events on the schedule.

Smiles from co-hosts Evanka Osmak and Ken Reid and of course Genie too.

Hard to tell whose grip was worse - McDavid's on a tennis racquet or Bouchard's on the hockey stick.

Aaron Sanchez seemed to handle Bouchard's barbs with a smile while McDavid wasn't quite sure what to make of it in this photo.

The greatest male hockey player in Canada head-to-head with our best female tennis player...in a ball toss.

Thankfully for the other 30 NHL teams, the Oilers only have one Connor McDavid in real life.

Bouchard took as much time as was needed to pose with her fans.

A successful day that culminated in $5,000 for the Montreal Children's Hospital.