Canadian tennis sensation Eugenie Bouchard may have lost in the Wimbledon women’s final, but Canadian fans say she has made her country proud.
The 20-year-old star is also inspiring young players, especially girls, to improve their game.
“I love tennis, and I want to become really good at it, and she's just inspiring,” said 11-year-old tennis player Sarah Fallah.
Fallah plays at the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club.
Bouchard is also inspiring girls new to the sport to pick up a racket and give tennis a shot.
“We're seeing an increase in the number of kids who are here, that want to play, that want to learn how to play tennis,” said Peter Sutcliffe, head coach at the Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club.
Sutcliffe says Bouchard has had a huge impact on tennis in Canada, especially for kids. “It affects them, they watch it, they hear about it, it makes them come out and play,” he said. “It gives them a role model, and someone to look up to, and somebody to try and emulate.”
Fans say Bouchard is among the players who have put Canada on the tennis world stage.
“She’s a very strong player,” said local tennis player Robert Yip. “She plays with power, precision and poise. “She’s strong, tough, resilient, and she’s so young. She’ll be back,” he added.
Bouchard plays at next month’s Rogers Cup in Montreal.
