Eugenie Bouchard Refused Handshake After Pickleball Loss
The 32-year-old athlete declined a post-match handshake with Maria Ford following a Veolia Chicago Cup defeat.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Tennis
Following a second-round singles match at the Veolia Chicago Cup, Eugenie Bouchard refused a post-match handshake with Maria Ford. The tension followed a comeback victory for Ford in the tournament match.
Why it matters
The interaction captured attention as Bouchard continues her transition from a professional tennis career to competitive pickleball. The snub highlighted the high-intensity nature of the growing sport and its professionalization.
Maria Ford secured the win with final set scores of 6-11, 11-5, and 11-5. This match occurred during the Veolia Chicago Cup, featuring 32-year-old Eugenie Bouchard.
The players
Eugenie Bouchard
A 32-year-old athlete who transitioned to pickleball after retiring from a professional tennis career at the 2025 Canadian Open.
Maria Ford
The competitor who secured a comeback victory over Bouchard during the Veolia Chicago Cup.
The details
After dropping the opening set, Maria Ford rallied to defeat Eugenie Bouchard in the second-round singles match. Following the final point, Bouchard bypassed the standard net handshake.
Timeline
Eugenie Bouchard retired from professional tennis in 2025.
The match took place in October 2026.
Season Trajectory
This match marks a significant moment in the growing transition of elite tennis players into the competitive pickleball circuit. The incident underscores the heightened stakes and evolving competitive culture of the sport's professional season.
The result eliminates Bouchard from the Veolia Chicago Cup bracket, effectively shifting the tournament's second-round standings. Fans of the sport should note the impact of this result on future seeding as Ford advances deeper into the competition.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional decorum at the net remains a standard expectation in competitive sports, regardless of the venue or league. Athletes and fans should be prepared for heightened intensity as tennis pros continue to integrate into the pickleball circuit.
Further reading
For more information on the sport, visit the Tennis page.
