The Story of Genie Bouchard

  

Genie Bouchard Serves Up Insights on Pickleball, Tennis, and Life Beyond the Court

The Canadian athlete opens up about her transition to pickleball, her new signature paddle, and her vision for the sport's future

In an engaging and candid interview with Brian Lim on the "Building Pickleball" podcast, Genie Bouchard opens up about her journey into the world of pickleball, her family life, and the challenges of balancing two professional sports careers. The Canadian athlete, known for her tennis accomplishments and social media presence, provides a refreshing look into her life on and off the court.

1. How did you get paired up with Yates Johnson? [0:37]

Bouchard reveals that Yates Johnson asked her to play as his partner. She notes that at the beginning of the year, few players wanted to team up with her due to her inexperience in pickleball. However, as her skills improved, she started receiving more partnership requests, boosting her confidence in her progress. 

2. Backhand Overhead [1:32]

When discussing the backhand overhead shot, Bouchard humorously suggests that her male partner should run for those shots, citing the mixed doubles dynamic. She argues that men, being stronger and faster, should handle lobs, especially considering the smaller size of a pickleball court compared to tennis.

3. Off Time [2:52]

Bouchard admits that her busy schedule leaves little room for off-time activities. She mentions participating in various sports and activities, often as part of tournaments or events. When she does have free time, Bouchard prioritizes spending it with her family.

4. Family [3:30]

Family plays a crucial role in Bouchard's life. She comes from a family of six, with three siblings. Bouchard emphasizes the importance of maintaining close relationships with her siblings, recognizing that these bonds are likely to be the longest-lasting in her life.

5. Twin Sister [4:28]

Bouchard shares an amusing anecdote about her twin sister, who quit tennis at age six. While her sister later wondered why she wasn't pushed to continue, Bouchard explains that their different personalities and interests naturally led them down separate paths.

6. Fun On The Pickleball Court [5:59]

Despite her competitive nature, Bouchard describes enjoying herself on the pickleball court. She credits her partner, Yates, for keeping the atmosphere light-hearted and helping her relax during intense matches.

7. Training and Coaching in Pickleball [7:38]

Bouchard discusses her approach to pickleball training, noting that she doesn't have a dedicated coach but receives help from various sources, including PPA tour staff and experienced players like Ryan Sherry. She contrasts this with her tennis career, where she typically traveled with a full coaching team.

8. One Thing about learning how to play pickleball [8:46]

The tennis star highlights the importance of understanding pickleball strategy, particularly in doubles play. She explains how she's learning to use finesse and touch instead of relying solely on power, as she would in tennis.

9. Practice [9:46]

Bouchard emphasizes the need to focus on doubles and mixed doubles practice, as these formats present the most significant challenges for her as a tennis player transitioning to pickleball. She particularly stresses the importance of practicing dinks and kitchen line play.

10. Olympics [10:16]

As a former Olympian, Bouchard enthusiastically supports the inclusion of pickleball in the Olympics. She believes the sport deserves a place in the Games, given its rapid growth and popularity.

11. Your Paddle [10:48]

Bouchard excitedly discusses her signature paddle with Versix, detailing its tennis-inspired design features and affordable price point. She expresses pride in partnering with a brand that makes the sport accessible to a wider audience.

12. Blaine Hovenier - MxD Partner [13:26]

Comparing her mixed doubles partners, Bouchard describes Blaine Hovenier as a drastically different player from Yates Johnson. She notes Hovenier's loud on-court presence and powerful playing style.

13. Who is your paddle for [14:02]

Bouchard explains that her signature paddle is designed for players who enjoy hitting with power but also need control for dinking. She notes that recent improvements have enhanced the paddle's power while maintaining its touch capabilities.

14. Sponsorships [14:54]

When discussing her sponsorship decisions, Bouchard reveals that her partnership with Versix came through her connection with the PPA tour. She was drawn to the brand's affordability and the opportunity to have input on her signature paddle's design.

15. Aspirations for Pickleball [16:02]

Bouchard expresses excitement about being part of pickleball's rapid growth. Her goal is to inspire people to play, whether it's pickleball, tennis, or any sport that gets them active and outdoors.

16. Balancing Two Sports [17:58]

Bouchard describes the challenges of switching between tennis and pickleball, noting that each transition requires a mental adjustment. She emphasizes the distinct skill sets required for each sport and the time needed to improve in pickleball.

17. Proposed Rule Changes in Pickleball [18:53]

Advocating for more professional standards in pickleball, Bouchard suggests having umpires call balls instead of players and introducing ball boys. She also expresses a desire for faster video reviews during matches.

18. Dipping Pizza in Soy Sauce [20:08]

In a lighthearted moment, Bouchard defends her controversial habit of dipping pizza in soy sauce. She humorously recounts how this quirky preference led to unexpected social media attention and even an endorsement from a soy sauce brand CEO.

19. Social Media and Marketability [21:20]

Bouchard discusses her approach to social media and marketability, emphasizing authenticity and the strategic use of one's assets. She argues that embracing femininity and attractiveness can benefit both individual athletes and their sports.

20. Music [23:53]

The athlete reveals her current music preferences, citing Morgan Wallen and the country genre as her top choices. She mentions attending the 2025 Stagecoach festival and her growing appreciation for modern country music.

21. What are you watching [24:26]

Bouchard admits to having little time for TV shows due to her busy schedule but mentions recently watching part of a documentary about the Ashley Madison website controversy.

22. Travel [25:38]

When asked about future travel aspirations, Bouchard expresses a desire to visit South Africa and experience a safari, noting that most of her previous travels have been for tennis tournaments rather than vacations.

23. In 2015, Ranked #1 By Sports Pro [26:20]

Reflecting on her 2015 ranking as the world's most marketable athlete, Bouchard attributes her success to both her tennis performance and her authentic use of social media. She emphasizes the importance of social media numbers in today's sports marketing landscape.

24. Outro [28:19]

Bouchard concludes the interview by expressing her enjoyment of the conversation, finding it more engaging and fun than standard interviews.

Time Code List

1. 0:37 How did you get paired up with Yates Johnson
2. 1:32 Backhand Overhead
3. 2:52 Off Time
4. 3:30 Family
5. 4:28 Twin Sister
6. 5:59 Fun On The Pickleball Court
7. 7:38 Training and Coaching in Pickleball
8. 8:46 One Thing about learning how to play pickleball
9. 9:46 Practice
10. 10:16 Olympics
11. 10:48 Your Paddle
12. 13:26 Blaine Hovenier - MxD Partner
13. 14:02 Who is your paddle for
14. 14:54 Sponsorships
15. 16:02 Aspirations for Pickleball
16. 17:58 Balancing Two Sports
17. 18:53 Proposed Rule Changes in Pickleball
18. 20:08 Dipping Pizza in Soy Sauce
19. 21:20 Social Media and Marketability
20. 23:53 Music
21. 24:26 What are you watching
22. 25:38 Travel
23. 26:20 In 2015, Ranked #1 By Sports Pro, Social Media Numbers
24. 28:19 Outro

Summary Article

From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Arenas: Genie Bouchard's New Sporting Frontier

The former Wimbledon finalist shares insights on her pickleball journey, signature paddle, and vision for the sport's future

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, few transitions have been as intriguing as Genie Bouchard's foray into pickleball. The Canadian tennis star, known for her 2014 Wimbledon finals appearance and Olympic participation, is now making waves in the rapidly growing world of pickleball. In a revealing interview with Brian Lim on the "Building Pickleball" podcast, Bouchard offers a candid look into her new sporting endeavor, shedding light on the challenges, excitements, and potential future of this emerging sport.

Genie Bouchard's transition from tennis to pickleball is more than just a career shift; it's a testament to the growing appeal of this hybrid sport. As she describes her recent pickleball match, the excitement in her voice is palpable. "I'm still adrenaline still up from the match," she exclaims, highlighting the thrill that pickleball brings, even to a seasoned tennis professional.

The learning curve has been steep but rewarding for Bouchard. She candidly admits that at the beginning of the year, "no one wanted to play with me because I was not good." However, her improved skills have led to more partner requests, boosting her confidence in this new arena. This journey from novice to competitive player underscores the accessibility of pickleball, even for elite athletes from other sports.

One of the most significant differences Bouchard notes between tennis and pickleball is the dynamics of doubles play. In pickleball, she's had to adapt to various partner styles, from the energetic and vocal Blaine to the more strategic and athletic Yates Johnson. This variety in partnerships not only challenges her adaptability but also adds an exciting dimension to her game.

Interestingly, Bouchard's approach to pickleball training differs significantly from her tennis regimen. Unlike in tennis, where she had a dedicated coach and support staff, her pickleball training is more collaborative. She relies on practice sessions with partners and guidance from experienced players and PPA tour staff. This approach reflects the evolving nature of professional pickleball coaching and the sport's community-oriented culture.

A significant milestone in Bouchard's pickleball journey is the launch of her signature paddle with Versix. The paddle's design incorporates elements familiar to tennis players, including a longer grip for two-handed backhands and a shape reminiscent of a tennis racket. But what truly sets it apart is its affordability. "I think it should be affordable for everyone to be able to go and play," Bouchard emphasizes, showcasing her commitment to making the sport accessible to a wider audience.

Bouchard's vision for pickleball extends beyond her personal success. She sees herself as a bridge between tennis and pickleball, advocating for their coexistence and mutual benefits. "We can both coexist, we can actually be beneficial for each other," she states, challenging the notion of competition between the two sports. Her goal is to inspire people to get active and play sports, regardless of whether it's pickleball or tennis.

As a former Olympian, Bouchard is a strong advocate for including pickleball in the Olympics, potentially as soon as the 2028 Los Angeles Games. She argues passionately for the sport's deserving place among Olympic events, given its rapid growth and popularity. This advocacy could play a crucial role in elevating pickleball's status on the global sports stage.

However, Bouchard also recognizes areas where pickleball can improve, particularly in terms of professionalization. She suggests implementing stricter standards, such as having umpires call balls and introducing ball boys, similar to tennis. These changes, she believes, would enhance the sport's credibility and viewer experience.

Bouchard's transition to pickleball hasn't been without challenges. She describes the mental "rewiring" required when switching between tennis and pickleball, noting differences in court size, shot technique, and positioning. This insight offers a unique perspective on the skill adaptability required for multi-sport athletes and highlights the distinct nature of each sport.

Beyond the court, Bouchard's influence extends to social media and marketing. Drawing from her experience as one of the world's most marketable athletes, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity in social media presence. Her advice to younger athletes is to embrace their assets and use them to achieve their goals, providing a thought-provoking take on personal branding in sports.

As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, Genie Bouchard's involvement and advocacy may well play a crucial role in shaping its future. Her unique position as a bridge between traditional tennis and this exciting new phenomenon offers valuable insights into the sport's potential trajectory. With her competitive spirit, marketing savvy, and genuine enthusiasm for pickleball, Bouchard is not just participating in the sport's growth – she's helping to steer its course.

In conclusion, Genie Bouchard's journey from tennis star to pickleball enthusiast represents a fascinating case study in athlete evolution and sport crossover. Her openness about the challenges and excitements of learning a new sport, combined with her vision for pickleball's future, positions her as a unique and influential voice in the sporting world. As pickleball continues to gain popularity, Bouchard's perspective and involvement may well be instrumental in elevating the sport to new heights. 

CHAPTERS

1. 00:00 intro
2. 00:39 recapping ppa las vegas matches
3. 02:55 life off the court
4. 03:43 her family
5. 06:12 attitude on the court
6. 07:33 coach, help with her pb career
7. 08:45 transitioning from tennis
8. 09:46 what practice looks like
9. 10:14 pickleball in the olympics
10. 10:50 genie signature paddle
11. 14:55 genie's sponsorship deals
12. 15:28 why versix
13. 16:17 aspirations for pickleball
14. 17:26 view on tennis and pickleball
15. 18:54 opinion on pickleball rules
16. 20:09 i can't believe genie did this
17. 21:23 navigating professional career as a female
18. 23:53 music, tv shows
19. 25:41 travel
20. 26:21 no 1 in worlds 50 most marketable athletes list