Eugenie Bouchard’s comeback to the tour since receiving a concussion has ended in disappointment as the Canadian was forced to retire due to lingering effects of the injury.
The Canadian hasn’t played a match since the US Open where she fell over in the locker room, hitting her head on the floor. Due to the impacted of the concussion, she was advised to pull out of the tournament and was also forced to withdraw from Wuhan last week due to the symptoms returning.
Facing Andrea Petkovic in the first round of the China Open, Bouchard was trailing 2-6,1-1, before stopping the match during the third game of the second set. She began to look slightly disorientated as she returned to the chair. The on court doctor went to treat Bouchard but there was little that he could do as a visibly upset Bouchard was forced to retire.
Despite Petkovic winning, she went to the other side of the net for a sympathetic talk with the 21-year-old, displaying a great example of sportsmanship.
In the second round Petkovic will play two-time Grand Slam champion Sam Stosur. The Australian defeated Romania’s Monica Niculescu 6-3, 6-2. Petkovic has played Stosur three times before, all in the Fed Cup. Earlier this year she battled past the Australian in a marathon match, taking the final set 12-10.
See also – Eugenie Bouchard’s Troubles: How long can a concussion affect a player?
