The circumstances that preceded Genie Bouchard's opening match at the 2018 Federations Cup, one that saw her Canadian team trailing Ukraine 1-0, were anything but "usual."
Bouchard was scheduled to go play the second rubber for Canada in Day One, a singles match against Kateryna Bondarenko and another chance for Bouchard to get back on track on the court. First up for Canada was supposed to 21-year-old Francoise Abanda, but she fell prior the start of the match, sustaining a periorbital contusion, and was replaced by Bianca Andreescu.
After playing a very tight opening two sets against Lesia Tsurenko, Andreescu was forced to retire due to cramps before the start of what would have been a decisive third set. One match into Canada's tie against Ukraine, and they trailed 1-0, using two players, who were both injured.
Then it was Bouchard's turn, but with her team needing a big performance, she stepped up to the occasion.
Bouchard defeated Bondarenko in straight sets (6-2, 7-5) winning the rubber and evening the tie against the Ukraine.
Awesome win for Canada's Genie Bouchard! She tops Bondarenko 6-2 and 7-6, leveling the match 1-1 against Ukraine. Back at it tomorrow!!!
— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) April 21, 2018
Quelle belle victoire d'Eugenie Bouchard! Elle l'emporte en deux manches de 6-2 et 7-5 et ramène le Canada a égalité 1-1 contre l'Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/9R4lrdeUiA
The first four games of Bouchard's match Saturday played out to a 2-2 tie, but 24-year-old Westmount native took over from there, winning the final four to take the opening set in commanding fashion.
In set two, Bouchard fell behind an early break, but fought her way back, including breaking to get to 6-5 and in a chance to serve out the match. Bouchard did just that, giving Canada its first win in the World Group II tilt.
After she was denied a main-draw bid at the Miami Open, and then failed to qualify, Bouchard said she would change up her routine, sticking to smaller tournaments to help her get out of her on-court funk. Saturday was her first action since making that declaration and, so far so good.
The tie will continue for Canada and the Ukraine on Sunday, when Bouchard is back on the court again, this time in singles action against Tsurenko.