Genie Bouchard produced a magical break-out season last year. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist has been a disappearing act this season.
Spiraling in a rankings free fall from No. 7 to her current rank of No. 25, Bouchard makes her Rogers Cup return on Tuesday in Toronto against talented Swiss Belinda Bencic.
More: Bouchard Splits With Coach Sumyk
The 18-year-old Bencic led Bouchard, 6-4, 3-0, when the Canadian retired from their match in Eastbourne in June. She played Wimbledon with an abdominal tear and was bounced in the opening round.
“It’s definitely been a tough time,” Bouchard said after Friday's draw ceremony. “But I’m staying positive and I’m just looking forward to when it’ll turn around.”
The 21-year-old Canadian has dropped 12 of her last 14 matches, split with coach Sam Sumyk shortly after her opening-round Wimbledon loss to 117th-ranked Chinese qualifier Ying-Ying Duan.
Winning results have been elusive, but Bouchard is convinced her game hasn't departed.
"I have the belief, and I know my skills are still there and nothing can just vanish," Bouchard said. "It's just about working hard to getting back on track."
Marko Dragic, a disciple of Nick Saviano, who coached Bouchard to three Grand Slam semifinals in 2014, will serve as Bouchard's coach in Toronto. She said the pairing isn't permanent and is seeking a coach, who can work with her on all levels.
"I'm looking for someone who can help me improve all areas of my game," she said. "I think it's very important to be able to address the technical side, the tactical side, the mental side and the physical side."
Bouchard showed her defensive skills in a pre-tournament air-hockey game against a nine-year-old fan in Toronto. Check out the video here:
Photo credit: Christopher Levy