Genie Bouchard tore the subscapularis in her right shoulder during a March match in Guadalajara. She tried to rehab the injury through conservative methods during the next few months, but it didn't work.

And, so, there was only one option left. 

"I'm so disappointed I ended up having to have surgery," said Bouchard, who is No. 114 in the WTA rankings. "I made it to 27-years-old without having to and I was very proud of my record ... I was just very scared beforehand. I was scared to go under general anesthesia. I had never been before and I was talking to anesthesiologists and was, like, 'Don't give me too much, but don't give me too little.' It's just one of those fears I have. But, besides that, I think the hardest part will just be this next phase, which is progressing into getting back to normal with the shoulder and then training. It has to go so progressively where I have to be patient and that's not my strong suit."

 

Bouchard is already out of her sling and feeling better. She's determined to get back on court in a couple months and be playing again by the end of the season. In the meantime, the 2014 Wimbledon finalist is finding other ways to stay busy. 

"Everyone told me, 'After you have surgery make sure you have things to do and shows to watch, because you're going to be so bored.' It’s been five and a half weeks and I have not had one second to slow down. I have not been bored. I've been able to do things I don't normally have time to do." 

Bouchard is actually considering trading her racquet for a microphone. 

"I don't know if I can even say anything yet, but I've always had an interest in media and if I have a little bit of time right now then why not," she said with a smile. "I might become a reporter. I might steal your job. Beware!"

With that in mind, TSN asked Bouchard to provide some analysis of this year's Wimbledon, including her thoughts on Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Bianca Andreescu, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Bouchard also offered insight on Saturday's championship match between Ashleigh Barty and Karolina Pliskova. 

The following is an edited transcript of the interview. 

I know Wimbledon holds a special place in your heart, what's it been like watching from afar? 

"Look, I'm not going to lie, it's been part enjoyable and part torture. I wish I was there so badly especially with not having the event last year, because of the pandemic so it feels extra long since we’ve been there. Seeing those beautiful grass courts and all the fans, it's just so nice, but I wish I was there so badly."