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Eugenie Bouchard sick of being known as a model and not Wimbledon star… despite boasting one of the most glamorous Instagram accounts in sport
EUGENIE BOUCHARD is fed up with people asking if she is more of a model than a model pro.
The Canadian arrives at Wimbledon in poor form having lost six of her past seven matches.
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It is five years since she burst onto the scene and incredibly stormed to the Wimbledon singles final – where she lost to Czech star Petra Kvitova.
But she been unable to replicate that form, reaching only one Grand Slam quarter-final since then.
More people these days know Bouchard for her high-profile model shoots, notably posing for the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Yet when asked about her model shoots, Bouchard, 25, snapped: “I wouldn’t say I do a lot (of shoots). I think that’s a big misconception.
“But I do some here and there when it fits with my schedule.
“I enjoy dabbling in different industries, meeting successful people in other walks of life, not just in tennis.
CREATIVE
“It’s more of a creative area, it’s new to me and interesting, so I do enjoy it. But it’s work as well.
“That’s one of the things people think about me. I’m not bothered by it, but I am putting the facts straight. I cannot even remember the last time I did a photo-shoot.”
Bouchard will play Slovenian Tamara Zidansek in the first round of the ladies singles on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old loves playing at Wimbledon and wants to put on show to her legion of fans even though she has struggled this year with an abdominal injury.
Speaking at the Dubai Duty Free WTA Summer Party, the world No 79 said: “It’s as special walking around here as it was the first time.
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“You just feel that history, the tradition of this tournament. And for me personally I have had unbelievable memories. No matter what happens, I have always enjoyed it so much.
“In 2014, I was so in my bubble, I almost didn’t realise what was happening.
“Now years later, I look back and think: ‘Wow that was a big accomplishment.’
“I have watched some highlights of the final. It's cool. I look so young. I feel like I looked a little bit chubby, almost had baby fat.
“Honestly, I think I did pretty well dealing with that sudden barrage of eyes on me. I definitely started feeling pressure and all those other things happened.
“I’m so grateful. I mean I was in a Wimbledon final and that can never be taken away from me.
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“I’m determined to keep training, keep trying, and enjoying the rest of this life, because it's a crazy ride we are on. No matter what happens, I am so blessed.
“Every year I come back I get so much love from my fans. I try to give back so much. Because I was a fan back in the day. I remember being a little kid watching tennis.
“My fans do appreciate that. We have a very loving relationship.”
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