'It was a bit random' - Bouchard explains doubles pairing with Stephens

MONTRÉAL, Canada – Eugenie Bouchard has admitted that her doubles partnership with Sloane Stephens came about in a “random” way but that it is “a lot of fun” to be on court with an old friend.

The pair made a strong start to their Rogers Cup campaign on Monday, recording a shock 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 victory over No.5 seeds and Wimbledon semifinalists Gabriela Dabrowski and Xu Yifan in Montréal.

And with the Canadian seeking more court time after falling to WTA World No.129 after hitting a career-best No.5 in October 2014, teaming up with Stevens appears a smart match.

“She asked me to play,” 24-year-old Bouchard admitted after their first-round victory. “It was a bit random. I said yes.

“As soon as we played the first match, we had a lot of fun on court. We were laughing a lot. It was really fun.

“Of course, we’re trying to play our best but we’re very relaxed. This helps both of us. It helps our tennis.”

Bouchard, meanwhile, is hopeful that success on the doubles court in her hometown can translate into victories in singles, too, having endured a difficult run on Tour, winning only seven main draw matches in 2018 to date.

“The reason for playing doubles here is to be able to play more matches,” she said. “It was an excellent thing to be able to be able to play that match today. It’s a lot better than a normal practice.

“I believe doubles are very good for that. They help you improve your volleys and returns. It can also help your singles game.

“Winning a match, any match, is an important victory. Each victory gives you more confidence.

“It doesn’t take away the pressure, but it’s good preparation.”

Meanwhile, she praised her partner, who has gone on to win the 2017 US Open and has climbed as has as WTA World No.3.

“I’ve known her since I was 11 or 12, half my life,” she said. “She always had a lot of talent. She always had the potential of having the results she had recently.

“I was sure it would happen someday because she has a big game and she’s so powerful. I knew, even when we were young, she would become on of the top players in the world.”

Bouchard’s next assignment, before taking to the court with Stephens again, is a first-round singles match with No.14 seed Elise Mertens.