Eugenie Bouchard: Dubai essentially starts “like the third round of a Grand Slam”

Eugenie Bouchard was in attendance at the women’s draw ceremony for the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday, where she shared the stage with former champions Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki alongside a host of tennis dignitaries.

The Canadian is back in the emirate for the first time since 2014, the banner year that saw her reach the Wimbledon final and the semifinals at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

“It’s essentially like [starting in] the third round of a Grand Slam.”

After Sunday’s ceremony, Bouchard spoke with Robbie Greenfield of Dubai Eye 103.8 about this week’s stacked draw, which has four of the world’s top five and 15 of the top 20 all vying for the trophy.

“It’s essentially like the third round of a Grand Slam already because you have all the top players in a smaller draw. So you have to be ready to go from your first round match,” Bouchard told Robbie Greenfield of Dubai Eye 103.8 after the ceremony.

Watch: Eugenie Bouchard Speaks With Robbie Greenfield

“I’ve been working hard for the past few months,” said Bouchard, who was awarded a wildcard for the tournament. “I feel really good in practice, so it’s about that transition of bringing it into matches. And really enjoying the process at the same time. I love my team and so we’re trying to take everything day by day.”

Should she defeat Vera Lapko of Belarus in the first round, Bouchard will face no. 3 seed and 2015 champion Simona Halep for a place in the round of 16.

Tickets to the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships are available online and from the Stadium Box Office. For further information about the tournament please visit www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.