Bouchard Loses to Li, Wins a World of Fandom
Genie Bouchard may have been outmatched by veteran Li Na in Melbourne yesterday, but she’s gained a world of new fans.
The Montreal Gazette filed a report on the “Genie Army” legion of Australian fans who cheered her every point at the Open. Her form and fitness transcend national borders, as none of the 20-strong devotees in Australia have any Canadian connection whatsoever.
But the all-male battalion was apparently disappointed after the win over Ana Ivanovic when they heard Genie exclaim on court that she’d pick fellow Canadian Justin Bieber as a dream date. Of course, Bieber is quickly becoming the Rob Ford of the pop music world. I wonder if Genie’s even read the news since she’s been Down Under.
North American Reality Check: I also caught the article in the Gazette where one Montreal sports bar owner didn’t even know who she was, and called her “Gene Bouchard”. They would show Genie’s semifinal match last night so long as there wasn’t a hockey game on at the time. Ah, sweet North America. Tennis Indifference is just one more trait we North Americans enjoy together.
And right back at you, Montreal. Anthony Cavillo retired as the quarterback of the Montreal Alouettes this week and received a full-throated salute from his adopted city. Well, last summer when I interviewed Genie in Washington, she had no idea what her hometown football team was even doing. Stay out of my lane on the way to the top of Mont Royal and I’ll stay out of yours.
—S. Fogleman