In collegiate sports, the term “sophomore slump” has become a buzz phrase as so many who accomplished very successful results during their freshman year failed to duplicate them the following season. After Eugenie Bouchard’s breakout season of 2014, expectations have risen and the Canadian has found herself firmly planted in a slump of her own in the first quarter of 2015.

The 21-year-old’s slide began late in 2014 after a run to the Wuhan final in September. Afterwards, she would win just one remaining match that season, finishing 1-5. A leg injury surfaced, and Bouchard was forced out of action late in the year.

The twilight of the 2014 season also brought a close to her player-coach relationship with Nick Saviano, who had worked with Bouchard since she was 12 years old. Saviano was brought on as her full-time coach in 2014, and their results together included semifinal runs at Melbourne and Roland Garros and the finals at Wimbledon. Bouchard rose to world No. 7 with Saviano alongside.

Bouchard entered 2015 in better health and soon formed a new partnership with coach Sam Sumyk.  In the early stages, it appeared she had overcome her slump as she advanced to the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. However, she has won just two matches since and has a record of 2-3 this side of Melbourne.  Once again, Bouchard was met with an injury that forced her to miss court time after the season’s first major. Most recently, she was brought to tears after falling to qualifier Lesia Tsurenko at Indian Wells, where she admittedly let her emotions get the best of her. One week later, she met the same fate against another qualifier in Tatjana Maria at Miami.

Is injury the source of Bouchard’s slump, or could there be additional factors? The feisty Canadian is no longer afforded the ability to surprise her opponent. Having risen to top-10 status, she now receives every player’s best shot.

Additionally, Bouchard’s aggressive strategy of maintaining her baseline position may have taken some opponents off guard last season. She protects and is stubbornly relentless in holding her ground there, quickly striking angled shots that force her opponent into a defensive position. This is a strength and a source of much of her success in 2014. Now, perhaps some opponents have witnessed and endured her playing style thoroughly enough to better game-plan for it, limiting the success of this strategy. Reducing this asset forces Bouchard into the weaker areas of her game. She will not typically find her greatest success against big hitters who force her into a power versus power battle.

Some also have speculated whether the camera-friendly Bouchard has become over-exposed in activities away from the court. Wherever she travels on tour, the Montreal native is placed in the spotlight at charity and fan events and has been in high demand for endorsements. A social media favorite, Bouchard is frequently seen posting selfies, posing with celebrities, attending sporting events, or conversing with her buddy Jim Parsons of “The Big Bang Theory.” Her fan-friendly nature has made her one of the most popular players on the tour and has created big followings at tournaments worldwide. But can it be a distraction to her tennis game?

While some opine that this is simply part of life as a professional player on tour, others have harkened back to Anna Kournikova, who became more noted for her off-the-court news than on-court achievements. However, this comparison would seem unfair as Bouchard has already surpassed the Russian’s on-court success in her short period of time as a professional.

Another factor to consider is whether it is possible Bouchard is going through growing pains with her new coach, Sam Sumyk. The Frenchman certainly has a proven track record contributing to player development and success, as evidenced by his tenure with Victoria Azarenka. However, like any relationship, there is no set formula or timeframe for finding a proper comfort level. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and former multiple-major champion Boris Becker worked through some differences early in their partnership, and Andy Murray first extended coaching duties to Amelie Mauresmo on a trial basis. Both hires have been deemed as successes. While there is no evidence of difficulties in her coaching camp, Bouchard made clear upon Sumyk’s hiring that she is willing to listen to ideas but was not going to change her playing style. The pair are a work in progress and are likely in the process of fine-tuning their vision towards taking success to the next level.

Nonetheless, it is fairly safe to say that no matter what source is attributed to her current slump, Bouchard has the ability to fight her way out of it. She has set lofty goals for herself that have often been underscored in press conferences both after victories and defeats. She is a fighter between the lines, has shown a strong self-belief and possesses one of the best work ethic’s, particularly in the gym. Combining all of these intangibles lends great confidence that the last several months are only a bump in the road to what will be a long and productive career.

Now, Bouchard will turn to Charleston and the Family Circle Cup to begin working her way back towards accomplishments resembling those found in 2014. This week, she took a wild card entry into a draw that features a competitive field but one in which she will be one of the favorites.