In less than three years, the golden-girl from Canada has gone from grand slam contender to inconsequential. Predictable? Perhaps. Avoidable? Almost certainly.

In the fall of 2014, Bouchard, just twenty years of age, reached a career-high ranking of number 5 in the world following a remarkable run to the semifinals at both the Australian and French Opens and the final of Wimbledon. In addition to her outstanding and consistent play at the slams, she won her first and to date, only WTA tour title at Nurnberg.

Earlier this month she lost in the first round in Luxembourg capping off an abysmal season in which she won just 13 of 34 matches played. Due to her on-court and off-court battles, including an ongoing lawsuit with the USTA, Bouchard’s ranking has plummeted to 81 in the world.

The highlight of the current season, without question, was her three-set defeat of Maria Sharapova on clay at the Madrid Masters. Bouchard was 0-4 versus Sharapova heading into that match but on tour was clearly leading the charge in unequivocally denouncing the Russian’s return to the tour following a 15-month doping suspension. Bouchard did not mince words, labeling Sharapova a “cheater” who should be permanently banned from the sport.  

Some have alleged that the physical injuries she suffered after slipping in the locker room while competing at the 2015 US Open and subsequent lawsuit spawned a myriad of on-court distractions and self-doubt while others contend her preoccupation with image and lucrative endorsements have precipitated her downfall.

One has only to consider the prodigious and comprehensive career of 19-time grand slam champion Roger Federer, to recognize the necessity of surrounding oneself with a trustworthy team in addition to the effective management of one’s schedule and off-court commitments.

Bouchard, like Nick Krygios, possesses innate abilities along with what appears to be a limited attention span. Is she willing to go all in? How badly does she want to train, compete and win major titles?

Physical stamina and longevity, at just twenty-three years of age, is a non-issue but clearly, her mental clarity and conviction are suspect. An ever-revolving door of coaches seems to have created an unstable environment one most certainly impeding her ascent back up the rankings.

Three years ago this week, Eugenie Bouchard was competing at the season-ending championships in Singapore. Far from the Asian continent, she has ample time to revise her narrative from over-hyped cautionary tale to legitimate grand slam contender and champion.

No one can predict the future, let alone a player’s long-term trajectory but with each season comes opportunity and the ability to hit refresh. She may never again rank amongst the game’s elite but this much is certain; her journey at times will be arduous but never less than riveting so let’s just enjoy the ride.