Bouchard takes positive first step

NEW HAVEN » The lights went on at Stadium Court at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday, as Eugenie Bouchard and Lauren Davis warmed up for their first-round match at the Connecticut Open.

During breaks, songs like “Black-Hole Sun,” “Blinded by the Light” and, of course, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” played on the stadium’s sound system.

This is what happens when a tennis match is played during a rare solar eclipse.

“It’s so cool,” said Bouchard, who won the match, 6-1, 6-4. “It’s kind of sad that I was playing exactly during it. But, at the same time, this is such a unique moment. I was able to win a match during an eclipse. This is the only time in my career this will hap-

pen.”

It’s Bouchard’s promising career that has been eclipsed in recent years by a variety of things: a concussion, a lawsuit, injuries and, quite simply, overall poor play. A finalist at Wimbledon in 2014, Bouchard, once ranked No. 5 in the world, enters this week at No. 74. She’s been bounced in the first round of nine of her last 13 tournaments.

But Bouchard, 23, still has plenty of time to round back into form.

“I’ve had some ups and downs in my career,” said the Canadian, who also reached the semifinals at both the Australian and French Opens in 2014. “I’ve learned a lot from them. This year, specifically, I’ve had a couple of bad injuries. That definitely doesn’t help how I feel on the court, and my confidence. It’s so important to have confidence to play this game. There’s so much mental that’s involved in tennis, being an individual sport. I’ve had some tough moments this year, but I’ve just kept trying to work. I’m just gonna try to keep going.”

Bouchard recently enlisted the help of Andre Agassi, who spent time hitting balls with here in Las Vegas last month.

“He’s an amazing legend,” said Bouchard, “and I think he’s very smart about tennis.”

Still, for the most part, it’s up to Bouchard to get back to being one of the very best players in the world. Beating Davis, the lone American in the draw and ranked No. 34 in the world, and getting out of the first round of a tournament was a step in the right direction.

“I felt pretty solid,” she said of Monday’s win. “The second set was definitely a battle. Although the score may have seemed straightforward, it was definitely tough, especially in that second set. The first round of any tournament is always tough. It’s a new tournament, new conditions. Especially for me in my situation right now, a win is a good one, no matter what. I’ll take some confidence with this and take it day by day.”

Bouchard won’t have much time to revel in her victory, however. She’ll face top-seeded, defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Bouchard has yet to beat Radwanska in three meetings over her career, but hopes she can finally “eclipse” the Polish native.

“She’s a really tricky opponent,” Bouchard said. “She plays a different game than most of the girls on tour. She’s so talented with her hands. I kind of have to be ready for anything and be patient in the process, not pull the trigger too soon, because she’s consistent, as well. Patience and aggression is my goal for (Tuesday). Just lay it all out there and let’s see what happens.”