Canadian underdog Eugenie Bouchard set to face Sharapova

It’s only fitting that Canadian Eugenie Bouchard’s next big test comes against reigning French Open champion Maria Sharapova. Bouchard who has been a Sharapova fan since she was a budding star honing her game in Montreal, even has a picture of herself at eight years old with Sharapova on her Twitter account. Since then, the pair has become even closer and regularly work together at Nike sponsored events.

But despite the familiarity, it will be all business on both sides of the net when they meet Thursday at Rolad Garros. Bouchard, playing in her first Grand Slam, is pegged as a huge +900 underdog and Sharapova isn’t about to do her any favors.

“We actually did a shoot back in Melbourne together,” the Russian world No. 2 said of Bouchard. “She seems a very nice girl and obviously has a great game and is one to watch. But when you’re at that point in your career, every month is a learning experience for someone her age and at that level.

“You have to respect anyone that’s across the net from you. There is a reason why they’re there, whether they have had a good week or a bad week or they’re not having a good month or they’re having a great month.”

The good news for Bouchard, now ranked No. 77 in the world, is that she is having a great month. She made it to the semifinals last week in Strasbourgh and swept past former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tsvetana Pironkova in the opening round of the French Open. So, momentum is on the young Canadian’s side. She also has an idea of what to expect from Sharapova after player her in Miami earlier this year. That said, Bouchard won just two games in that meeting.

“I definitely plan on doing better this time,” said Bouchard, enjoying this run of success. “It’s not surprising to me because I know I can play this well. I feel really good in competition right now.”

With Sharapova rolling like she is, Bouchard has to take this match for what it is: a great experience on a huge stage. As long as she shows some fight and makes Sharapova work for the win, she’ll have done her job. Sports Interaction has Bouchard to take a set from Sharapova priced at +400 and that might not be entirely out of the question if the 19-year-old is really on her game.