Eugenie Bouchard to play World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide after Coco Vandeweghe is injured

Former world No. 5 player and Wimbledon singles finalist Eugenie Bouchard has been parachuted into Adelaide’s World Tennis Challenge after an ankle injury ruled out American Coco Vandeweghe.

Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard in action at the Auckland Open. After a doubles win, she has been rushed to Adelaide for the World Tennis Challenge. Picture: DAVID ROWLAND/AFP

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Former world No. 5 player and Wimbledon singles finalist Eugenie Bouchard has been parachuted into Adelaide’s World Tennis Challenge, which begins at Memorial Drive on Monday night.

Bouchard will fly into Adelaide on Monday morning after picking up her maiden WTA doubles crown at the Auckland Open on Sunday afternoon.

The 24-year-old, who has career prize winnings of more than $US6 million, will replace

American Coco Vandeweghe, who has pulled out after damaging her ankle at the Hawaii Open last week.

Canadian Eugenie Bouchard playing in the ASB Classic tennis tournament in Auckland in January last week. Picture: David Rowland / AFP

Vanderweghe said she was “extremely disappointed” to be forced to withdraw from the WTC.

“I was looking forward to arriving to Australia early and preparing for the Australian Open in Adelaide,” she said. “I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the event.

“Last year was a tough year for me recovering (from sickness and an earlier ankle injury) and unfortunately, I sustained an injury in my prep this off season.”

Hard-hitting Bouchard, a former Australian Open semi-finalist and one of the more glamorous players on the women’s tour, is well known in Australia for her loyal and colourful following at the Australia Open, where the Genie Army has become a vocal staple in recent years.

She will face twice Australian Open singles champion Victoria Azarenka in Monday night’s and Tuesday night’s singles matches. The pair have not played before.

WTC organisers have confirmed that Pat Cash, who coaches Vandeweghe, will still be playing at WTC, which starts at 6.30pm on Monday.

“We were excited to be welcoming Coco to Adelaide and we are sad to hear of her injury,” World Tennis Challenge general manager David Hearne said.

“We wish Coco the very best with her recovery and look forward to welcoming Eugenie Bouchard to Team Cash, alongside Borna Coric and Pat Cash on Monday night.”