Wimbledon 2014: Eugenie Bouchard grateful for SW19 support

Sooooo happyyyyy pic.twitter.com/x8RanDq8SN

— Eugenie Bouchard (@geniebouchard) June 11, 2014

Eugenie Bouchard has thanked the Wimbledon crowd for their support as she gears up for her first Grand Slam final.

The 20-year-old takes on 2011 champion Petra Kvitova on Saturday after winning the junior title in 2012 and reaching the semi-finals at the first two Grand Slams of the year in Australia and France.

“It’s very special to have their support here,” said Bouchard. “I even felt it a bit last year and even the year before when I won juniors.

“It’s nice coming back here and people knowing who I am. I definitely feel their support when I’m on the court.

I’ve just been believing in myself more and more and meeting the challenges I faced

Eugenie Bouchard

“I hope they’ll support me tomorrow, but I know no matter what, it will be a great atmosphere on Centre Court.”

The Canadian 13th seed admits that she would be realising a childhood dream should she get her hands on the trophy on Saturday.

“I started playing tennis at five years old,” she continued. “Soon after, it was my dream to become a professional tennis player.

“I was very young when I decided I wanted to do it. I was nine. Since that age I dreamt of winning a Grand Slam.

“As for this year, it’s been a long time in the making for it to finally come together – all the hard work, the talent I know I have, the effort I put in, for it to produce results on the match court.

“That’s happened this year, but it’s been a long time in the making. I wouldn’t say it’s an overnight thing.

“I’ve just been believing in myself more and more and meeting the challenges I faced.

“I played on the professional tour for a year and I was improving as I was playing that year; the same this year. So every time I have a challenge, I just try to get better. It’s really helped.”