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Genie Bouchard Responds To Critics Of Her Sports Illustrated Bikini Picture

Genie Bouchard Responds To Critics Of Her Sports Illustrated Bikini Picture

She had learned to deal "with the hate" from people questioning her off-court activities...

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Days after she went on a date with the luckiest bloke alive, Genie Bouchard has responded to those who have criticised her decision to take part in a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated magazine.

Bouchard joined Serena Williams and former world number-one Caroline Wozniackion on the Sports Illustrated shoot, while model Kate Upton was also pictured for the magazine.

@SI_Swimsuit uploaded the following video of Genie Bouchard to their Instagram page four days ago:


(Credit: Sports Illustrated)

Despite the critics, Bouchard responded to the 'haters' in an interview with CBS Sports Radio.

"I've gotten that over the last couple of years I've done a photo shoot anywhere it's like 'oh god, get back on the tennis court... what are you doing, go practise,"

"I practised for six hours today and I did this like two hours after.. and I'm practising for six hours [a day] all this week, 'what are you talking about ... do you work 24 hours a day?'"

"You have to deal with that hate and not take it personally. It's been a couple of years now, so I've learned to,"

"There's nothing wrong if you have success and it opens doors for other activities, like being in Sports Illustrated. Why not? I would be crazy not to take advantage of that.

"Why limit yourself? I'm still a tennis player, that is my number one priority. But if I do have a bit of time, here and there, to do other things, why not?"

The 22-year-old updated her 1 million Twitter followers on Saturday, with her photos being shown on the official SP website.

Bouchard has hit the headlines recently after going on a date with lucky Twitter user John Goehrke, who sent a hopeful tweet to Genie Bouchard during the Superbowl.

10 days later, the 20-year-old marketing student has successfully dated one of the world's most recognised sports stars.

Not only did they attend the Brooklyn Nets vs Milwaukee Bucks in New York, but John featured in a pretty awkward video:

2017 has already been busy for world number 44 Genie Bouchard, but can she scoop a major?

Good luck, Genie.

(H/T: Sports Illustrated)

Featured Image Credit:

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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