The trial for the violation of Eugenie Bouchard at the US Open 2015 has started. The Canadian is suing the American tennis association USTA for the concussion and its consequential damage she suffered in New York because she slipped in a training room.
Due to this misfortune, she had to withdraw from the singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition with a concussion. Bouchard only played one more match in the autumn of 2015. In the first round of Beijing she had to give up in the match against Andrea Petkovic because of dizziness.
The 23-year-old is now suing for damages for expenses for medical care, physical and mental suffering and loss of income, including start-up bonuses, prize money and remuneration agreements. Benedict Morelli, who represents Bouchard in the lawsuit, demands compensation amounting to millions for his client.
The USTA is putting the blame for this lawsuit on Bouchard, as they have gone to the said gym outside regular opening hours.
Already in the antechamber of the trial there were several attempts by both parties to reach an out-of-court settlement. Apparently, the talks did not proceed positively at all, and about a year ago Morelli even accused the USTA of destroying evidence such as video recordings of the security cameras.