USTA responds to Eugenie Bouchard lawsuit over locker room fall
The United States Tennis Association has responded to a lawsuit filed by Eugenie Bouchard after she slipped and fell in a locker room at the 2015 U.S. Open.
The fall resulted in Bouchard sustaining a concussion and withdrawing from both the women's singles and doubles draws. In the lawsuit, Bouchard said she suffered severe pain and economic loss as a result of the incident.
In a 16-page response, the USTA denies wrongdoing, arguing that the “Plaintiff [Bouchard] was experienced and well-versed in the procedures and protocols of the women’s tour, both in the United States and internationally, and knew or should have known the procedures and protocols as they related to the operation of the physiotherapy room adjacent to the women’s locker room at the National Tennis Center and the attended rooms.”
The USTA is also demanding a trial by jury. Bouchard also demanded a trial by jury in her initial complaint.
In the response, the USTA also claimed that the physiotherapy room "is never dark; even when the lights are turned off 'twilight' lighting remains and partially illuminates the room" and that the conditions alleged by Bouchard were "open and obvious."
The USTA also mentioned Bouchard's social media presence, stating that her claims of "on-going and permanent physical injuries and sequelae to date" are inconsistent with her "own admissions in various forms of social media and public commentary."
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Before withdrawing from the tournament, Bouchard was slated to play Roberta Vinci in the fourth round of the women’s draw. Vinci automatically advanced to the quarterfinals and ultimately made the tournament's final after a stunning upset of No. 1 Serena Williams.
Bouchard, 21, is currently ranked No. 48 in the world.
