Bouchard, USTA Mediation Fails; Sides Encouraged To Continue Discussing Settlement

The lawsuit between Canadian tennis player Eugenie Bouchard and the United States Tennis Association is back on after mediation failed. Bouchard sued the USTA over a concussion she suffered at the 2015 US Open after slipping in an allegedly unstaffed section of the locker room. The sides earlier this year agreed to mediation, which occurred March 29. In a note on the federal court's web site, Magistrate Judge Lois Bloom wrote, "Unfortunately, the parties' private mediation that took place on March 29, 2017 did not resolve the instant matter." She then proceeded to set a variety of deadlines, adding, "The parties are strongly encouraged to continue discussing settlement." Once ranked as high as No. 5 in the world, Bouchard is currently ranked 56th. She contends the USTA is at fault for her fall, and should reimburse her for lost income from prize money and endorsements.