The eighth-seeded German tumbled out of the clay-court grand slam in humbling fashion on Sunday, losing 6-1 6-2 to 18th seed Bouchard in just 52 minutes.
Kerber’s exit means only four of the top 10 seeds remain in the tournament, with Serena Williams, Li Na and Agnieszka Radwanska each falling to unseeded opposition inside the opening two rounds.
And the world number nine was at a loss to explain her below-par showing, admitting any of her attempts to rally proved fruitless.
“I was not in the game. I was trying, but I had no rhythm. I don’t know. I made so many mistakes,” Kerber said.
“I actually was not moving very good. So, yeah, I just can say that it was not my best day today.
“I was feeling good before, but it starts during the match. I mean, I went there and I was trying. But actually, I was not feeling the ball and I was trying to come back, but it was tough for me today.”
While Kerber is left to ponder over a disappointing display, 20-year-old Bouchard faces a quarter-final clash with 14th seed Carla Suarez-Navarro, who overcame Croatia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3 6-3.
And the Canadian, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open in January, is backing herself to impress again.
“I’m confident, you know, and I really believe in my skills.” Bouchard said. “I believe I can play with the best girls out there.
“She’s (Kerber) top 10, so I respect her. She can play some really good tennis. I was really mentally prepared for anything, for a battle.
“I think that mindset kind of helped me, you know, made me realise whatever happens I can deal with it on the court.
“I was just really going for my shots. That was my intention. It worked.”
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