Recently, Christopher Eubanks had uncertainties regarding his professional tennis career. While pursuing his dream as a player, he took up a job as a commentator for Tennis Channel. However, things have taken a remarkable turn for the 27-year-old American as he finds himself advancing to the Wimbledon quarterfinals after an impressive victory over Greece’s world No. 5, Stefanos Tsitsipas, with a score of 3-6, 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Hailing from Atlanta and having played college tennis at Georgia Tech, Eubanks was already experiencing the best year of his career. Now, his journey at Wimbledon is proving to be even more exceptional, especially considering his previous aversion to grass courts.
During a post-match interview on the court, Eubanks shared, “The grass and I have had a rather strenuous relationship over the years. But right now, I believe it’s my closest ally.”
Just before Wimbledon commenced, Eubanks secured his first ATP Tour title by winning the grass-court event in Mallorca. This triumph catapulted him from No. 77 in the world rankings to a career-high No. 43. Notably, he entered the top 100 in the singles world rankings in April.
In an interview with ESPN on Saturday, Eubanks expressed how the immediate transition from Mallorca to Wimbledon worked to his advantage. He stated, “It prevented me from taking a step back and fully absorbing everything just yet. Hopefully, I’ll reserve that moment for after Wimbledon.”
When questioned by ESPN about his moments of self-doubt, Eubanks responded, “Without a doubt, a thousand percent. That was actually one of the reasons I pursued commentary.”
“At the US Open 2021, I mentioned to my agent that if I were still ranked around 200 by the end of the following year.
During the US Open 2021, I conveyed to my agent that should my ranking hover around 200 by the conclusion of the subsequent year, uninfluenced by any injuries, till ranked around 200 by the end of the following year, without injuries being a factor, I would have to explore other avenues to occupy my time,” Eubanks continued. “The Challenger circuit isn’t particularly glamorous. I felt like my career would be riddled with ups and downs, which was becoming exceedingly frustrating.”
Subsequently, he ventured into commentary during the 2022 clay court season, and he attributes that experience to enhancing his own game. Eubanks shared, “It has been an enjoyable ride. The past 18 months have been quite a whirlwind, but I’ve had a blast.”
Eubanks, embarking on his first major quarterfinal, is set to face Russia’s No. 3 seed, Daniil Medvedev.
Following his own victory in the fourth round against Jiri Lehečka, Medvedev acknowledged Eubanks’ impressive rise. Addressing reporters, the No. 3 seed praised Eubanks as a great player, highlighting his breakthrough performance in Miami, where he entered the top 100 and reached the quarterfinals. Medvedev recognized the challenge Eubanks posed during their encounter and acknowledged the American’s recent achievements at Wimbledon, including his title win and victory over Tsitsipas.
Aware of the task ahead, Medvedev acknowledged, “I know I need to bring my absolute best physically, tennis-wise, and mentally to have a chance against him.”
