The year keeps getting better and better for 27-year-old American star, Chris Eubanks. Earlier this season, he made it to the quarterfinals at the Miami Open in front of his home crowd. Following a consistent run across the tournaments, Eubanks tasted his first success this season when he defeated France’s Adrian Mannarino to clinch ATP 250 Mallorca title. He continued his brilliant form on grass courts, making it to the Wimbledon quarterfinal. Eubanks defeated the likes of Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas to achieve a strong finish in the grass-court Grand Slam tournament.
Meanwhile, his compatriot, Frances Tiafoe has had an even better season. The 25-year-old has already clinched three titles this season. Tiafoe has begun US Open preparations in full swing. Recently, he had an interaction with Eubanks.
Frances Tiafoe showers one-word praise on Chris Eubanks
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Tiafoe and Eubanks are in Washington where they are playing in the ATP 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open. While at the tournament, they passed each other during media day press conferences. As Tiafoe passed beside Eubanks, he called him “Hollywood,” using a $95 Billion word to heap praise on the 27-year-old.
.@FTiafoe calls @chris_eubanks96 “Hollywood” as they pass each other during the @mubadalacitidc media day press conferences pic.twitter.com/JvREyA7uHk
— Kelyn Soong (@KelynSoong) July 30, 2023
Tiafoe’s praise was in response to Eubanks’ recent surge in form. He has had a brilliant grass-court season, including his best-ever Grand Slam performance coming at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
As a result, Chris Eubanks has climbed to the 29th spot on the ATP rankings chart. On the other hand, Tiafoe, who is also enjoying a good season, remains in the 10th spot.
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Tiafoe and Eubanks handed contrasting draws at Citi Open
25-year-old Tiafoe is the second seed in Washington behind compatriot Taylor Fritz. He has been handed a bye in the opening round. Further, in the second round, Tiafoe will face the winner of the match between Aslan Karatsev and qualifier Kiranpal Pannu. A potential clash with Felix Auger-Aliassime will await Tiafoe in the semifinals.
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Meanwhile, Eubanks is the 11th seed and has a bye in the first round too. A potential clash with former US Open finalist, Kei Nishikori in the second round will be an exciting matchup for Eubanks.
Tiafoe and Eubanks are in the opposite half of the draw and won’t clash until the final. Who do you think will dig deep in the tournament? Let us know your views in the comments below.