The tradition of signing the camera has created iconic moments in tennis. Players like Jakub Menik, who marked his “1st of many” titles at Miami, and Carlos Alcaraz, known for playful signs like “No more secrets” that coincided with a Netflix announcement, have further made this ritual special. It’s a magical moment between fans and players. Now, Christopher Eubanks, undeterred by recent setbacks, flashes a pop culture nod as he enters his next tournament. His journey from a promising college player to a rising ATP star was highlighted by a remarkable 2023 Wimbledon debut where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas. With another win under his belt, how will he express his excitement?

Eubanks, ranked 117 and a close friend of WTA star Coco Gauff, won against Australian Rinky Hijikata 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. This victory advanced him to the second round in Houston at River Oaks Country Club on Tuesday. He was defeated by Hijikata last year at the same tournament in the same round, so this victory also serves as revenge.

It’s clear that Eubanks is elated to make it to the next round and celebrated by signing the camera with a nod to a pop culture idol, writing “Beyoncé’s House.” But why? Well, it could be a playful nod to the city’s connection to Beyoncé, who was born in Houston. This gesture might even symbolize his dominance on the court, akin to Beyoncé’s reign in the music world. Or it could even be a hint to his close friend Gauff, whom we all know has expressed her love for Beyoncé in the past. Only Chris can answer this mystery!

Despite early exits this season, with a current win-loss record of 1-4, his spirit remains unbroken. His last title at the 2023 Mallorca Open still shines bright, but the quest for another win continues. Like Beyoncé in “Formation,” he’s reassembling his game, rising from the ashes with resilience and determination. While he hasn’t won a title this season, he started the season strong by reaching the quarterfinals of the Challengers event in Canberra in January.

Whatever Christopher’s reason for mentioning Beyoncé, we know he’s certainly looking in top form for his next battle. On the other hand, it’s not the first time he’s mentioned the pop queen!

Eubanks shares a glimpse into Coco’s fangirl side for Beyoncé

Back in 2023, when Coco Gauff clinched the US Open title, Chris Eubanks was there to shine a light on her unique personality. He portrayed her as a champion who not only plays the game but lives it with her heart. Gauff stood as a testament to the delicate balance between youthful exuberance and unwavering focus. Eubanks, someone Gauff considers an elder brother, peeled back the layers of her persona, revealing a spirited kid beneath the polished exterior.

Eubanks delved into Coco’s narrative, reminding us that beneath her mature exterior lies a carefree spirit. He shared in an interview, “She’s a kid. There are often times when we are talking or hanging out, and I have to remind her like, oh yeah, you’re still 19.” Eubanks highlighted Gauff’s moments of childlike behavior and her yearning to simply be a kid.

He also shared a delightful anecdote: “I was speaking to her a couple of days ago, and she was excited to go see the Beyoncé Renaissance movie. That’s what she was most looking forward to.” This glimpse into Gauff’s eagerness for a pop culture moment perfectly humanized the tennis prodigy.

Now, as Gauff prepares for the clay season as World No.3, still holding out to clinch her next title, and Eubanks heads into the round of 16 against Japanese Kei Nishikori, the No. 8 seed, the excitement is palpable. Will Eubanks make it to the next round and drop more information on his Beyoncé reference? Only time will tell!