American tennis player Chris Eubanks is a great friend in addition to being a great athlete. While his 2024 US Open run ended in the first round, the player found his motivation in his friends’ success. Eubanks’ pals Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton performed incredibly showing a great run for America in the Slam. Despite their failures to win the title, their friend Eubanks is smitten by especially Tiafoe at Arthur Ashe. His happiness in his friends’ success showcases why he is a potential athlete of the sport.

Eubanks had an interesting revelation on the recent episode of the Black Spin Global podcast. When asked about the ATP star’s favorite moment from the 2024 US Open, Eubanks ditched winners Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner to offer his support for his close pals in the scene, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.

For Eubanks, “Oh calling Ben and Frances,” was the best moment of the tournament. His answer echoed his proud moment when his two tennis best friends had an epic match with Arthur Ashe at the Slam’s third round. When Tiafoe overpowered Shelton at the match Eubanks cheered for him showing his admiration for Tiafoe’s performance. Not only did Tiafoe manage to take vengeance on Shelton, he also managed to run to the semifinal, where he unfortunately dropped a lead against Taylor Fritz and ended his journey.

Eubanks also mentioned Shelton’s epic match against Tiafoe in last year’s American major. Speaking about the brilliance of Shelton, Eubanks highlighted the attendance of director Spike Lee. He mentioned this to highlight how important that semifinal between Tiafoe and Shelton was when the latter became the youngest American ATP star to reach the US Open semifinals after Michael Chang. “I am like standing and watching Ben hit, two of my best friends are about to play at Arthur Ashe Stadium at night.” He also mentioned how “the electricity in that place was nuts.”

Eubanks has always showered love on Ben Shelton. On the latter’s 21st birthday, Eubanks shared two stories on his Instagram that showcased his admiration for Shelton. “Happy 21st birthday bro @benshelton 🎉🥳🎊 incredible tennis player but even better person,” Eubanks wrote in one story. His adorable wish for the ATP no 17 proved that Eubanks not only finds a friend in him but also thinks of Shelton as his brother. How adorable is that!

Eubanks’ friendship with Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe has warmed millions of hearts offering snippets of a beautifully blossomed friendship. Eubanks even protested for Shelton when an influencer heavily criticized his playstyle last year. Taking Shelton’s side, Eubanks showcased how deeply he admires his friend.

Chris Eubanks lashed out at an influencer supporting his friend Ben Shelton

Last year an influencer named Gina Bontempo took a sly dig at Shelton’s statements during his New York outing. She also lashed out at Shelton’s father for his comments on how Djokovic returned a favor to Shelton by losing against him in the semifinals of the 2023 US Open. She also talked about how the ATP no 17 is not prepared enough to play against big names like Novak Djokovic.

That influencer’s criticism didn’t sit well with Shelton’s best friend Chris Eubanks. He responded to the tweet on X and said, “If Ben’s style isn’t for you, that’s perfectly fine. But to go on to insinuate that he’s been coddled by his parents is absolutely laughable to anyone that has been around them.” He also referred to Bontempo’s statement about Shelton’s immaturity in handling Djokovic and said, “The kid has been a pro just over a year and has made a GS Quarterfinal, a GS Semifinal, and is Top 20 in the world. Yeah Gina, definitely not ready.”

Chris Eubanks’ friendship with Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe shows the comradarie in a sport that has no teams. Despite their on-court rivalry, the trio share a bond that only a few can fathom in a competitive environment. This is how they set an example about how tennis brings people closer helping them to bond and become friends.