Home/Tennis

via Imago

via Imago

Self-doubts gripped him a few months back. He even thought of taking a retirement from his beloved sport and exploring other career opportunities. This is the story of the 27-year-old American tennis player Chris Eubanks who was seen struggling to make it to the top 100 a year back. Eubanks recently shared a few moments of his epic run at Wimbledon this year and how Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton stuck to him just like his family during his tough days.

‘Christopher Eubanks Vs Daniil Medvedev at the QFs in the Wimbledon Championships’. The news perhaps seemed a typo to some. But deep down his family always believed in his abilities and Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton are now a part of his family. Here’s what he said.

Chris Eubanks reveals his strong bond with Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Eubanks spent most of his career playing in the minor events of tennis around the world. After a series of attempts to get into the main draw of the Wimbledon Championships, he finally made it this year. Coco Gauff witnessed the rise of Eubanks from the stands with her parents and applauded his efforts. Eubanks, Gauff, and Shelton share a unique camaraderie among themselves and are always beside each other.

On this subject, Eubanks said, One thing that helped me was it was the first time I think in my professional career that I really utilize Do Not Disturb on my phone. And I think that helped me a lot. I had to figure out how the focus, you know, setting worked on my phone, because there were still certain people who I’d wanted.” The list of his ‘certain people’ however is very heartwarming. 

Eubanks continued, “I needed to hear from my coach. I want to hear from my parents. Yeah, I had to see whose messages can just come through at all times. And I think I put like Coco in there. I put Ben in there, my girlfriend in there, my coaching there.”

READ MORE: Coco Gauff’s ‘Big Lesson’ to Former Coach Unveiled as He Recalls His Tenure With the US Open Champion

Chris Eubanks happens to be the best friend of Ben Shelton on the tour days. Eubanks even came to support Shelton when he was in the middle of online hate. The 27-year-old’s relationship with Coco Gauff is just like a brother and sister. He had revealed earlier how he became emotional seeing Gauff winning the US Open. Eubanks’ infectious smile and lively personality make him a fan favorite. So, he easily finds people coming to his help during the rough terrains of his journey.

Chris Eubanks once thought the Grass was the stupidest surface to play on

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Just like all the American tennis players, Eubanks always preferred the hard court to the grass. He was having a tough time at the tours and was wondering about a way out of his difficulties. So, once he reached out to the 4 time Grand Slam winner, Kim Clijsters to see him through his woes.

via Imago

Eubanks then had a long chat with the Belgian. Clijsters asked him to do some footwork drills and suggested he should play mini-games. She also suggested he stay low and use the slices more often. Eubanks followed the guidance of one of the greatest in the game and then went on to claim his first title at Mallorca, just a week before the Wimbledon Championships.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The American then later on thanked Clijsters for contributing to his success. Can Chris Eubanks repeat the heroics of 2023 in 2024 and make it a success at the highest level of the game?

Watch This Story: Eerie Parallels Between Serena Williams And Iga Swiatek’s Career Trajectory Suggest A Blockbuster 2024 Season For The Pole