If an image is price a thousand phrases the smile on Christopher Eubanks’ face Monday night was price 1,000,000.
With the American railing ⅖ within the second-set tie-break of his match in opposition to Gregoire Barrere, rain compelled the gamers off the courtroom. After they returned after one hour and 55 minutes, the Frenchman received the primary level earlier than Eubanks saved 5 set factors en path to a 6-3, 7-6(7) victory for a spot within the fourth spherical of the Miami Open presented by Itau.
How did it really feel?
“Actually good. Actually good. Actually good,” Eubanks repeated to the media in Miami.
However it was greater than only a win. It signified a milestone that the 26-year-old had been working in direction of. Eubanks climbed to No. 96 within the Pepperstone ATP Dwell Rankings, and he’s projected to crack the world’s Prime 100 for the primary time subsequent Monday.
“The previous few weeks have been actually, actually robust simply because I’ve been sort of occupied with Prime 100 and the whole lot,” Eubanks stated. “I had some losses that I shouldn’t have [had] and I used to be actually second-guessing quite a bit about my sport and the whole lot.”
Eubanks this week determined to delete tennis apps off his telephone to keep away from trying on the Pepperstone ATP Dwell Rankings. He had been dissatisfied together with his current play and set a aim for himself.
“I’m simply going to concentrate on enjoying each single match and I did that,” Eubanks stated earlier than choking up with emotion contained in the bowels of Exhausting Rock Stadium. “Wow, it feels good. It feels good.”
The Atlanta native adopted the school route, competing for Georgia Tech from 2015-17 and twice incomes ACC Participant of the 12 months (2016-17). He broke into the Prime 200 in April 2018, however the Prime 100 proved elusive.
In February, Eubanks ascended to a career-high World No. 102, however 4 consecutive losses proved a roadblock. A 3-set loss in Indian Wells qualifying to Maximilian Marterer gave him a bit extra confidence that the Eubanks prepare was rolling in the appropriate course, and that has performed out right here in Miami.
The house favorite certified earlier than ousting Denis Kudla, seventeenth seed Borna Coric and Barrere to earn his place within the Prime 100 and the fourth spherical of an ATP Masters 1000 occasion for the primary time.
Eubanks admitted he was by no means the perfect participant in his state, part or the nation rising up. However his arduous work has paid off and coach Ruan Roelofse was comfortable to substantiate for his cost after Monday’s match that he had made his long-desired breakthrough.
“For him it’s very particular after all. You noticed what it meant to him on the courtroom,” Roelofse instructed ATPTour.com. “He didn’t know that it was [guaranteed] Prime 100. He thought it was, however I instructed him afterwards.
“It’s particular for me to assist him as a result of he’s been enjoying for a couple of years on Tour and everybody is aware of he has the potential of doing it. So to assist him get there means quite a bit to me, too.”
What was most telling was how comfortable individuals had been for the American. Eubanks has loads of followers within the locker room and across the tennis world.
Through the rain delay, Eubanks spoke within the locker room to Frances Tiafoe, whose match had additionally been suspended. Tiafoe gave him loads of encouragement. After the victory, Eubanks FaceTimed with good friend Coco Gauff. Others together with Darren Cahill, Rennae Stubbs, Sebastian Korda and Brad Gilbert congratulated him on social media.
It’s Eubanks’ particular second, however everyone seems to be fortunately sharing in it. Actor Jamie Foxx even congratulated him on social media
“It’s wonderful. He’s an incredible particular person on and off the courtroom. He’s clearly acquired lots of character,” Roelofse stated. “Folks love seeing him play, he’s entertaining to the gang and personally one on one he’s been nice with me. It’s been enjoyable serving to him and I’m proud of the place we’re heading.”
It’s such an emotional second that it’s simple to neglect Eubanks is among the closing 16 gamers remaining within the yr’s second Masters 1000 occasion. A match in opposition to unseeded Frenchman Adrian Mannarino separates him from a spot within the quarter-finals.
For now, Eubanks is understandably soaking all of it in.
“Rattling it’s loopy man,” Eubanks stated. “Wow that is bizarre. Sorry, it’s simply wild.”
Because the 26-year-old continued offering the media perception into his accomplishment, Eubanks couldn’t assist however take a enjoyable jab at himself.
“Why am I crying?” Eubanks requested himself rhetorically. “That is so embarrassing! However no, it feels good.”
