‘Didn’t Feel Like A Professional Tennis Player’ – American Icon Chris Eubanks Recalls The Cruel Self-doubting Phase … – EssentiallySports

From the mid-200s to being the number 34 in the world. What a run this has been for the 27-year-old American tennis player. Debuting in 2017, Eubanks struggled a lot to enter the top 100 in men’s singles. However, 2023 has been his breakthrough season, and here’s how patience, grit, and a Television gig pulled the best out of the two times ACC Player of The Year.

Despite his heroics in 2023, the ‘biggest’ moment of his career came when he won his first match at Grand Slam level. Here’s how Eubanks reflected on that memorable moment recently on a podcast at the Tennis Chanel Inside-In.

Chris Eubanks reveals he didn’t feel like a pro tennis player before winning a match in a major event

Eubanks broke into the Top 100 for the first time in 2023 after getting the victory in the first two matches of the Miami Open. This was yet another emotional moment for the 27YO American. Later on, he went on to clinch his first title at Mallorca in July. Then came the Wimbledon, where he continued his epic run to the QFs of the tournament. But what might have boosted his confidence to head into his breakthrough season?

Chris Eubanks credited his first victory in a Grand Slam round at the US Open in 2022 with paving the way to his meteoric rise. Here’s what he said, “Finally got my first Grand Slam win, which I think was the biggest battery in my back I could have had. I remember walking off the court, and just saying some friends and saying wow, I finally feel like a professional tennis player.”

Eubanks continued, “And off quality then a few times I’ve won some rounds at tour events. But you get that Grand Slam when it just doesn’t really at least in my case. I just didn’t really feel like a professional tennis player. And I can finally say I have one.”

Eubanks defeated the Spanish player, Pedro Martinez by a margin of 7-5,6-3,7-6 in the first round of the US Open in 2022. With this win, he extended his winning streak to 4 matches and then lost to Jannik Sinner in the second round. However, his purple patch this year came after a series of setbacks and he almost took retirement during the pandemic.

The comeback story of Chris Eubanks

Eubanks once revealed that he had informed his agent that if he’s still in the 200s next year and injuries haven’t played a role in that, he would look at other career options. He felt that the racket sport wasn’t that glamorous for those ranking around the 200. Eubanks even took up the role of analyst and started doing commentary for the Tennis Channel. 

However, his search for other career options came to a halt in 2023. His performance this season not only put him in the Top 100 but he has now made it to the Top 40. Eubanks is currently placed at 34 in men’s singles ranking.

Eubanks even credits his role as a TV analyst in helping him understand and improve his game. Can he rise to the top 20 next year? Share your thoughts on this late bloomer in the comment box.

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