Chris Eubanks has endured a tricky 2024 on the court so far, with the American four for 12 in terms of wins and losses respectively.
Disappointing early exits were suffered at the likes of the Australian Open, Miami Open and French Open earlier in the season.
Admittedly, however, the 28-year-old didn’t have it easy, having met Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner in those respective competitions.
But now he seems to have turned a page, with Eubanks rising one spot to 44th place in the ATP rankings.
And after another early exit in the Stuttgart Open earlier this month, the American is now into the last 16 of the Halle Open.
Chris Eubanks raves over new world number one Jannik Sinner
The spot was secured with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Pedro Martinez, with a strong run now surely the aim for Eubanks as Wimbledon approaches.
Focusing on his own game will be key, but the American has taken time to praise fellow professional Jannik Sinner after his rise to world number one.
“One of the nicest guys in the locker room, one of the nicest guys I think all around,” Eubanks told Tennis TV.
“You see he speaks to everyone, from locker room attendants to other players. The way that he carries himself on the court is really, really fun to watch.
“He’s actually probably one of my favourite players to watch because of his ball striking, the talent, the movement, his ability to defend out of the corners.
“He just does so many things well, and then you pair that with knowing that he’s such a nice guy, he’s an easy guy to root for.”
Chris Eubanks meets Jannik Sinner up close at the French Open
Eubanks certainly got a close look at one of his favourite players at the French Open, with the duo having met in the very first round.
The American would have been thrilled with the prospect of facing the Italian, albeit he perhaps would have liked the match to have taken place later in the competition.
And that certainly would have been the opinion of Eubanks after their match in Paris, with Sinner winning the clash 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.
The Italian went on to be named world number one shortly after, as well as making it all the way to the semi-finals.
Sinner rightfully received plenty of plaudits for the former achievement, with legendary figures Andre Agassi and Roger Federer among those sending messages of congratulations.
The Italian will now be eyeing his second major title at Wimbledon next month, having learned a lot from his last four finish in London last time out.
Eubanks meanwhile, while disappointed to have exited the French Open so early, will have gained similar experience from his encounter with Sinner.
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