Eubanks becomes hometown hero in Atlanta

Making your first ATP quarterfinal is a huge step in any young player’s career.

And if you can pull it off in front of a home crowd, then all the better.

Christopher Eubanks, a senior at nearby Georgia Tech, knocked off Jared Donaldson on Thursday at the BB&T Atlanta Open. His opening-round win over Taylor Fritz was his first main-draw victory on the ATP Tour. His run would end at the hands of another American, Ryan Harrison, in the quarters.

It’s only fitting that the world No. 461 has experienced such a breakthrough at this tournament, as he’s known on-court success in the city since he was a teenager. The Atlanta native played high school tennis at Westlake, and helped the team to two runner-up finishes in the state championships.

In his collegiate career, Eubanks has gotten as high as No. 4 in the nation, and after his junior season was named ACC Player of the Year for the second year in a row. He also reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Singles Championships this past season.

The 21-year-old got his first taste of pro tennis in Atlanta back in 2012, falling in the first round of qualifying as a 16-year-old. Last year, he came out of qualifying to make the main draw, where he fell in the first round to countryman Reilly Opelka.

At last year’s tournament, he also reached his first career doubles semifinal, partnering with fellow Atlanta standout Donald Young.

Eubanks entered Atlanta this week on a bit of a tear after strong performances in Winston-Salem, N.C., on the ITF Pro Circuit. In June, he captured his first pro title, defeating Georgia Tech alum Kevin King in three sets in the final, and the next week finished runner-up to Tommy Paul.

At 6'7", Eubanks possesses a huge game and his college tennis experience is only helping him develop the confidence to match his abilities. He's expected to rise to a career-high No. 348 after his performance in Atlanta.

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