Latest news with #ChristopherEubanks
The National
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The National
Christopher Eubanks hopes to ace tennis as a player and broadcaster
Two years ago, Christopher Eubanks had a life-changing grass-court season. In March 2023, the American had cracked the top 100 for the first time, on the back of an impressive run to the Miami Open quarter-finals, as a qualifier. Two-and-a-half months later, on the grass courts of Mallorca, 77th-ranked Eubanks clinched a maiden ATP title, two days ahead of the start of Wimbledon. Entering the Championships, Eubanks owned a 2-8 win-loss record at the Grand Slams, with his best results being two second-round appearances. That all changed that summer though, as Eubanks stormed to the Wimbledon quarter-finals, knocking out 13th-ranked Cameron Norrie and fifth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas along the way. His nine-match winning streak on grass courts was eventually snapped by world No 3 Daniil Medvedev, who beat Eubanks in five sets in the last eight. Eubanks, who was 27 at the time, hit a career-high mark of 29 as a result of that run. But its impact on him went far beyond rankings. 'It certainly was [life-changing],' Eubanks told The National at the All England Club, ahead of his third consecutive main draw appearance at Wimbledon. 'I think it enhanced, say, what I expected of myself. So a certain level of expectation that I have, saying, 'Oh, I can play well, I can be in the second week of a major', which is something up to that point, I didn't really know if it was a real possibility. 'So certainly it's changed my perspective on my own tennis.' It's hard to imagine Eubanks can ever be short on perspective. The 29-year-old Atlanta native has an interesting side hustle that helps him gain deeper insight into the game, as well as the psychology of a professional athlete. When he's not on a tennis court, Eubanks is a broadcaster, often commentating matches or conducting interviews for Tennis Channel or ESPN. While it's common to see former players enter the media space following their retirement, it's way less common to see active players take on media-related gigs. Eubanks sat behind a microphone to call a match for the first time at a Challenger event in Knoxville in November 2021. He had seen his fellow American Taylor Townsend do some media work for Tennis Channel when she was on maternity leave, and had his agent contact the network to see if he could take on a similar role. They signed him up to do some commentary for the spring of 2022 and he figured he should get some practice in at a Challenger he was competing in. After getting through his own match, Eubanks joined Mike Cation – a respected tennis commentator – in the booth in Knoxville to call a second-round match between Jack Sock and Prajnesh Gunneswaran. Eubanks won the Knoxville title that week, which was perhaps a sign he could juggle both duties if he wanted to. The gigs kept coming from then on and Eubanks received rave reviews for his insights, commentating style and engaging conversation. After losing in the first round of the US Open last year, he joined the ESPN crew and was given several roles, including interviewing players in the tunnel before they stepped on court for their matches, or right after they won. He made sure his media obligations always came after he had finished competing in a tournament – a formula that has been working out well for him for the past three years. Several active players have since followed suit, like Sloane Stephens, who was part of TNT's French Open coverage this year as she continues to recover from a foot injury, and Lucas Pouille, who conducted on-court interviews at Roland Garros, while his ruptured Achilles tendon heals. Is it difficult to talk about other players on television when you could soon face them in a match on court? 'Honestly, no,' Eubanks says with zero hesitation. 'It's something that I think before I started doing it, it was a a bit of an apprehension. But I've always found it that here's a way to be critical and be respectful at the same time. They're not mutually exclusive.' For Eubanks, context is important when analysing a surprise loss or a poor performance from a player. 'It kills me oftentimes when you see players who go deep in a slam and they have one bad showing in, say, like a round of 16 and it looks like they don't even belong on the court. And it's like the commentary around that also needs to highlight this player's just won three matches, especially on the men's side, best-of-five. 'Even on the women's side, big money, big pressure moments. They clearly can play tennis. There's a reason why maybe they're not playing well on this day. 'Maybe it's conditions, maybe it's fatigue, maybe it's whatever. So for me, it's just painting a broader context. And I think because I'm out here with players on tour, I maybe empathise with it a bit more. 'And it hasn't presented itself to where it's been that difficult of a problem. It's like, oh, let's tell both sides of it. It's not just this player is playing poorly. 'The player on the other side of the net is probably doing something to force this player to play poorly. And let's break down the tennis and let's keep it on the court.' Eubanks refuses to take credit for the growing trend of active players taking on media roles, reiterating that it was Townsend who inspired him to pursue this. 'I do think it's a trend and I think it's a trend in the right direction. I think we're seeing it across all sports and not just tennis,' he explained. 'We're seeing players who play in the NBA. They're eliminated from the play-offs then they join NBA coverage. 'We're seeing active NBA players doing stuff for ESPN. We have obviously tons of NBA and NFL active players doing sports podcasts or getting into the media space. So I think it's a trend that's just moving in that direction. 'And I think fans are excited to hear about it because you want to hear from the players that are playing the game against the players that they're talking about.' Eubanks was recently randomly mentioned in a Nick Kyrgios interview, where the Australian, who is sidelined with an injury, hit out at the BBC for not including him in their commentary team for this year's Wimbledon. 'It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine,' Kyrgios told The Guardian of the BBC. 'I understand they've got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans.' Eubanks jokingly shared a meme on social media that indicated his surprise at being mentioned in that conversation, before clarifying he was never contacted by the BBC to take on any media responsibilities at these Championships. Instead, the American is hoping to enjoy a good run at Wimbledon, where he kicks off his campaign on Tuesday against Jesper de Jong. Down to 130 in the world, Eubanks has struggled to find consistent results since his breakthrough two years ago, but he knows which mindset he needs to adopt in order to find his game once again. 'In 2023, I spoke a lot about it; not really focusing on the results and just letting things happen,' he reflected. 'I think the hardest part now is trying to find that state again. It's pretty easy when you're winning to say, 'I don't care about the results' and you're just riding the high of winning, whatever, nine matches in a row. 'But now the expectation that I have of myself is that I want to be playing deeper rounds. I want to be back ranked inside the top 50. These are the things and the standards that I'm holding myself to. 'And I think over the course of the past, say, 12 to 18 months, it's been some ups and downs and some times where I probably wasn't in the best headspace. 'But now I do think having that perspective, saying, alright, I did it once. I stressed out about it for the next year or two, or a year to a year and a half of trying to recreate it and forcing it, and forcing it, and forcing it. And I think now I've kind of hit a point where I'm like, alright, well, that didn't really work either. 'So let's just do everything that we can to find that, for lack of a better term, flow state to allow myself to just go out there, play the best tennis that I can play, be OK with whatever the result is and then just trust. 'I think that the biggest challenge has been trusting that over time, things are going to turn the way that I want them to.'
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Nick Kyrgios breaks silence on BBC axing as tennis star aims thinly-veiled dig at his replacement ahead of this summer's Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios has hit out at the BBC after being dropped from their Wimbledon coverage — branding the decision 'very strange' and taking a not-so-subtle swipe at the man expected to replace him on the punditry panel. The Australian, who was praised for his insight and charisma during last year's tournament while recovering from a wrist injury, will not return to the BBC this summer. It is understood that American world No 108 Christopher Eubanks has been lined up instead. Kyrgios, who has beaten each member of the so-called 'Big Four' — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — expressed his bemusement at the call. 'It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine,' he told The Guardian. 'I understand they've got Chris Eubanks, but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans.' Eubanks, 29, reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023 and has also developed a strong reputation as a pundit in the US, working for the Tennis Channel, ESPN, and TNT Sports. Kyrgios added: 'I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere.' The 30-year-old has not competed at Wimbledon since reaching the 2022 final, where he lost to Djokovic. He is currently recovering from another injury setback and has ruled himself out of this year's Championships. However, he insists he plans to return to the court during the North American hard court swing later this summer. 'Yes, for sure,' he said. 'I'm definitely playing the US swing and I'll take it one day at a time.' Kyrgios's omission comes as Andy Murray also confirmed he has turned down the chance to return to the BBC studio. The two-time Wimbledon champion suggested that punditry was not the right fit for him at this stage. Speaking to GQ, Murray said: 'You can just throw stuff out there. People love it if it's a bit controversial, but you don't actually have any skin in the game. I'd be more inclined to do coaching.' The BBC has yet to officially announce its full broadcast line-up for Wimbledon 2025, which gets underway on June 30.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Very strange' – Nick Kyrgios lets slip who BBC have replaced him with for Wimbledon and immediately fires dig at him
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NICK KYRGIOS has revealed that world No108 Christopher Eubanks will replace him on the BBC's Wimbledon coverage this year. Kyrgios, 30, worked for the Beeb during last year's Championships, providing a fresh voice and perspective alongside usual suspects John McEnroe and Tim Henman. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Nick Kyrgios has been out of action since March due to injury Credit: EPA 5 Kyrgios, 30, provided punditry for the BBC last year Credit: BBC Despite generally going down well with viewers, Kyrgios has not been signed up by the BBC for this year's tournament. The Aussie is set to miss his third Wimbledon in a row, having struggled with persistent knee and wrist injuries. Kyrgios' last match at the All-England Club was the 2022 final, in which he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. Eubanks' best run at Wimbledon came in the following year, when he stunned the likes of Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing in five sets to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. READ MORE TENNIS Muzz job Andy Murray reveals he is set to snub 'easy' Wimbledon TV punditry gig On not being selected by the Beeb this year, Kyrgios told The Guardian: "It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine. "I understand they've got Chris Eubanks but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. "When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans." In addition to working for the BBC at Wimbledon, Kyrgios has also appeared on Tennis Channel's coverage of the sport in the United States. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Christopher Eubanks has plenty of broadcasting experience 5 Eubanks, 29, reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023 Credit: Rex American Eubanks, meanwhile, has been juggling his playing career with plenty of punditry. The former world No29 has also worked on Tennis Channel, as well as ESPN and most recently TNT Sports during Roland Garros. Nick Kyrgios breaks silence on split with ex-girlfriend Costeen Hatzi as Wimbledon finalist reveals new look Kyrgios has not shut the door on working for the BBC again in future. The former Australian Open men's doubles champion said: "I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere." Due to injuries, Kyrgios has played just six singles matches since October 2022. The crowd entertainer last played in Miami in March, losing to Karen Khachanov in the second round. Despite his uncertain status, having since pulled out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Kyrgios is determined to resume playing during the US hard court swing, culminating in a first appearance at Flushing Meadows in three years. He added: "Yes, for sure. I'm definitely playing the US swing and I'll take it one day at a time."
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Very strange' – Nick Kyrgios lets slip who BBC have replaced him with for Wimbledon and immediately fires dig at him
NICK KYRGIOS has revealed that world No108 Christopher Eubanks will replace him on the BBC's Wimbledon coverage this year. Advertisement 5 Nick Kyrgios has been out of action since March due to injury Credit: EPA 5 Kyrgios, 30, provided punditry for the BBC last year Credit: BBC Despite generally going down well with viewers, Kyrgios has not been signed up by the BBC for this year's tournament. The Aussie is set to miss his third Wimbledon in a row, having struggled with persistent knee and wrist injuries. Kyrgios' last match at the All-England Club was the 2022 final, in which he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. Eubanks' best run at Wimbledon came in the following year, when he stunned the likes of Advertisement READ MORE TENNIS On not being selected by the Beeb this year, Kyrgios told "I understand they've got Chris Eubanks but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. "When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans." In addition to working for the BBC at Wimbledon, Kyrgios has also appeared on Tennis Channel's coverage of the sport in the United States. Advertisement Most read in Tennis BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 Christopher Eubanks has plenty of broadcasting experience 5 Eubanks, 29, reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in 2023 Credit: Rex American Eubanks, meanwhile, has been juggling his playing career with plenty of punditry. Advertisement The former world No29 has also worked on Tennis Channel, as well as ESPN and most recently TNT Sports during Roland Garros. Nick Kyrgios breaks silence on split with ex-girlfriend Costeen Hatzi as Wimbledon finalist reveals new look Kyrgios has not shut the door on working for the BBC again in future. The former Australian Open men's doubles champion said: "I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere." Due to injuries, Kyrgios has played just six singles matches since October 2022. Advertisement The crowd entertainer last played in Miami in March, losing to Karen Khachanov in the second round. Despite his uncertain status, having since He added: "Yes, for sure. I'm definitely playing the US swing and I'll take it one day at a time." 5 Kyrgios last played in Miami three months ago Credit: Getty Advertisement
The Sun
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘Very strange' – Nick Kyrgios lets slip who BBC have replaced him with for Wimbledon and immediately fires dig at him
NICK KYRGIOS has revealed that world No108 Christopher Eubanks will replace him on the BBC's Wimbledon coverage this year. Kyrgios, 30, worked for the Beeb during last year's Championships, providing a fresh voice and perspective alongside usual suspects John McEnroe and Tim Henman. 5 5 Despite generally going down well with viewers, Kyrgios has not been signed up by the BBC for this year's tournament. The Aussie is set to miss his third Wimbledon in a row, having struggled with persistent knee and wrist injuries. Kyrgios' last match at the All-England Club was the 2022 final, in which he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets. Eubanks' best run at Wimbledon came in the following year, when he stunned the likes of Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas before losing in five sets to Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals. On not being selected by the Beeb this year, Kyrgios told The Guardian: "It's unfortunate but it's probably their loss more than mine. "I understand they've got Chris Eubanks but he hasn't beaten the greatest of all time multiple times. "When someone's beaten Federer, Nadal, Murray and Djokovic and has incredible insights, it's very strange you wouldn't want that person adding knowledge to tennis fans." In addition to working for the BBC at Wimbledon, Kyrgios has also appeared on Tennis Channel's coverage of the sport in the United States. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 5 5 American Eubanks, meanwhile, has been juggling his playing career with plenty of punditry. The former world No29 has also worked on Tennis Channel, as well as ESPN and most recently TNT Sports during Roland Garros. Nick Kyrgios breaks silence on split with ex-girlfriend Costeen Hatzi as Wimbledon finalist reveals new look Kyrgios has not shut the door on working for the BBC again in future. The former Australian Open men's doubles champion said: "I'm sure our paths will cross again. I only ever want to add humour, some knowledge and some great atmosphere." Due to injuries, Kyrgios has played just six singles matches since October 2022. The crowd entertainer last played in Miami in March, losing to Karen Khachanov in the second round. Despite his uncertain status, having since pulled out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Kyrgios is determined to resume playing during the US hard court swing, culminating in a first appearance at Flushing Meadows in three years. He added: "Yes, for sure. I'm definitely playing the US swing and I'll take it one day at a time." 5
