Former Wimbledon champion would be shocked if Chris Eubanks made US Open last eight
Former Wimbledon winner Frederik Lochte Nielsen believes that Chris Eubanks will struggle to reach the last eight at the US Open this season.
Nielsen feels that Eubanks could put in some fine performances but might just come up short.
He doesn’t believe that it will be a matter of pressure getting to him as he believes Eubanks is mentally strong.
Nielsen still feels that Eubanks can build on his Wimbledon breakthrough but stressed that confidence will be key for the American.
“I believe Chris Eubanks can build on his excellent performances. If there’s pressure, I don’t think it’ll be a major challenge for him. In fact, I think he’ll thrive on it,” Nielsen told SpilXperten.
Nielsen believes that Eubanks’ own high standards could be his undoing and he feels that the 27-year-old could struggle if he gets taken deep.
“His main challenge will be that he’s a player who relies on being in the zone,” Nielsen added.
“He sets high ambitions, and he’s not the type to grind out matches. He wins everything on his own racket.”
Nielsen believes that Eubanks will need to wrap up his matches as quickly as possible if he is to reach the second week.
“Perhaps he’s not yet as consistent as the very best,” Nielsn continued.
“So his challenge will likely be to avoid going in and winning 6-3, 6-2, and 6-3 matches, so he can save energy for later in the tournament.”
Eubanks remains a player that could cause anyone trouble during the hard court swing.
“However, when he’s at his best, when his serve is firing, and he’s inspired, he’s uncomfortable for all opponents,” remarked Nielsen.
Nielsen feels that it might be a little too much to expect another run to the last eight from Eubanks when her arrives at Flushing Meadows.
“If he has momentum, there’s no reason why he can’t deliver good results, but I would be surprised if he reaches the quarterfinals again,” he noted.
“He’s not immediately in my top eight, but who knows? The draw might open up positively for him.”
Eubanks was eliminated by Gael Monfils in the first round of the National Bank Open in Toronto and the manner of his exit might just prove Nielsen’s point.
The first two sets went to tiebreakers and were split each way but in the third it was Monfils who raced away with the victory as Eubanks capitulated late on.
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