Eubanks’ practice with Federer does not lead to U.S. Open success

In the Men’s Collegiate Invitational continued at the U.S. Open on Thursday, Martin Redlicki of UCLA defeated Georgia Tech’s Christopher Eubanks 6-2, 6-4. Eubanks also got a wild card into the main draw of the men’s tournament and lost in the first round to Dudi Sela.

The Atlanta native did, however, enjoy a career highlight during his fortnight in New York. He got to practice on Tuesday with none other than former world No. 1 and 19-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer.

Eubanks posted the following on Twitter: “Had a blast today striking a few with the GOAT! Thanks and good luck tomorrow @rogerfederer #Usopen2017 #GOAT.”

Unfortunately for both players involved, the practice session did not pay off in the form of victories. In addition to Eubanks’ Collegiate Invitational loss, Federer fell to Juan Martin Del Potro 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(8), 6-4 during quarterfinal action on Wednesday night.

Meanwhile, for the first time in U.S. Open history wheelchair tennis was played in Arthur Ashe Stadium. In a men’s doubles match on Thursday afternoon, No. 2 seeds Alfie Hewitt and Gordon Reid of Great Britain Alfie Hewett beat Japan’s Shingo Kunedia and Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez 6-3, 6-2.

“We knew a few days ago that some matches would be played on Ashe,” said the 19-year-old Hewett. “I found out at 8 p.m. last night–it was a nice surprise.”

“It was incredible to have that opportunity as wheelchair players,” Reid added. “It’s showing the respect that wheelchair tennis is gaining, a great first match here. It’s probably the nicest court I played on, so for me, it really is the stuff that dreams are made of, to play on Ashe. Hopefully, it’s not the last time.”

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