You often see surprising results at ATP 250s right before the start of a Grand Slam, and this week at the Mallorca Championships is no exception.
Even though Chris Eubanks had already been enjoying a breakout season on tour, pretty much no one could have predicted that he would make a run to the Mallorca final. But that is exactly what the 77th-ranked American has done, advancing to his first-ever ATP title match thanks to victories over Alex Michelsen, Ben Shelton, Arthur Rindeknech, and Lloyd Harris. It has been nothing short of a wild week for Eubanks, who held off Michelsen 7-5 in the third and then defeated Rinderknech in a pair of tiebreakers in between third-set ‘breakers against both Shelton and Harris. The former Georgia Tech standout even saved five match points against Harris on Saturday, including three in succession from 0-40 down while serving at 4-5 in the decider.
Up next for Eubanks on Saturday afternoon is Adrian Mannarino. Although Mannarino is not ranked particularly high, either (No. 43), his appearance in the final is pretty much expected. After all, grass-court events are the Frenchman’s stopping grounds. One of his two ATP titles (‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2019) has come on the lawn and three of his nine runner-up performances have done the same.
Since this is Mannarino’s favorite time of year, he cannot let any opportunities on grass go to waste. So far, so good in 2023. The left-hander advanced to the quarterfinals in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and at Queen’s Club, and now he has booked a ticket to the Mallorca final by beating Guido Pella, Corentin, and Yannik Hanfmann.
Saturday’s showdown is a rematch of their only previous encounter from earlier this season in round four of the Miami Open. That remains the biggest moment of Eubanks’ career to date, as his 7-6(2), 7-6(5) win not only gave him a spot in the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 event but also clinched a debut in the top 100 of the ATP rankings.
Fast forward three months and it is once again Mannarino who stands in Eubanks’ way of another milestone achievement.
It will be even tougher for the Atlanta native this time around with Mannarino playing on his favorite surface. Eubanks has to serve extremely well, and even then this a difficult matchup for him on grass. Mannarino’s shots will stay low and undoubtedly frustrate a 6’7” opponent, so look for the veteran to deliver a free grass-court lesson and triumph on the ATP Tour for the third time.
Pick: Mannarino in 2
WWW?
I’m cheering for the Ga Tech star, Eubanks,….but I’m picking Mannarino…in 3.
Mannarino is playing like he has nothing lose.
Mannarino, just cos the experience and mental fortitude, but Eubanks’ headspace has been so solid this week, even when down 0-40, it’s really tough to call.
Looks to be a calf injury with Dummarino. Awesome.
Mannarino was injured, but Eubanks played great regardless
I was right then that he needed a rest?