After a troubled start to 2023, American Eubanks upsets defending champ Humbert in Auckland

Christopher Eubanks will face former top 10 player David Goffin in the next round

Christopher Eubanks at the 2023 ASB Classic Image Credit: Photosport / Panoramic

January 10, 2023

American qualifier Christopher Eubanks moved into the second round of the Auckland Open with an upset win over French wildcard Ugo Humbert 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3) at the ASB Tennis Centre on Tuesday.

Eubanks had come through the qualifying draw and has now won three matches to start the 2023 season after pulling out of the ATP Pune Open last week due to breathing difficulties after he arrived in India.

3-0 to start the new season and up to a career-high ranking of #116!

Hear from the man himself @chris_eubanks96 🔥#ASBClassic pic.twitter.com/VpjVqxaI4W
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) January 10, 2023

Eubanks, who had a difficult start to the season as he recounted in a detailed Twitter thread which include asthma concerns, long flights with multiple layovers and screaming babies, and lost baggage, has received the American reciprocal wild card for the Australian Open next month.

Now I need to book flights to Auckland. The only place I could find the flight(s) I needed was on Priceline because for some reason, Qantas’ website didn’t show any Qantas flights for Jan 1 but Priceline did???? Make it make sense pic.twitter.com/JrbWXeJ9k6
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

So the flight I booked has 2 layovers. Mind you, I’m from ATL and I fly Delta. I’m not used to layovers (very spoiled) but it’s the only option so I go with it…
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

After over an hour at the check in counter, they finally figure it out and we’re on our way…. Flight to Bengaluru… smooth. We land and find out that our next flight to Sydney has been delayed EIGHT HOURS…… 😒😒😒
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

We eventually find a loophole to get in and we chill until our flight to Sydney… This flight to Sydney is the most uncomfortable flight I’ve ever experienced. I get a MAJOR headache that lasts half of this 12 hour flight AND…
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

We eventually land in Sydney and have a one hour layover to make our flight to Auckland. We make it in plenty of time. After we board the plane, then get told there will be a delay….. we sit there an hour before we eventually take off ☹️
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

We file a claim with Baggage Services and ask the rep when we might be able to expect an update on our bags… he says “you’ll be lucky to receive them in two weeks. There’s global backlog on missing bags” At this point, I just walk away and let my coach handle it. IM OVER IT pic.twitter.com/EsJDux6R2o
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

Totally forgot to mention that 4 reels of string was confiscated at the Sydney airport because apparently “it’s not allowed on a carry on” Completely bypassed that minor inconvenience as well. Ok I’m done. Goodnight/morning whatever it is ✌🏾
— Christopher Eubanks (@chris_eubanks96) January 2, 2023

Eubanks, ranked No 123, will face Belgian David Goffin next.

Auckland ATP 250, other first-round results (ASB Tennis Centre, hard, most recent results first):