Jannik Sinner will face Christopher Eubanks on the occasion of the first round of Roland Garros 2024. Not exactly an easy debut for the Italian star, although the American is not a specialist on clay and therefore represents an opponent within reach. However, this is not the first time between the two: there is in fact a precedent, it dates back to the 2022 US Open and it has strong blue hues, with Jannik victorious without losing a set… but not without risks.
The precedent between Sinner and Eubanks
Let’s go back to the first day of September 2022; Sinner against Eubanks’ complex tennis in the second round of the US Open. After a first set in calm control, which ended 6-4, the second set was decisive for the positive outcome of the match in favor of the Italian. Eubanks, benefiting from a remarkable technical repertoire, tried to put Sinner in difficulty by approaching the net with consistency and determination, showing off his touch that should not be underestimated.
Key moment at 6-5 in favor of the American: extraordinary demi-volée by the tennis player from Atlanta, 15-30 and the crowd in raptures. Despite being under great pressure, Sinner managed not to lose his nerve, dampened the enthusiasm with a sensational recovery squeeze and dragged the set to 6-6. Tie-break won with a score of 10-8, after a hard fight, and a match almost in the safe.
After the big scare, the third set did not cause any particular worries for Sinner, ahead by two breaks without too many problems and able to close with a highlight reel. Last ball of the match managed by the book: usual advancing forehand by Eubanks and passer-rocket down the line by the athlete from San Candido for the final 6-4, 7-6(8), 6-2.
The dangers for Sinner
In view of Sinner’s debut at Roland Garros, the aforementioned US Open match provides us with some indications. Although clay is a very different surface than outdoor hard court, the flow of the match between the two revealed Eubanks’ strengths and weaknesses. The American, in fact, shows a game that can be defined as a hybrid between the old and the new school; powerful shots between serve and forehand, but an old-fashioned sensitivity at the net. Dynamism is certainly not the stars and stripes tennis player’s added weapon, nor is defensive performance: when he has to “paddle”, the American suffers, but a skilful use of the slice frequently helps him.
Sinner, for his part, certainly has a clear tactical plan in mind, but in the past it has shown that tennis players who like to change pace suddenly and are therefore unpredictable suffer. The goal is to put Eubanks in a grip composed of lightning accelerations and tactical cunning, so as to neutralize the opponent’s changes in pace. Jannik is certainly favorite for a place in the second round of the Parisian Slam, with one of Borna Coric or Richard Gasquet waiting for him, but maximum concreteness will be needed.
