Google News Christopher Eubanks reveals Roger Federer inspired his switch to one-handed backhand
by DZEVAD MESIC
Miami Open sensation Christopher Eubanks reveals his one-handed backhand was inspired by Roger Federer. Eubanks, 26, was hitting a two-handed backhand until the age of 14. Then, Eubanks made a decision to switch to a one-handed backhand.
The move was inspired by the great Roger Federer, who mastered the one-handed backhand.
Eubanks: Federer inspired by one-handed backhand
"I started off two hands on both sides up until the age of about nine or ten. Then I switched to a one-hand forehand.
I think at about 14 I went to a one-hand backhand. It's what I have now. Obviously I have had a decent amount of success with it. Gonna make it work. Going to try and make it as good of a one-handed backhand as I can. It's a bit of a running joke now between me and some of my friends, my dad, when I switched to the one-handed backhand.
I wanted to do it because I loved Federer. Now I go to my dad, Why did you let me do that? You had no idea guys would just go throw balls above my shoulder for my entire career. You know, it's how it goes," Eubanks said, per Sportskeeda.
Meanwhile, Eubanks' career-best run at the Miami Open has come to an end. On Thursday, Eubanks suffered a 6-3 7-5 loss to Daniil Medvedev in the Miami quarterfinal. Still, it doesn't change the fact that this was the tournament of Eubanks' career.
In Miami, Eubanks first two qualifying matches to reach the main draw. After reaching the Miami main draw, Eubanks then won his first four matches to reach his first Masters quarterfinal. Eubanks, who is now ranked at No 119 in the world, will be a top-100 player for the first time in his life on Monday.
It remains to be seen if Eubanks can now continue his rise and make more notable results in the remainder of the season.