Photo credit: Mike Hewitt/Getty
Big Banks has closed the curtain on his pro tennis career.
Christopher Eubanks announced his retirement from the ATP Tour today.
The 29-year-old Eubanks reached a career-high rank of No. 29. Eubanks famously won the 2023 Mallorca Tennis Championships title on grass then knocked off two Top 15 players, Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitsipas, en route to the 2023 Wimbledon quarterfinals where he bowed to Daniil Medvedev in five tight sets.
The 6’7″ Eubanks, affectionately nicknamed “Big Banks” by his peers, took to Instagram today to say good-bye to his playing career.
“If you had told this little boy from the Southside of Atlanta that he would’ve accomplished all that he did, he wouldn’t believe you. 2 Time ACC Player of the Year? Yeah right. Wimbledon Quarter-finalist? No chance. An Olympian? Unfathomable,” Eubanks posted on Instagram. “I was given opportunity to travel around the world and form incredible relationships all while fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing professional tennis.
“I can’t put into words how blessed I have been. Is this absolutely the end?! Tough to say for certain but if it is, WHOOPTY DOO!!! It’s been an incredible ride.”
In a breakout performance, Eubanks was ranked No. 119 when he qualified for the 2023 Miami Open main draw. Big Banks proceeded to turn the draw upside down in a winning roll that saw him surge to the quarterfinals where he fell to Medvedev.
At that Miami Open, Eubanks, a devoted Roger Federer fan, shared one of his only true tennis regrets: Switching from a two-handed backhand to a one-handed backhand because he wanted to emulate his tennis hero Federer.
Atlanta native Eubanks was known for his booming serve, willingness to attack net and his shotmaking skills.
Currently ranked No. 266, Eubanks has applied his tactical acumen to his work as a respected tennis commentator for both Tennis Channel and TNT’s Roland Garros coverage. Here’s hoping we see and hear a lot more from Big Banks in the commentary booth.