Christopher Eubanks of the United States exhibited remarkable resilience and determination as he battled past Lloyd Harris in a thrilling semifinal showdown at the Mallorca Open to reach his first-ever tour-level final.
Eubanks emerged victorious with a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (11/9) triumph after a gruelling encounter on Friday.
Eubanks, who had previously ousted his compatriot Ben Shelton en route to the semi-finals, encountered a formidable challenge in the form of Harris. Initially, it was Harris who took an early advantage by clinching the first set, leaving Eubanks with an uphill task to secure a comeback.
Undeterred by the setback, the American showcased his resilience and unwavering spirit, relentlessly fighting back to claim the second set. Eubanks' powerful shots and strategic play steadily wore down Harris, leading to an enthralling decider.
The third set proved to be an absolute nail-biter, with both players refusing to concede an inch. With Harris holding a 5-4 lead and three match points on his serve, Eubanks demonstrated nerves of steel, saving each one to keep his hopes alive.
As the set reached its climax, a tense tie-break ensued, intensifying the drama. Eubanks and Harris battled fiercely, exchanging blows and saving match points on two occasions each. However, it was Eubanks who emerged as the ultimate victor as Harris unleashed a final shot that sailed long, securing Eubanks' triumphant passage to the final.
(With inputs from AFP)
