Christopher Eubanks looks to be the latest victim of the virus circling around the US Open as he was forced to leave the court mid-rally.
One of the storylines developing at the 2023 US Open is a virus that many players seem to be struggling with. John McEnroe tested positive for COVID-19 and had to miss some days of ESPN commentary, but also ATP & WTA players are struggling.
There have been multiple players struggling as Ons Jabeur played sick, Emil Ruusuvuori withdrew because of sickness, Dominic Thiem struggled with stomach issues, and Hubert Hurkacz also appeared to be sick.
One of the players that also seemed to struggle was Christopher Eubanks. Facing off against Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the US Open, the American took care of a bizarre moment, as he rushed off the court mid-rally.
Down a set and tied at 5-5 in the fourth, it wasn’t Bonzi's shots that troubled Eubanks. It was the American player's stomach that troubled him. Eubanks discussed the situation with the umpire, opting that leaving the court would be the best solution.
C: "If I take a penalty for every point this game, plus a bathroom break, how much time is that? Like just sacrifice this next game to go to the bathroom."
U: "Now?"
C: "Yeah I mean, yeah. If I did, how much time is that?"
U: "You wouldn't have long."
C: "I wouldn't? Even if I gave the game plus a bathroom break?"
U: "You have the whole changeover at 6-5."
Eubanks also requested some medication earlier during the match, so it was clear that he was struggling with some kind of issue throughout the match. At 5-5, Bonzi hit two aces, and when the French player led 40-0, Eubanks started sprinting off the court after hitting the return, probably leaving his opponent surprised.
After returning to the court, Eubanks managed to hold his serve. Still, his efforts were not enough to win the match, as he lost it in four sets 6-7(6), 6-2, 2-6, 6-7(7).
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