US Open: Chris Eubanks makes perfect start to following up Wimbledon heroics back home as he battles past Soonwoo Kwon in four sets

American Chris Eubanks took the first step to another deep Grand Slam run on Monday when he defeated Soonwoo Kwon in four sets: 6-3, 6-4, 0-6, 6-4.

Just last month, the 27-year-old announced herself with a Wimbledon quarterfinal that changed the trajectory of a previously stalled tennis career.

Now a more well-known name at home – as evidenced by his performance on ‘Good Morning America’ last week – he navigated the Tribune in Kwon against a tough opponent, who took him to five sets at this year’s Australian Open.

“I’m playing my first round in the stands, instead of field four or five there,” he told the tournament’s internal media immediately after the match.

He later told reporters, “It was pretty chilling when I walked out and saw the crowd already waiting there.

“To hear the applause they gave me… I’ve played a lot of matches here at the Open, but nothing like that for a first round.”

The lanky Atlanta native still seems to be getting to grips with his newfound fame, as he admitted after the game that he “hates” using the term “role model.”

Nevertheless, his profile has undoubtedly increased in the eyes of youngsters and tournament organizers alike, allowing him to now practice in some of the venue’s larger venues.

“It’s not really a luxury that I’ve had in recent years just because sometimes you get the court they give you,” he said.

“It was pretty cool this year to be able to say, ‘Hey, can I practice in the stands?’ and get it. That was pretty cool.’

The 6-foot-7 World No. 30 fired 10 aces in an impressive first two sets before Kwon rocked the match.

The South Korean kept his serve to start the third set before breaking Eubanks twice to open a commanding 4-0 lead.

That soon turned into a 6–0 set win, and although Eubanks still led the game, it was a stark turnaround from what had been a confident start to the game.

You could briefly see him returning to the locker room after Kwon fired a forehand winner to take the set.

Kwon started the fourth set with a serve, but it wasn’t long before fan favorite Eubanks awakened a momentarily drowsy crowd.

After tying the set, he took Kwon to deuce and his hit to the net 40-40 put him on a point within a crucial break.

He immediately capitalized to take a 2–1 lead in the set, and appeared to have largely regained his swagger for the remainder of the set as he held serve for the match.

Eubanks takes on Benjamin Bonzi next.