US Open star runs for toilet break mid-point after asking about forfeiting game
Christopher Eubanks' US Open run ended in bizarre circumstances, with the American calling for a mid-point toilet break before crashing out early.
Eubanks impressed at Wimbledon, stunning Cameron Norrie and Stefanos Tsitspias en route to his first ever Grand Slam quarter-final. He failed to repeat the trick at Flushing Meadows, though, beating Kwon Soon-woo in round one but subsequently falling to wildcard Benjamin Bonzi.
He had a tough time against the Frenchman, reportedly requesting nausea medication during a four-set loss. And, during a crucial point in the clash, he asked to be excused, even if it meant forfeiting an important game.
With the scores tied at 5-5 in the fourth set - and with Bonzi leading by two sets to one - Eubanks was seen dashing off court in the middle of a rally. The Mail reported that, earlier in the game, he approached the umpire to determine his options after struggling with illness during the second round clash.
"If I take a penalty for every point this game, plus a bathroom break, how much time is that?" the American asked. "Like just sacrifice this next game to go to the bathroom,' he asked with the fourth set tied 5-5.
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After confirming Eubanks meant right away, the umpire clarified he wouldn't have too long a break. "You have the whole changeover at 6-5," was the response.
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Eubanks serves to his opponent before dashing off the court (Twitter)
The American is seen leaving the court during the rally (Twitter)Eubanks returned to hold serve and force a tie-break at the end of the fourth set. He couldn't win that, though, and his opponent progressed to round three.
Next up for Bonzi is a meeting with Dominic Stricker, who caused a surprise of his own in the second round. The Swiss qualifier stunned seventh seed Tsitsipas, coming back from two sets to one behind to win 7-5, 6-7, 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.
The US Open's official report on the match also referenced Eubanks' illness, as well as the fact that he intentionally conceded a game at 5-5 in the fourth set. "All credit to both players in this contest, as Bonzi never lost his focus during Eubanks’ medical situation, and Eubanks refused to bow out despite visibly feeling ill," the report read.
The bottom half of the draw has opened right up, with Eubanks and Tsitsipas not the only seeds to fall. Number five seed Casper Ruud fell to Zhang Zhizhen in round two, while Holger Rune - seeded fourth - crashed out in the first round against Roberto Carballes Baena.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti also suffered early exits, though number two seed Novak Djokovic remains in the draw. The Serbian faces compatriot Laslo Djere in the third round, and has not dropped a set so far.
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