There’s no denying the fact that the future of American tennis looks very promising. Leading the way in the men’s tour are the likes of Frances Tiafoe, and more recently, Christopher Eubanks. While Frances Tiafoe has been a consistent name at the top of American men’s tennis for a while, Christopher Eubanks made his breakthrough performance at the recently concluded Wimbledon championships, reaching the quarterfinals. Being compatriots, Tiafoe and Eubanks are also known to be great friends off the court.

However, there was an occasion when the two pals seemed to have a fallout – during their 1st round encounter at the 2021 US Open. Their post-match handshake was at the center of all the drama. In a recent press conference, Eubanks revealed what actually went down that day in a candid revelation.?

Christopher Eubanks opens up on his handshake controversy

It was a feisty affair when Eubanks and Tiafoe – 2 home favorites – squared off against each other in round 1 of the US Open in 2021 in front of a crowded Court 17. Frances Tiafoe came out on top after a hard-fought 4-set victory against his fellow countryman.

However, the match was somewhat overshadowed by what happened afterward – a cold handshake between the 2 after the conclusion of their match left the viewers wondering whether they are on good terms with each other.

Both Eubanks and Tiafoe are currently participating at the Citi Open in Washington. In his pre-tournament press conference, Christopher Eubanks addressed the 2-year-old controversy and cleared the air once and for all.

“…But I do see it as like somewhat a friendly competition, continuing to go push each other. What I remember about that match – I’m glad you asked about it – was we had a little bit of, I would say, an icy handshake afterwards which I didn’t view it as icy in the moment and neither did he, but after the match, my phone was blowing up saying, is everything okay? You guys didn’t shake hands…” [sic]

According to him, it wasn’t as serious a situation as people supposed it to be.

READ MORE: Disappointment Follows American Wimbledon Hero Christopher Eubanks as Local Tournament Brutally Snubs Him Despite Consistent Success

Eubanks wasn’t the only one who clarified on the much-talked-about issue. Tiafoe, too, echoed the sentiment as he spoke with reporters during his Citi Open press conference.?

Tiafoe joins Eubanks in clarifying their supposed feud

Just like Eubanks, Frances Tiafoe assured fans that there is no animosity between the two. Although he admitted that the handshake was awkward, he quashed all claims of a speculated fallout between him and Eubanks.

At his Citi Open press meet, he said, “I told him he was a top-100 guy? I repeated it a couple times because he was walking away (smiling)… But, yeah, so when we played here in D.C. last year, he made sure to give me a good handshake.” He also jokingly mentioned that he wishes to avoid playing Christopher Eubanks anytime soon, alluding to his improved form in recent weeks.

All said and done, the duo made it clear that their camaraderie is stronger than ever at the present moment. Certainly, great news for American tennis!

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