What began as lighthearted banter between Chris Eubanks and Coco Vandeweghe on Tennis Channel quickly took an unexpected turn. A playful serve-speed joke spiraled as Eubanks appeared unimpressed on air. As the clip went viral, Eubanks now stepped in to clear the air and address the moment.

Speaking to Front Office Sports, Chris Eubanks made it clear there was no bad blood with Coco Vandeweghe. He explained that their on-air chemistry often includes playful teasing. “We love having banter back and forth,” Eubanks told FOS. 

“We love giving each other a hard time. She’s one of my favorite people to work with in media because of that, because there aren’t that many people that I feel that level of comfort with having that kind of joking banter back and forth.”

He also revealed that his reaction during the segment was planned. He intended to appear slightly irritated for comedic effect. “In my mind, I go: ‘I’m just gonna show that I’m a little annoyed or I’m a little embarrassed that we’re still talking about it. And we’re gonna have a little back and forth about it,” Eubanks said.

“We went on, we did it. None of us who were around, myself, Coco or Steve [Weissman], thought anything about it in the moment.” He later reflected on his expression. “I had the overly dramatic eye roll, which I thought would come across as a joke because of how dramatic it was.”

After Eubanks’ explanation clip gained traction online, Vandeweghe responded publicly. She shared the video clip on her X account with a supportive message. “Chris is one of my favorite people. 🙌🏻 Nothing but love, and I can’t wait to light it up at RG. 🥰”

The moment originally took place during a Tennis Channel segment at the BNP Paribas Open. The two were reacting to a serve speed test. In that test, Vandeweghe recorded a faster serve at 114 mph. Eubanks registered 103 mph.

“We could go back out today and try it on,” Vandeweghe said. “I’ll wear this dress and throw down maybe 115 mph. I’ll keep rising.”

Eubanks replied with a different tone. “See, here is the thing about me and you, Coco. I don’t like to just bask in my own career and accomplishments. I like to focus on the players. I don’t want to talk about myself and what I did and what my serve was.”

Vandeweghe answered back quickly. “Well, the difference also between you and I is that I keep recreating a new career.” Eubanks then rolled his eyes. That moment quickly caught attention online.

The clip spread rapidly across social media. Many viewers misunderstood the exchange. Some thought the moment showed tension. Others believed it was genuine frustration. Even those involved were surprised by the reaction.

Chris Eubanks reveals he rewatched the viral clip after it surfaced

Speaking in the same FOS interview, Chris Eubanks said the online reaction made him revisit the viral clip. He wanted to understand how it looked to viewers. He admitted that not everyone knows his bond with Coco Vandeweghe. This lack of context may have led people to assume tension.

He explained that their chemistry remained unchanged. Soon after, they recorded an episode of their podcast together. During that episode, the playful tone continued. Vandeweghe joked that she “was a psycho on the court.”

Eubanks responded instantly with humor. He said, “Was? Was?” which reflected their usual back-and-forth style.

Even after the clip went viral, Eubanks reached out to her. “We joked about it afterwards. I was like, ‘Hey, you know it was a joke, right?’ She goes: ‘Yeah, we’re not worried about that,’” Eubanks said.

He described their bond in strong terms. He said they share an “unbelievable relationship,” similar to a “brother–sister.” Both are expected to continue working together on Tennis Channel. Their partnership remains intact.

As the story now settles, their strong working relationship continues. The spotlight now shifts toward the Miami Open and the action ahead.