US fans slam tennis star Chris Eubanks after ‘shocking’ Paris Olympics loss to Lebanese player
American tennis fans were quick to criticize Chris Eubanks on Sunday after his humiliating first-round exit from the Olympics.
Benjamin Hassan scored a historic victory at Roland Garros in Paris, becoming the first Lebanese player to win a match in an Olympic tennis event, defeating Eubanks.
Hassan, born in Germany and ranked 170th in the world, won 6-4, 6-2 in just 53 minutes for one of the greatest victories of his career.
“I’m incredibly happy. We’re enjoying it with the whole team. We’re really proud and I’m also proud of myself,” the 29-year-old told reporters.
“It was an incredible atmosphere. I was just trying to stay calm because I didn’t want to waste too much energy. When I won, I was able to let it all out.”
American tennis fans were quick to criticise Chris Eubanks after his humiliating first-round exit
The Americans were quick to attack Eubanks, with a message on X stating that he was simply in Paris “as a mascot for Team USA.”
Another posted: “Wow! What happened? Chris Eubanks on clay isn’t a fireball, but it’s still a shocking surprise.”
“First Naomi Osaka and now this! Congratulations to Hassan, his country will be proud!”
“Talk about a fall… Eubanks really fell,” another commented.
Meanwhile, another fan posted: “Eubanks is a real stroke of luck. He had a purple patch last year on grass but really he’s just a challenger player.”
Benjamin Hassan became the first Lebanese player to win a match at an Olympic tennis event
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Hassan didn’t even consider turning professional until he was 22, having previously played just for fun.
But he is now living his dream as an Olympian and is looking forward to the second round against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez.
He threw himself into life in the athletes’ village, amassing a fine collection of pins.
“I think the most special one is Japan, because I’m a big fan of Japan. I like to watch a lot of anime manga,” he said.
Hassan was not the only Lebanese player in the draw as Hady Habib lost to Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday. Hassan and Habib also lost in doubles on Sunday.
