Tennis enthusiasts in the U.S. were quick to direct their ire at Chris Eubanks on Sunday following his disappointing first-round loss at the Olympics.
Benjamin Hassan made history at Roland Garros in Paris, becoming the first player from Lebanon to triumph in an Olympic tennis match, defeating Eubanks.
Ranked 170th globally, the Germany-born Hassan secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory in just 53 minutes, marking a significant achievement in his career.
‘I am incredibly happy. Our entire team is enjoying this moment. We are very proud, and I am proud of myself,’ the 29-year-old expressed to reporters.
‘The atmosphere was unbelievable. I tried to stay calm to conserve energy, and when I won, I could finally express my joy.’
American tennis fans criticized Chris Eubanks after his first-round exit
Eubanks faced intense backlash from American fans, with one commenting on X that he was merely in Paris as ‘team USA’s mascot’.
Another remarked: ‘What just happened? Chris Eubanks on clay isn’t exactly impressive, but this is still a shocking upset.
‘First Naomi Osaka, now this! Kudos to Hassan; his nation must be beaming with pride!’,
‘What a decline… Eubanks has truly fallen off,’ another user noted.
Another fan declared: ‘Eubanks is just a fluke. Had a good run last year on grass, but he’s essentially a challenger-level player.’
Benjamin Hassan made history as the first Lebanon player to win a match in an Olympic tennis event
Hassan did not pursue a professional career until he was 22, having previously played just for enjoyment.
Now, he’s realizing his Olympic dream and is preparing for a second-round match against Argentina’s Sebastian Baez.
He is fully embracing life in the athletes’ village, collecting an impressive assortment of pins.
‘The one I cherish most is from Japan since I’m a massive fan of the country. I love watching many animated series,’ he shared.
Hassan wasn’t the only competitor from Lebanon; Hady Habib lost to French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz on Saturday, and both Hassan and Habib were eliminated from the doubles event on Sunday.
