Atlanta Open: Vukic weathers Eubanks and rain, makes first semi-final

Australian Aleksandar Vukic advanced to his first ATP-level semi-final at the Atlanta Open on Saturday night, defeating crowd favourite and No 5 seed Christopher Eubanks, 6-4, 6-4.

It was a clinical display from the world No 82, who had to weather a raucous late night crowd who were strongly in favour of his American opponent, as well as a significant rain delay. However, brilliant returning and a rock-solid serve saw Vukic eliminate Eubanks, with a semi-final awaiting against the winner of the match between Frenchman Ugo Humbert, the No 7 seed, and Australian Alex De Minaur, the second seed, next.

“It was very tough, it got to me a little bit in that second set,” Vukic said after the match “Fortunately I hit a good serve at break point to keep my lead ahead and was able to close it out.”

“I was hoping the rain delay might help me, but you guys stuck around, explained the Australian to the Atlanta crowd. “But it created an environment, and I’m very happy to have played here, especially against Chris [Eubanks].”

“I’m very proud of myself, hopefully we can keep going and see what happen.”

Earlier in the tournament, the Australian defeated American wildcard Ethan Quinn (7-6 (5), 6-3) and edged out Japanese Yoshihito Nishioka, the No 4 seed (4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (3)).

Eubanks, ranked No 32, beat wildcard Andres Martin (6-2, 6-4) and edged out Brandon Nakashima (6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5) in the previous rounds.

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