Chris Eubanks' title defense at the Mallorca Championships came to an abrupt end in the first round, as he was upset by 18-year-old Jakub Mensik 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. Mensik, playing only his second tour-level match on grass, outplayed the No. 8 seed with his powerful serve and aggressive baseline play.
Mensik, who became the youngest match winner in tournament history, credited his serve and forehand as his biggest weapons. He has enjoyed a breakout season, reaching his first ATP title match in Doha and securing two Top 10 wins. However, injuries prevented him from making his French Open debut.
Eubanks, who won his first ATP title in Mallorca last year, is projected to fall outside the Top 60 next week. He will face a tough challenge in defending his Wimbledon quarterfinal points.
Meanwhile, Alex Michelsen, who lost to Eubanks in the first round last year, advanced to the quarterfinals with a 7-6 (5), 6-4 victory over No. 3 seed Adrian Mannarino. Michelsen, a rising star on the grass, finished runner-up in Newport last year and qualified for the 500-level event in Halle.
Other British players, Paul Jubb and Adam Walton, also won their main-draw openers after coming through qualifying.
Tags: #ATP, #MallorcaChampionships, #ChrisEubanks, #JakubMensik, #AlexMichelsen
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