Dallas Open: Eubanks, Michelsen begins championship in big style

Christopher Eubanks started his Dallas Open campaign by defeating fellow countryman Steve Johnson in straight sets to reach the round of 16.

The 27-year-old American, who is seeded fifth in the draw, scorched 10 aces and saved all four break points in order to upset fellow American Steve Johnson 6-1, 6-4, and move on to the next round of the Dallas Open on Tuesday.

Eubanks won his third match of the year and is just four spots shy of his career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of No. 29. He will look to win back-to-back wins for the first time this season when he takes on Australian James Duckworth, who defeated American Zachary Svajda 7-6(3), 6-1.

American Alex Michelsen set up a second-round showdown with top seed Frances Tiafoe following a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win over veteran American qualifier Tennys Sandgren.

“I served really well today,” Michelsen revealed after firing 12 aces according to Infosys ATP Stats. “He brought a very good level and I had to compete with that the entire time. I played well off the ground… and my level raised in the third set for sure.

“I’m just off the court so I haven’t had a chance to think too much about my next match, but Frances is a Top 15 player so obviously it’s going to be a very tough match.”

Another American, Michael Mmoh, advanced to the second round after dropping just four points on his first serve according to Infosys ATP Stats against countryman, qualifier Emilio Nava, winning 7-5, 6-2.