Houston, Texas – April 4, 2025 – The US Clay Court Championships, an ATP 250 event, witnessed a heartwarming moment of sportsmanship on Thursday as American tennis player Christopher Eubanks left a touching message for his opponent, Kei Nishikori, following the Japanese star’s unfortunate retirement from their second-round match. Eubanks, who advanced to the quarterfinals after Nishikori retired at 6-1, wrote “Get Well Soon Kei!” on a camera lens, a gesture that quickly captured the attention of fans and the tennis community alike.

The match, which took place at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, was a highly anticipated clash between Eubanks, a rising American talent, and Nishikori, a former world No. 4 and a fan favorite known for his resilience despite a career plagued by injuries. Nishikori, who reached the final of this tournament back in 2011, had looked promising in his first-round match, displaying the crisp ball-striking that made him one of the most formidable players of his generation. However, the 35-year-old was forced to retire early in the second round, handing Eubanks the victory.

Eubanks in Houston, ranking, and results in 2025

Ranked world no.

117, the American achieved a compiled 10-11 record in 2025. The American is playing at the moment in Houston where he toppled the world no.82 Rinky Hijikata 6-2 4-6 6-3 and the world no.66 Kei Nishikori 6-1 ret..

Christopher Eubanks will square off with the world no.33 Brandon Nakashima in the quarter. Their record is 4-2 for Nakashima.

Eubanks has scheduled to compete next in Gwangju Challenger (Gwangju Challenger). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of January.