American idol

Blake: Eubanks has all the charisma to be the next big sta

- NEIL McLEMAN

AMERICAN Chris Eubanks is already a “superstar” back home and is set to be on giant billboards at the US Open next month 

And former world No.4 James Blake claimed the Wimbledon quarter-finalist has the potential to become a “worldwide star” because he is “genuine” and shows he is having fun out on court.

Eubanks, 27, had tried and failed to qualify four times for Wimbledon and told Kim Clijsters that grass was the “stupidest surface to play on” just last month.

But the 6ft 7in son of a Baptist minister has since seen the light by winning his first ATP title on the Mallorca lawns – and now faces the biggest match of his career against world No.3 Daniil Medvedev on Court 1 today.

After years of playing small events around the world, he has become an instant fan favourite at the All England Club. And New Yorker Blake revealed: “He’s become a superstar back home, which is just great to see because he deserves it. He’s the most genuine guy and he’s taking advantage of this huge moment.