Local duo prepares for ‘homecoming’

GSU’s Kennedy, Tech’s Eubanks pair up in main draw.

Georgia State tennis player Zackery Kennedy received two big surprises about the BB&T Atlanta Open.

The first shock was that the senior would play in the doubles main draw in the tournament, which begins Monday. Shortly after, he learned he would be paired with Georgia Tech’s Christopher Eubanks, who he knew dating to his days at Westlake High School in Atlanta.

“When I found out it was him, it was like a homecoming,” Kennedy said.

Eubanks, who also will play in the tournament’s singles qualifier, had another impressive season for the Yellow Jackets. He built off his 2015 freshman campaign and finished the 2016 season with a 34-7 record in singles matches. He was named ACC Player of the Year.

Eubanks’ skill isn’t his only upside for the duo. He has experience in the Atlanta Open, as he was paired with Donald Young in the tournament one year ago. They made it to the semifinals before falling to Bob and Mike Bryan.

The junior at Tech called his chemistry with Young a deciding factor for their success. He said the connection between partners can make or break their performance, particularly against opponents of this caliber.

“It wasn’t much of a learning curve (last year) because we knew each other so well,” Eubanks said. “It really all boils down to chemistry and making sure each guy is where he’s supposed to be and they’re communicating well.”

Kennedy and Eubanks’ familiarity will help on the court, but their shared backgrounds can be influential for those watching close by. The proximity to the tournament and their hometown means those close to them have a chance to celebrate their latest endeavor.

It also means boys and girls who once stood where they did can follow their matches closely.

“There’s a lot of kids in the community, especially on our side of town, that look up to us as tennis players,” Kennedy said. “It’s good to give them something to see that they can accomplish this as well.”

The two also are interested in what they can learn about their games in this tournament.

Georgia State coach Brett Ross said this opportunity could help the college game slow for both players, which could make for a nice bookend season for Kennedy and a special third-year showing for Eubanks.

For Kennedy, this is his first test against professionals. Eubanks, on the other hand, wants another shot to show off his stuff against some top-tier competition. The opportunity will help both players understand where their game stands and what they need to tweak.

“My main thing is to use it as a measuring tool and to reassure the fact we’re not that far away,” Eubanks said. “It gives us a chance to see that if we continue to use college tennis as a developmental tool, I think professional tennis is definitely an option.

“It will be good to see the best in the world and try to measure up.”