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Veteran Dan Evans’ fight for a place in Wimbledon’s singles main draw continues after a win over Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in the first round of qualifying.
The 36-year-old announced that he will end his career after the Grand Slam this summer, but after missing out on one of the eight singles wildcards for the main draw, he needs to win three matches in Roehampton this week to play one last singles match in SW19.
Well, he moved one step closer after beating Bolivia’s Prado Angelo 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 in front of a packed crowd in the blistering sun.
Speaking on the court after his win, Evans said: “I play tennis for myself, not to prove other people wrong and I’ve done that throughout my career,” he added. “It’s nothing to do with the All England Club giving or not giving me a wildcard. They gave me one in doubles and I am appreciative of that.
“It’s neither here nor there if they gave me a wildcard. I love the tournament, but I am no more motivated to win matches here because I didn’t get the wildcard. A lot of people have run with that story – it’s untrue. I’m really happy that I ended up playing qualifying, to get a chance to come and play in this atmosphere.
“I was very nervous at the start and especially at the end. I made the decision [to retire] and I’m happy with that but I’m not going to lie, in the matches on the grass it’s been difficult to keep my mind on the job. I’m really happy and proud of how I’ve come through that.”
Evans will face Tristan Schoolkate in the next round after the Australian beat Britain’s Johannus Monday 7-5, 6-3.
Henry Searle, whom Evans has been working with since January, won his first ATP Challenger tour title in Dublin last week and continued his fine run of form with an excellent 6-3, 6-4 win over Zhang Zhizhen
Billy Harris beat Italy’s Stefano Napolitano 6-2, 6-2 while Oliver Tarvet claimed a 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 win against Alex Bolt of Australia.
Paul Jubb also advanced to the second round of the qualifying tournament after overcoming Frenchman Pierre-Hughes Herbert in a tight contest, beating him 7-5, 7-6 (8-6).
