Dan Evans ends Kyle Edmund’s comeback run, but admits ‘I’m just really happy to see him back’
Dan Evans had no problem seeing off Kyle Edmund in the second round of Citi Open, but the former was delighted to see Edmund back in action after a lengthy period on the sidelines due to injury.
After spending two years out injured following three knee operations, former British No 1 Edmund made an encouraging comeback on Monday as he claimed a two-set win over Japanese qualifier Yosuke Watanuki.
However, the former Australian Open semi-finalist was unable to back that up on Tuesday as world No 40 Evans won the lopsided encounter 6-1, 6-2 in just over 60 minutes on the hard courts at Rock Creek Park in Washington DC.
It was an error-strewn performance from Edmunds, but it was to be expected for someone who has been out for so long. The 27-year-old made 17 unforced errors compared to three from Evans while he hit 12 winners and his compatriot 13.
Dan Evans defeats British counterpart Kyle Edmund to reach the third round in Washington!@CitiOpen #CitiOpen pic.twitter.com/X7uZ6ELAiG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 2, 2022
Evans broke in the opening game of the match and in games five and seven to ease to a one-set lead. And it was a similar story in the second set with breaks in games four, six and eight, although Edmund did have some joy as he broke in game seven.
British No 2 Evans, though, is happy to see Edmund back on court following his injury nightmare the past 24 months.
“It’s just nice to see him back,” he said during his on-court interview after the match. “He’s nowhere near where he probably wants to be. He’s a great player and I’m just really happy to see him back.
“He works super hard, he puts it out there day after day and he’s had a frustrating two years.”
Evans will face either third-seeded American Taylor Fritz or Alexei Popyrin from Australia for a place in the quarter-final.
Edmund, meanwhile, will next compete in an ATP Challenger Tour event before entering the Winston-Salem Open and the US Open by using his protected ranking.
“Just to come away at the end of the US Open and have a positive feeling that I didn’t have many bad days physically,” Edmund said after his first-round win.
“I can play bad tennis, I can deal with that because it’s been a long time and I don’t expect to play my best.
“But physically it would be nice to come away with a positive outlook saying I played five tournaments, was on the road for eight weeks, the knee was tested a lot because of the level of tennis and the physicality and if it responds well, I’ll be happy with that.
“Naturally, yeah I want some results thrown in there, but just being back on the Tour week in, week out, is more the priority.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”