WATCH: Dan Evans kick starts his season with triumph over Grigor Dimitrov to reach Citi Open final
Dan Evans progressed to the final of the Citi Open with a straight-sets victory over Grigor Dimitrov in Washington.
The British number two eclipsed his Bulgarian opponent 6-3 7-6 (4) in just under two hours to set up a meeting with Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands.
Despite being overmatched in the power department, Evans put together a clean and composed performance as a sloppy Dimitrov was left to rue his own mistakes.
The world number 20 fired 24 winners to just nine from Evans, but came unstuck with 30 unforced errors.
Evans is the first British player to reach the final in Washington since Andy Murray in 2006.
“It was so hard after yesterday putting in such a big effort. Coming back today it was really important to not roll over and have a bad performance,” Evans said. “The last few months that has happened a little bit. I’m really proud I could do that today. One more to go.
“Physically I was tired, although more sleepy than anything as it’s tough to sleep after such a late night. But we got to America early; we were in Bradenton a lot and my trainer helped me get in good shape after a poor Wimbledon. It makes you feel good at these times to be confident in your body when you can play two matches and come back today.”
Meanwhile, Griekspoor rallied from a set down in his semi-final clash with American Taylor Fritz as the world number 37 seeks his third title of the season.
“The first Top 10 win was something I was really looking for. To beat Taylor playing at home is pretty special,” Griekspoor said. “It’s a pretty nice start to the American swing and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.
“My serve is going really well this week; it’s getting some pace, whether it’s during the day or during the night. I’m moving great and the body is great, so there’s not much to complain about.”
If Griekspoor wins the match, he would climb one spot to world No 21 on Monday, continuing his impressive season in which he has already won 27 matches—10 more than he did in 2022—as well as championships in Pune and at home in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
“Winning two 250s, especially one at home, is something you dream of. Playing semis of a 500 at home in Rotterdam and now the final here, it’s all coming together this season. I’ve been working hard and it’s coming together.”
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