‘Flat’ Dan Evans laments ‘bittersweet’ title, saying ‘no one is going to remember I won’ in a few weeks

The ups and downs of sport can be cruel sometimes and Dan Evans admits he has gone through the full repertoire in recent days as he fell at the first hurdle of the Australian Open, just days after winning his maiden ATP Tour title.
Evans went into Tuesday’s first-round clash against fellow Brit Cameron Norrie on a high after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final of the Murray River Open on Sunday.
He reached a career-high of No 26 on the back of that result and as the British No 1 he was the favourite to beat Norrie.
However, he was slow out of the blocks as he lost the opening set and, although he drew level in the second, Norrie came out on tops with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory.
Afterwards Evans admitted that the title-winning run from last week had a negative impact on him.
“I think when you’re flat mentally, it pays off on you physically. I wasn’t very energetic, started very slowly,” he said.
“You know, I prepared as well as I could, but I could feel myself talking a lot, and it was tough to get out of. I was definitely probably tired mentally, and then – I did a good job to hang in the match.
“But yeah, this is sort of exactly the reason I told you guys I wouldn’t play the week before the Grand Slams was to try and conserve my body, and it’s happened again.
“Obviously the circumstances have dictated that, but he lost first round last week, got shed-loads of practice in this week and then probably could dictate his own days, and I didn’t get that chance. Granted, I won last week, but it doesn’t feel that good now.
“So yeah, it’s a bit bittersweet really. Like I want to do well in the Grand Slams, and due respect to that tournament, no one is going to remember I won that in three weeks’ time.
“Yeah, it’s difficult to swallow, but you know, it is what it is now. I’ve had worse, so just move on.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Cameron Norrie says Wimbledon will be ‘like an exhibition’ as he warns a few top players might not play
British No 1 has his say on consequences following decision to strip Wimbledon of ranking points.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon news: Former US Open champion says decision to strip major of ranking points ‘the correct one’
Sloane Stephens shares views on controversial move.
-
French Open
Carlos Alcaraz news: Top players to suffer if they’re to beat Spaniard at Roland Garros
He’s been unstoppable this season.
-
French Open
Red-hot Ons Jabeur stunned in opener at Roland Garros by world No 52 Magda Linette
Ons Jabeur stunned in Roland Garros opener.
-
French Open
Birthday boy Novak Djokovic looking to reset in the summer of ’22
Novak Djokovic is 35 today. This summer might just see him return to the top of his game after losing himself at the turn of the year.
-
French Open
Rafael Nadal plays down Roland Garros favourite tag as ‘there are players that are in better shape’
Rafael Nadal cautiously optimistic ahead of Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Emma Raducanu news: John McEnroe doubtful Brit can go far in French Open
She has had a lot of injuries so far this season.
-
Wimbledon
Sergiy Stakhovsky news: Ukrainian rips into ATP’s Wimbledon decision
He’s really not happy about the decision.
-
Live Tennis
Tennis365’s live scores and results centre: Follow the French Open here
Aaaaand it’s live! Follow the action from Roland Garros…
-
Tennis News
Elina Svitolina news: Ukrainian player opens up on why family is her current priority
She’s also been taking strength by looking at how Ukrainian’s are coping with war.